Writings
A Yogi’s Guide to Yoga
The Past, Present, and Future of Practice
A comprehensive guide that bridges ancient yogic wisdom with modern science, helping practitioners and teachers develop a more informed, effective, and meaningful yoga practice.
Available from AYP Press in Paperback and E-book
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — This book is a phenomenal resource for anyone interested in yoga. It covers a vast amount of information in a very accessible and enjoyable way — everything from the history and philosophical foundations of yoga to the way different practices affect the mind, body, and nervous system. It does a great job of articulating what the different dimensions of the practice are, and how they work together to create balanced health and a peaceful life. I’ve read many books on yoga, but none as comprehensive as this one. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to understand yoga in its full breadth and depth.”
About the bookWhat is yoga, really? Who—and what—is it for? And why does it matter?
For thousands of years, yoga evolved in relative obscurity before exploding into a global phenomenon. Today it is practiced by hundreds of millions of people in almost every country on Earth, yet it is still widely misunderstood—often reduced to fitness, stress relief, or vague spirituality. In truth, yoga is far more: a sophisticated system for transforming body, mind, and our relationship to the world.
A Yogi’s Guide to Yoga cuts through the confusion with a clear, grounded exploration of yoga’s rich history, profound philosophy, and compelling science. Drawing from ancient wisdom and modern research, this book reveals how yoga works, why it matters now more than ever, and how its practices can address the physical, mental, and social challenges of modern life. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned practitioner, it offers a deeper understanding not only of what yoga is, but what it might become—in your own life and in our ever-changing world.
Who This Book is For
Yoga Students
Develop a more informed, skillful and rewarding personal practice.
Yoga Teachers
Expand your knowledge, strengthen your teaching, and better support your students.
Wellness Professionals
Gain a broader understanding of yoga’s tools, techniques, and underlying philosophy to support holistic well-being.
Seekers & Curious Learners
Perfect for anyone interested in yoga's history, philosophy, and science—not just physical practice.
“Setting the Stage”
Having practiced yoga for more than half of my life, since the age of 18, I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone looking to get a spectacular overview of yoga, its historical and spiritual context, as well as current ways and variations of the practice. I've read countless books on yoga in my lifetime, and I was particularly happy about the integration of both modern science and the historical and spiritual context of yoga.
The book gives a thoughtful overview of yoga from its origins to how it is perceived today, while distinguishing between what is historically accurate, what is myth, and how a modern eye may view the history of yoga.
I also appreciated the strong focus on anatomy and physiology. As someone who has practiced yoga for many years, I can tell when a teacher has an understanding of the human body informed by anatomy, normal ranges of motion, and specific muscle groups.
The author also explores the modern social implications of teaching and practicing yoga, emphasizing that the final test of yoga is not how much one can bend, but how the practice affects the way we move through the world, treat ourselves, and treat others.
In general, this book excellently represents yoga from both a broad and intimate level while setting the stage and welcoming the next evolution of yoga.
Joe F
“BEST. YOGA BOOK. EVER!!”
Brent lives, breathes and dives deep into the art of movement and yoga. I highly recommend this book for everyone! Thank you Brent for creating this amazing offering of knowledge and experience.
Amazon Customer
“Absolutely Fantastic!”
A Yogi’s Guide to Yoga is fantastic. I have been practicing yoga for many years and have read many books on yoga, and this book is one of my very favorites. The author, Brent Lafoon, covers a huge amount of territory from the origins and history of yoga, to yoga philosophy, the physical practice, anatomy, the future of yoga, and much more. Yet it is all a very easy read. I believe this is a great book for anyone just getting interested in yoga and also a fantastic read for old yogis like me.
Stuart Cramer
“Great for serious practitioners and seekers”
Not sure anyone's ever put together such a comprehensive overview of the history, philosophy and physiology of the practice. Thorough, well-sourced and dense — a full meal — this is a first-rate and authoritative treatment of all things yoga. Would recommend for any seeker, student or practitioner.
Los Angeles Father and Realtor
“A very accessible read on history of Yoga & benefits”
Brent has written a very thoughtful and thorough book on the history of Yoga. He also offers the reader an in-depth study of mind, body and soul and how yoga in all its various forms can be beneficial on so many levels. I found the book to also be a very accessible read. Congratulations, Brent.
Joan Hearst
“The most fun, accessible book on yoga”
This paperback does a masterful job of balancing the need to understand the roots of yoga with being approachable for someone who is newer to the practice.
Weaving together the various histories, literary trail, and personalities is a tall order for any book, and this one lives up to the challenge. I feel like if an up-and-coming instructor read this two or three times, they could hold their own in a conversation about how yoga came to this country and who the important figures are.
I thought its simple, accessible way of talking about the Vedas, Sutras, Yamas, and other concepts was fantastic. It makes the material inviting rather than unnecessarily difficult to understand.
Intensely readable and really fun to curl up with. I highly recommend it.
All Booked Up