10 Best Yoga Books in 2022 (Yoga Instructor-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Explores the essence of yogic sciences
• Focuses on Hatha Yoga
• Also acts as a self-empowerment book

Cons:

• Only tackles one school of yoga

This book is a New York Times Bestseller, written by a modern Indian mystic. Sadhguru has a refined ability to simplify the spiritual path into a traceable step-by-step journey of Hatha yoga, which makes true yogic spirituality available to all.

Many reviewers were amazed by the spirituality behind yogic movements through this book. However, some felt the author was egotistical and only wanted fast results from his teachings. But, many more have attested that this book had a powerful impact on them and gave them the tools to take control of their own lives.

Pros:

• Has illustrations to guide through yoga poses
• Includes meditation instructions
• Has "life hacks" section for self-care in relation to yoga

Cons:

• Does not delve into the specifics of yoga practices

This book is a visual guide for stay-at-home sessions that offers picture guides of essential yoga poses like Downward Dog, the Warrior poses, and more. It also includes essays that explain how the yogic lifestyle is relevant today, so you can learn about the "why" behind yoga as well.

Even readers not particularly interested in yoga can find inspiration in this book because of its topics on self-care. As for experienced yogis, they loved the book's design and the illustrations that guide readers through asanas and sequences.

Pros:

• Includes 50 poses and 10 sequences
• Tackles emotional and physical aspects of yoga
• Contains illustrated pictures for instruction

Cons:

• Tackles general yoga but not a specific school of yoga

This book is a source of motivation for both beginner and intermediate yogis. It seeks to encourage people of all body shapes and sizes to delve into their yogic journey using accessible, positive, and familiar language.

Readers praised the book for its touching messages and easy-to-follow instructions. They also loved the beautiful illustrations. However, there were several comments on the use of profanities. But some readers agreed that this did not detract from the message of the author.

Pros:

• Is written by a master of yoga asanas
• Includes guided illustrations
• Focuses on both the physicality and philosophy of yoga

Cons:

• Instructions may be a bit too specific for beginners

The author is known for his own Iyengar Yoga, which is perhaps the most anatomically accurate and precise form of yoga in its execution of the movements. He displays his expertise in this book regarding yogic poses with detailed illustrations.

Many reviewers called this book the go-to resource of reference on yoga asanas. They said it took the basic yoga asanas and brought them to deeper levels of practice. However, some stated that some instructions are overly complex. Nonetheless, check out Iyengar if you want expert methods in physical accuracy.

Pros:

• Blends traditional with contemporary yogic teaching
• Has a focus on yogic philosophy
• Contains perspectives from Buddhism and psychotherapy

Cons:

• Does not feature instructional yoga lessons alongside the meditations

This book provides insight into the ethics and morality of yoga. It teaches the readers how to apply their yogic practices to the world and the people around them and gives readers the inspiration to live in the moment.

Most readers struggled with the first few chapters because of their complexity, but they were eventually able to grasp the lessons. Nevertheless, they agreed that they gained valuable insights once they had an easier time understanding the book.

Pros:

• Includes over 650 illustrations of ashtanga asanas
• Spiral-bound for easy page turning when in use

Cons:

• More focused on the ashtanga positions and not on the philosophy behind the ashtanga school
• Better for intermediate yogis than beginners

With over 650 pictures of ashtanga yoga poses, this book is a guide for those who seek to practice this school of yoga. It has a spiral bind, making it easy to keep the book open when following the illustrations.

Readers praised this book for being a great self-teaching book. However, most mentioned that this book was difficult for beginners and better for intermediate yogis. Nevertheless, they praised the illustrations for being clear and easy to understand.

Pros:

• Talks about the benefits of yoga from a scientific standpoint
• Contains 30 important yoga poses
• Includes annotated illustrations on the anatomy of the poses

Cons

• Contains technical terms that may not be accessible to everyone

Combining yogic teaching with scientific research, this book offers an in-depth analysis of the benefits of yoga on your body. It also teaches the connection between joint and spine movements in regards to correct breathing techniques. 

Readers deemed it a great guide in learning about the benefits of yoga to one's anatomy. However, some readers found the text a bit hard to read, especially on the eBook version. But, they appreciated the scope of the book that includes all the systems of one's body.

Pros:

• Delves into the philosophy of yoga
• Tackles the connection of the mind, body, and soul
• Explains the practices of the yogic lifestyle

Cons:

• More on an explanation and not a guide to yogic practices

Swami Vivekananda is one of the first yogis to introduce yoga and Vedanta to Western society. In this book, he showcases his divine ability to bring light to the four different paths of yogic liberation as expounded by Lord Krishna in ancient times.

Reviewers praised this book for taking yogic practice to a deeper level. Negative reviews were about the poor production quality such as its paper and printing quality. Some said their book was even missing entire sections. Despite this, reviewers agreed that this book is a gem.

Pros:

• Includes more than 900 illustrations of vinyasa asanas
• Contains teachings of the Vinyasakrama system
• Has lessons on breathing techniques

Cons:

• It was written by the student and not the yoga instructor himself

The author is a student of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, a well-known and influential yoga instructor. In this book, he lays out his instructor's teachings such as the vinyasa yoga positions and the Vinyasakrama system.

Reviewers said that the book was great for beginners and even intermediate yogis. However, a lot of reviewers noticed that their copies of the book did not include an audio CD that contains the mantras. Nonetheless, yogis have stated that this is the go-to book for learning vinyasa yoga.

Pros:

• Teaches how mudras can be applied to daily life
• Includes instructions on finger positioning
• Contains breathing lessons that supplement the mudra exercises

Cons

• Only focuses on yoga for the hands

This book explains the yogic discipline of "mudra", or finger yoga. It discusses breathing techniques along with finger positioning, and how these mudras can help improve emotional healing and prevent sickness.

Readers loved the simple language of the book. They appreciated the illustrations and guidelines for the mudra exercises. But, some reviews stated that the eBook version was difficult to read. Nevertheless, the printed copies provide better illustrations and text.