My Recommendations
When I first started studying anatomy, I struggled - a lot. It felt overwhelming, and honestly, it wasn’t my favourite part of yoga studies. Even now, I wouldn’t say it’s the area I’m naturally best at. But looking back, I realize much of my struggle came from not having the right materials to guide me.
Over time, I discovered some incredible books that completely changed the way I approached anatomy. These books made my learning so much easier, more practical, and even enjoyable. They’ve become my trusted companions, and I find myself returning to them often for insights and references.
If you’ve ever felt lost in the sea of muscle names, bone structures, or anatomical terms - or if you’re just looking for resources to deepen your understanding - these books might be exactly what you need.
Let me walk you through them!
1. Functional Anatomy of Yoga by David Keil
If I could recommend just one book on yoga anatomy, it would be this one. David Keil, an experienced Ashtanga practitioner, has an exceptional ability to take complex questions that arise during yoga practice and break them down into simple, meaningful explanations.
What makes this book stand out is its practicality. Keil doesn’t just give you anatomy lessons - he connects them directly to yoga practice. Why does your knee hurt in certain poses? Why is it difficult to go deeper into a forward fold? He answers these real-life questions with clarity and ease.
The language is accessible, the illustrations are precise, and his approach is incredibly thoughtful. You’ll feel as though he’s guiding you personally, helping you see anatomy as an essential tool for enhancing your practice and teaching. If you’re serious about yoga anatomy, this book is a must-have.
2. Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson
Now, if you’re someone who loves visuals, this book is a treat. Ann Swanson has created a masterpiece that combines science, yoga, and art in the most elegant way. The Science of Yoga breaks down the connection between muscles and bones in a way that even those with little to no anatomy background can understand.
The standout feature of this book is how digestible the information is. It’s clear, colourful, and highly engaging. Ann uses science -backed explanations to show how yoga impacts the body and mind. It’s perfect for those who want a solid foundation in anatomy without feeling like they’re reading a medical textbook.
You’ll find yourself saying, “Oh, now I get it!” as you flip through its beautifully designed pages. Whether you’re teaching or just practising yoga, this book will make anatomy accessible and fun.
3. The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book:
A Visual Guide to Form, Function, and Movement by Kelly Solloway
Who said learning anatomy couldn’t be playful? This book takes the idea of hands-on learning quite literally. With its colouring activities, The Yoga Anatomy Coloring Book allows you to engage with anatomical concepts in a creative, stress-free way.
The book is organized pose by pose, showing which muscles are being activated and stretched. By coloring in the muscles and bones yourself, you’re not just memorizing - they’re becoming a part of your understanding.
And if you’re someone who loves flashcards, the book offers that too! These flashcards are a game-changer for quick reviews or on-the-go learning.
This book is perfect for visual learners or anyone who wants a more interactive approach to studying yoga anatomy.
4. Yoga Anatomy Made Simple by Stu Girling
Let’s be honest - anatomy can feel dry and overwhelming. But Stu Girling has a knack for making it fun and relatable. Yoga Anatomy Made Simple is for those who want to learn anatomy without getting bogged down by complex terminology or overly detailed diagrams.
Stu, a dedicated Ashtanga practitioner, uses humour and simplicity to explain the nuances of yoga anatomy. You’ll find yourself chuckling at his insights and, at the same time, gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works.
This book is great if you’ve felt intimidated by the seriousness of anatomy studies. Stu’s light-hearted yet precise teaching style will make you feel more confident and less overwhelmed as you dive deeper into the subject.
Honourable mentions:
Bandha Yoga Series of Books by Dr. Ray Long and Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by David Coulter
While I’ve focused on four main recommendations, I can’t skip these two gems.
The Bandha Yoga Series starting from 'Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga' to 'Arm Balances and Inversions' by Dr. Ray Long is a brilliant collection of books that offer in-depth explorations of various aspects of yoga anatomy, including functional movement and key poses. The visuals in these books are stunning, and they’re designed to help you understand how to optimize your practice.
Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by David Coulter is a more scholarly read. It’s not the easiest book to get through, but for those who want to go deep - really deep - into the biomechanics of yoga, this book is a treasure. It’s detailed, precise, and immensely valuable for advanced practitioners and teachers.
In no-way I am saying these are not recommendations. They are the best books on Yoga Anatomy by far. However, I wanted to keep the list as simple as possible. My effort is also to keep a list of the books that are easier to explore and study.
Why Yoga Anatomy Matters
You might be wondering, “Why do I need to study yoga anatomy?” The answer is simple: it makes you a better teacher and practitioner. Understanding the body allows you to teach safely, adapt poses for different students, and deepen your own practice.
When you know how muscles and bones move together, you can guide your students with greater confidence. You’ll be able to explain why a pose feels the way it does or how to approach it more effectively. This knowledge not only enhances your teaching but also fosters trust and safety in your students.
Closing Thoughts
Anatomy doesn’t have to be intimidating or dull. With the right resources - like the books I’ve shared here - you can make it a fascinating and rewarding part of your yoga journey. Whether you’re looking for practicality, visuals, creativity, or simplicity, there’s a book on this list for you.
So, which one will you pick up first? Or maybe you’ve already explored some of these gems? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below - I’d love to hear from you!
