The Best Ashtanga Yoga Books For Your Home Practice

Since I’ve been doing my “At Home Practice” Workshops, I’ve been thinking about how to keep everyone motivated to hop on the mat daily at home. There are a ton of Ashtanga Yoga Manuals that are educational and informative about the anatomy of each posture. All of these books have expert instruction from senior or certified teachers and dedicated practitioners. You’ll find the instruction excellent no matter which one you choose.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite yoga books for at home practitioners. Click on the picture or title to read reviews and learn more.

Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson

Although I have never had the honor of studying with David Swenson, he is a highly respected teacher and long time Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. This manual is used in many teacher trainings and goes in depth with instruction for postures as well as modifications.

The Power Of Ashtanga Yoga: Developing a Practice That Will Bring You Strength, Flexibility, and Inner Peace by Kino MacGregor

If you’re looking for a focus on strength and empowerment, go with Kino Macgregor. I’m all about strong, confident, and successful women to come to the forefront in the yoga world. She’s a passionate and dedicated practitioner, and you’ll learn a lot about inner strength and how the impossible becomes possible.

Ashtanga Yoga: Practice & Philosophy by Gregor Maehle

This is one of my favorite practice manuals because it not only goes into instruction in each posture, but has a focus on anatomy and spirituality. There is explanation on how each posture restores the body, and also why each posture leads to the next. My most favorite thing about this book though is that the Yoga Sutras are in the back. It’s great because the focus is on the balance of the physical and spiritual.

Yoga Mala: The Original Teachings of Ashtanga Yoga Master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

This book is a must have for any yoga practitioner. Jois discusses each posture and how it cleanses and detoxes the body. It’s kind of like a prescription book on how each asana heals the body and prevents illness. It’s most interesting because the Ashtanga Yoga practice has changed slightly since this has been released, but the method is still the same. Even if you use this to begin your at home practice, it’s no problem! However, you should know that Jois says to do each posture for as many breaths as possible! So, good luck!

Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga by John C. Scott

This practice manual is interesting because John Scott does full vinyasa to standing. At one point the practice was taught like that, so I love that this book exists with those vinyasa counts. It’s a great text for at home Ashtanga because John Scott breaks down each step, and it’s really simple to follow. This was the book I used during my teacher training, and I learned a lot. You don’t have to come to standing after each vinyasa! Again, the practice changed slightly, but method never changes!

Ashtanga Yoga: The Yoga Tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: The Definitive Primary Series Practice Manual by Petri Raisanen

I can’t say I know much about Petri. I have never studied with him or heard anything about this book. He is a highly respected certified Ashtanga instructor, and I have friends who have studied with him. They have only good things to say. If you decide to go with this one, I’d love to know how you like it!

Ashtanga Yoga – The Intermediate Series: Mythology, Anatomy, and Practice (Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series) by Gregor Maehle

I reccomend this book only if you’re working in the second series. I have this book and the instruction is fabulous. It’s the second book by Gregor Maehle, so you can’t go wrong. If you’re in the second series, you should be working with a teacher though and not just a book! This could just provide some instruction during the time you are away from your teacher.