Whether you're looking for benefits like improved flexibility, a better mind-body connection, building strength, or zen-ing out, yoga is an awesome - and accessible - option. We've put together a list of our favourite yoga books that deserve a spot on your bookshelf, whether you're an advanced yogi or just dipping your toe in to test the waters.
namaslay: Rock Your Yoga Practice, Tap Into Your Greatness, and Defy Your Limits
From the blogger behind Yoga By Candace, Namaslay really combines the traditions of yoga with a modern twist. All of the poses shared in this book are broken down with plenty of modifications, making it easy to fit in a quick practice no matter how you might be feeling. There are yoga sequences for everyone, and all of the pictures are absolutely gorgeous, so this book is perfect for thumbing through anytime.
The Yogi Assignment: A 30-Day Program for Bringing Yoga Practice and Wisdom into Your Everyday Life
The Yogi Assignment goes beyond the physical practice of yoga and really makes it a part of your lifestyle. In this 30-day program, you'll focus on a different principle each day - like forgiveness, stillness, and vulnerability - with complementary yoga practices, meditations, and journal prompts.
restore and rebalance: Yoga for Deep Relaxation
For when you want a truly therapeutic practice, this whole book is focused on just that. Judith shares a number of accessible poses that use props you already have - like a chair and pillows - to help with recovery from illness or injury, deep relaxation, and improved feelings of well-being.
Light on Yoga: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Practice
Often called the Bible of Yoga, Light on Yoga is written by the well-respected teacher B.K.S. Iyengar, and is an excellent book for anyone who is looking for a serious dive into hatha yoga. The book progresses over 300 weeks to give you an opportunity to progress from beginner to advanced, and also contains plenty of instruction on pranayama breathing techniques and spirtituality.
Chair Yoga: Sit, Stretch, and Strengthen Your Way to a Happier, Healthier You
We're in love with Kristin's approach to yoga (check out her guest post on chair yoga for self-care to get a sneak peek of what she offers in this book!). All of the easy-to-follow yoga poses are done in a chair, making it easy to fit in a little yoga whenever you need to release some tension, stretch things out, regain your focus, or take a moment for yourself. This book is especially awesome for desk dwellers, those with a limited range of motion or chronic pain, or anyone who is looking to add tidbits of yoga throughout their day.
Yin Yoga: An Individualized Approach to Balance, Health, and Whole Self Well-Being
Focused on the balance of yin yoga, Ulrica takes a really holistic approach to yoga in this book, including visualization techniques, mindfulness practices, and ayervedic health tips alongside yoga flows. This book really shines in that Ulrica shares her own story and presents a really personal and easy-to-read book.
Strala Yoga: Be Strong, Focused, & Ridiculously Happy from the Inside Out
Tara Stiles is the creator of Strala Yoga, a practice that really focuses on intuitive movement. Rather than focuses on strict poses, Strala Yoga is all about moving with ease and in a way that feels good to your body. This book provides basics like moving with your breath and setting up a home practice as well as flows for stress relief, better sleep, and energy. There are also 7-day and 30-day practices for you to introduce Strala Yoga into your life.
Curvy Yoga: Love Yourself and Your Body a Little More Each Day
For a wonderful book that focuses on body acceptance and self-love with both honest and humor, Curvy Yoga suits the bill! In addition to sharing stories about body shaming and how yoga can help you connect with your body, Anna offers instruction about how to make different yoga poses work for your body.
The Yoga Healer: Remedies for the Body, Mind, and Spirit
If you're looking to use yoga like medicine, The Yoga Healer is a great resource. The book is broken up into chapters that focus on the body, mind, and spirit and tackle specific ailments like shoulder tension and difficulty focusing in poses which take less than 15 minutes to flow through. There are also specific routines for morning, noon, and night to help you feel your best no matter what time of day it is.
Truly focused on life both on and off the mat, this book is all about practicing mindfulness and working towards balance. In addition to yoga poses, this book also contains quotes, breathing exercises, and more, to help anyone adopt that yogi lifestyle.
Om Yoga: A Guide to Daily Practice
If you'd really like to get the experience of a yoga class at home, Om Yoga is the perfect option. The book is designed so it lays flat on the floor, making it easy to follow along as you practice. There's also no lengthy instructions to read - poses are well-illustrated with simple tips, so you can really focus on doing the actual yoga. Each day of the week focuses on something a little bit different, so you get a well-rounded yoga experience.