Yoga Teacher Training Book List
AYM Yoga School, North Goa, India
Embarking on a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) journey is an exciting and transformative experience. Preparing for it involves physical practice and a deeper understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodologies, and more.
Yoga Teacher Training Book List – Immersing oneself in foundational yoga literature is invaluable before joining a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). “Light on Yoga” by B.K.S. Iyengar is a comprehensive manual on yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation, catering to practitioners of all levels. Understanding anatomy is essential. For philosophical grounding, “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” provides timeless wisdom.
Here are some essential yoga books to consider reading before starting your YTT.
Yoga Teacher Training Book List
LIGHT ON YOGA BY B.K.S. IYENGAR
(Highly recommended book before Yoga Teacher Training)
The book covers various yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and philosophy. It provides detailed instructions on how to perform each asana correctly, along with their benefits and variations. This comprehensive coverage helps aspiring yoga teachers better understand the practice.
PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS
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Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are threads or lines of thought about yoga compiled into one structure by Maharshi Patanjali. The Patanjali Yoga Sutras include 196 sutras that Maharshi Patanjali delineated for us. He expounded the details of the entire school of yoga and made it very simple and accessible for all of us in one easy place. The sutras were written around 200-100 BCE during the Maurya Empire in India. However, remember that yoga is much older than this, and this is only the writings of one Maharshi compiling the knowledge of the time into one tome.
THE BHAGWAD GITA
The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text in Hindu philosophy and is significant for Yoga Teacher Training students. The book compiles and deconstructs some of the most potent Yogic knowledge. It’s the kind of education you can only buy with experience and hard work. The book is essential for YTTC students for Philosophical Foundation, Guidance for Life and Practice, Integration of Yoga Paths, Inner Transformation, and more.
YAMAS & NIYAMAS
(Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice)
Yamas and Niyamas are foundational principles in yoga philosophy. They provide ethical and moral conduct guidelines on and off the yoga mat. The sage Patanjali outlined them in the Yoga Sutras, the first two limbs of the eightfold path of yoga.
YOGA ANATOMY
(by Leslie Kaminoff)
“Yoga Anatomy” by Leslie Kaminoff is a highly regarded book in yoga, anatomy, and movement. It explains how yoga postures (asanas) affect the body from an anatomical perspective. The book delves into the mechanics of various yoga postures, breaking down each pose to understand the muscles, bones, and joints involved. It offers insights into how different body structures influence the practice of yoga.
THE ART AND BUSINESS OF TEACHING YOGA
Dedicating your life to teaching and sharing Yoga is among the most beautiful and gratifying vocations. The challenge lies in finding and sharing your unique and authentic message while attracting your ideal students, giving them maximum value while at the same time making a living to provide for a life that you can enjoy and that truly engages and fulfils you. You will find valuable tips in this book before joining your teacher training.
