I know I might get crucified for asking this on a strength board, but what books out there are widely recognized as the best resource(s) for yoga (or any type of flexibility) training? What are, like, the ‘Encyclopaedia of Modern Bodybuilding’ of yoga?
Thanks in advance for suggestions!!
I would recommend you check out, The Key Poses of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume II. Coming from the standpoint of a physical therapist, avid weightlifter, and occasional yoga practitioner i feel its a decent reference book. Its written by an MD who practices yoga. The book has most of the common poses of yoga and each picture denotes(by color) which muscles are stretching, which are stabilizing and which are contracting during the pose. In addition he goes over basic musculoskeletal anatomy, and methods to enhance the stretch such as a PNF technique(contract relax) and utilization of reciprocal inhibition.
[quote]lunk wrote:
I know I might get crucified for asking this on a strength board, but what books out there are widely recognized as the best resource(s) for yoga (or any type of flexibility) training? What are, like, the ‘Encyclopaedia of Modern Bodybuilding’ of yoga?
Thanks in advance for suggestions!![/quote]
Go take a beginners class. You’ll thank me later 
I would avoid high level classes and bikram yoga.
P90x yoga disc
Not sure about a book
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff: http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Anatomy-Leslie-Kaminoff/dp/0736062785
A Physiological Handbook for Teachers of Yogasana by Mel Robin: http://www.amazon.com/A-Physiological-Handbook-Teachers-Yogasana/dp/1587360330/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370720426&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=mel+robbins+physiology+of+yoga
My gf is a PT and yoga instructor and likes both of these.
Both of these are heavy on anatomy and physiology and light on spiritual enlightenment. If you’re looking for books that address the latter, there’s a ton out there, you just need to find the one that speaks to you.
I prefer stretching.
Doesn’t sound as cool, I know.