Characterized by postures and effective breathing techniques, yoga seems systematic on the surface. Yet, any dedicated yogi will tell you that there’s a distinct mind, body, spirit connection involved. Hundreds of studies have been completed, all over the world, which conclude that yoga can benefit our physical health. In fact, one Norwegian study found that yoga can bolster our immune systems on a genetic level. Below, you’ll find of resources for learning about the history of yoga, major styles, leading instructors and more. No matter if you’re a novice, a teacher or someone who is simply curious about what this ancient practice may offer, you’re sure to find something intriguing within theses 40 resources.
Within this general resources section, you’ll learn information about the history and philosophy of yoga, discover thousands of yoga music playlists and even learn which type of yoga might be right for your personality and lifestyle.
Yoga Journal – With over one million monthly visitors, the Yoga Journal definitely has much to offer. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information and images on all aspects of yoga.
8 Tracks Radio: Yoga Playlists – Find over 2,000 playlists that were created by people who enjoy chilling, relaxing and meditating.
Yogi Times – With the main goal of inspiring a healthier lifestyle in others, Yogi Times is a lifestyle guide that offers information on yoga studios —among other things of interest — in your local area.
Find Your Yoga – This infographic from Yoga Trail is a fun and maybe even helpful way to help you discover which yoga style is right for you.
Yoga: Its Origin, History and Development – An informative paper by Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi that offers an in-depth look into the history and development of yoga.
The Philosophy, Psychology and Practice of Yoga – Read this 126-page guide — or parts of it — by the late Sri Swami Chidananda to gain a better understanding of the philosophy, psychology and practice of yoga.
Teaching yoga classes is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to be knowledgeable, you also have to organized, efficient and personable. Utilize this section of resources to help you meet your teaching goals.
Teachasana – This site, created by experienced yoga teachers, offers education, information and advice on a variety of yoga-related topics.
Yoga Teacher Central – This organized site, full of expert tools and information, was designed to assist yoga teachers with class planning, styles and ideas. Some resources are free while others require a membership.
Yoga Teacher Resource – Think of this site as a yoga teacher training program that’s self-paced. Visit anytime you like to supplement your primary teacher training, engage in continuing ed or gain inspiration.
Cosmic Kids – Find helpful resources — many of which are free — for kids’ yoga teachers, including class plans, posture guides and games.
Browse the resources below to discover some of the most influential yoga instructors and their contributions. This is by no means an exhaustive list, just a sampling.
Rodney Yee – In the early ‘90s, after Yee’s appearance on the Oprah show, yoga became something the average American was interested in doing. Overall, Yee — who is a certified Iyengar yoga teacher — has been teaching yoga for close to 30 years.
Sri Dharma Mittra – This Brazilian yoga teacher has spent more than 50 years teaching classical yoga and is well-known for creating the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, which contains 300 postures he personally invented.
Rod Stryker – As a successful author and the founder of ParaYoga, Stryker is recognized across the world for his lectures, creativity and leadership.
Tim Miller – For over three decades, Tim Miller has been studying and teaching Ashtanga Yoga. He began his career as the first American to become certified in this particular system.
Shiva Rea – A trailblazer in her own right, Shiva Rea founded her own method of yoga called Prana Vinyasa.
Browse this section to learn the names of major styles of yoga and what practicing each entails. No matter what you’re looking for in a yoga experience, there’s something here for everyone.
Anusara Yoga – Often described as an amusing purist form of yoga, Anusara was created by John Friend in the 1990s.
Ashtanga Yoga – Get ready to engage in a strenuous experience of six pose sequences flowing in rapid fashion with Ashtanga.
Bikram Yoga – Choosing Bikram style is submitting to 26 basic yoga postures invented by Bikram Choudhury. Another form of popular yoga — Hot Yoga — is based on Bikram but carried out in sauna-like —hot and humid — room so you sweat and sweat and sweat.
Hatha Yoga Guide – Within the Hatha style of yoga, you’re likely to find a classical approach to breathing exercise and postures.
Iyengar – With a nickname like “furniture yoga,” you might guess that this style employs various props to accomplish the poses. A focus on alignment and sequencing makes Iyengar challenging yet accessible to various ability levels.
Restorative – Just as the name suggests, you won’t push yourself to your limits with this form of yoga. It consists of four to five simple poses with comfy props and psychic cleansing that will leave you feeling refreshed.
Vinyasa – This athletic style of yoga, also called power yoga, was adapted from the traditional Ashtanga system by Beryl Bender Birch and Brian Kest in the 1980s. Their mission? To cater to those who had an affinity for aerobics.
Can’t get to a class? Have a question about a specific pose? Find the answers to your questions via these yoga videos and tutorials.
Do Yoga With Me – If you’re interested in hundreds of streaming yoga videos that are free and available at any time, check out this site that’s targeted at intermediate-level students.
Fightmaster Yoga – The channel of YogaWorks teacher Lesley Fightmaster caters to more advanced yoga students seeking a sweaty challenge. Here, you’ll find 45-minute to one-hour classes, with a new one released each Monday.
Sonima: Yoga Pose Tutorials – This site offers a variety of yoga pose tutorials, which feature step-by-step instructions that are easy to understand.
Movement for Modern Life – Find many different yoga tutorials that address the finer points of specific poses.
Free Yoga Videos – A collection of free yoga videos — some short, some longer — from all over the internet.
Membership in an association can lead to high-quality educational and collaboration opportunities. Browse the following offerings to see if there’s one of interest.
Integral Yoga Teachers Association – This membership organization — with a mission to provide support and fellowship to other yoga teachers — was founded in 1993 and is open to all Integral Yoga teachers who have completed an IYT program.
Iyengar Yoga Association of the Midwest – As a nonprofit association representing Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, IYAM’s mission is to promote the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.
Michigan Yoga Association – Established over three decades ago, the MYA offers memberships to both teachers and students who have an interest in yoga.
Yoga Alliance – As the largest nonprofit yoga association, which is dedicated to teaching yoga, Yoga Alliance has over 72,000 registered yoga teachers and almost 5,000 registered yoga schools aboard.
Visit the following blogs to discover information, advice — or even perspective — related to yoga.
It’s All Yoga, Baby – Roseanne Harvey’s blog mission is to shed light on the culture of yoga and get people thinking about how yoga can benefit them.
Yoga Dork – Get your chat on about all things yoga in a place that welcomes smart and witty commentary.
Love Yoga Anatomy – Visit this site to find articles, videos, interviews and more from experts in the yoga and anatomy fields.
The Yoga Lunchbox – Check out over 1,000 articles that will help you discover the joys and challenges of making yoga part of your daily routine.
Brown Yoga – As the brainchild of an acclaimed yoga teacher and a widely featured writer, J. Brown’s blog is one you won’t want to miss.
While you won’t be listening to one of these yoga-related podcasts while meditating, carve out some minutes later on your day to grab some information and inspiration.
Yogaland – Find your happy with host Andrea Ferretti whose mission on this podcast is to provide listeners with insightful information about all things yoga.
From the Heart – Rachel Brather, also known as Yoga Girl, offers listeners a weekly look into her life as a yoga teacher, speaker, author and entrepreneur.
Yoga Revealed – Become inspired and empowered by tuning in to this podcast which offers engaging stories of influential yoga teachers.
The Asana Academy Podcast – Listen in to this show to become better at teaching yoga, strengthening your practice or improving yourself as a person.
