Yoga Sequence for Summer Solstice: 6 Best Books and Planners Compared (2026)

By Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

Planning a yoga sequence for summer solstice takes more thought than most themed classes. The longest day of the year invites energy, openness and a sense of expansion, but a flow that is too intense can leave students depleted before savasana. This guide compares six books and planners that help you build a sequence with a clear arc, sensible pacing and room for breath. The picks below were chosen on the basis of content focus, structure, practical usefulness for teachers and home practitioners, and the feedback patterns owners commonly describe. They are not based on hands-on testing.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Beyond the Sequence: Creating Yoga Themes That Linger

Beyond the Sequence: Creating Yoga Themes That Linger

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Best for: Teachers who want a summer solstice sequence that feels like a coherent story rather than a list of poses.

This book suits instructors who already know the basics of sequencing and want to think in terms of theme, intention and progression. It is a strong starting point when you want the solstice to shape the whole class, from opening breath to closing rest.

Key specs

• Format: paperback book
• Focus: theme-based yoga class design

Pros

• Helps you build a theme from start to finish
• Useful for seasonal classes beyond the solstice
• Encourages intention-setting in sequencing

Cons

• Less useful if you want pose-by-pose instructions
• Reads best alongside some prior teaching experience

Bottom line: The right choice for teachers who want to design thoughtful, themed classes rather than follow a fixed script.

Sequence: Yoga Sequence Notebook for Teachers and Students

Sequence: Yoga Sequence Notebook for Teachers and Students: Plan Classes with Breath, Pose and Cue | 100 Pages, 5 × 8

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Best for: Planning a solstice class on paper, pose by pose, with room for breath cues.

This notebook suits teachers who think best with a pen in hand and students who want to keep a record of their own practice. It is especially handy for drafting a sequence, then refining it after a trial class.

Key specs

• Page count: 100 pages
• Trim size: 5 × 8 inches

Pros

• Compact size fits in a bag or mat pocket
• Dedicated fields for breath, pose and cues
• Works for both planning and reflection

Cons

• Pages are limited for long-term class records
• No built-in pose illustrations

Bottom line: A practical pick for anyone who wants a simple, portable place to draft and time a solstice flow.

Yoga Sequences: 20 yoga sequences for vinyasa, hatha, or strong flow classes

Yoga Sequences: 20 yoga sequences for vinyasa, hatha, or strong flow classes.

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Best for: Teachers and home practitioners who want ready-made flows they can adapt for a summer solstice class.

This book is useful when time is short and you need a reliable structure to start from. Its variety of styles means you can choose a vinyasa flow for energy or a hatha sequence for a steadier pace.

Key specs

• Content: 20 sequences
• Styles covered: vinyasa, hatha and strong flow

Pros

• Gives you a ready structure to adapt
• Covers several styles in one book
• Saves planning time for busy teachers

Cons

• Sequences are not specifically written for the solstice
• You will still need to adjust for your group’s level

Bottom line: Best for those who prefer starting from a tested-in-print structure and customizing it for the season.

Yoga: 01 – Roots and Breath – An 18-Pose Yoga Sequence

Yoga: 01 – Roots and Breath – An 18-Pose Yoga Sequence

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Best for: A slower, breath-centered summer class that balances the solstice’s energy with grounding.

Because the solstice is both the peak of light and a turning point, a sequence built around roots and breath can help students settle into a long day of heat and activity. This guide suits those who want a clear, contained sequence of 18 poses.

Key specs

• Sequence length: 18 poses
• Theme: roots and breath

Pros

• Clear, contained structure
• Emphasis on grounding and breath
• Good balance to high-energy solstice themes

Cons

• May feel too gentle for a vigorous summer crowd
• Limited detail on modifications

Bottom line: Ideal for teachers who want the solstice to feel steady and centering rather than purely energetic.

My Flow, My Sequence: Yoga Class Planner for Teachers & Practitioners

My Flow, My Sequence: Yoga Class Planner for Teachers & Practitioners: Journal for Yoga Lovers & Instructors to Plan, Organize, and Track Lessons & Poses with Ease

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Best for: Tracking which solstice sequences worked and reusing them season after season.

This planner suits teachers who teach the same theme every year and want a record of what they built, what the group responded to and what to change next time. It also works for dedicated home practitioners who keep a practice log.

Key specs

• Format: planner journal
• Purpose: planning, organizing and tracking lessons and poses

Pros

• Good for building a yearly archive of sequences
• Structured layout for planning and review
• Useful for both teachers and personal practice

Cons

• Less room for long written notes than a plain notebook
• Works best if you commit to regular entries

Bottom line: A strong choice for teachers who want to refine a solstice sequence over multiple years.

Sun Salutations Yoga Sequences: A Colorful Guide to Your Daily Practice

Sun Salutations Yoga Sequences: A Colorful Guide to Your Daily Practice

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Best for: A daily solar practice built around sun salutations, which pairs naturally with a solstice theme.

Sun salutations are a traditional way to honor the sun, so this guide suits students who want a short, repeatable practice to mark the solstice each day. It is also a good reference for building a warm-up section into a longer class.

Key specs

• Focus: sun salutation sequences
• Format: illustrated guide

Pros

• Clear focus on a classic solar sequence
• Easy to use as a daily reference
• Good warm-up material for a solstice class

Cons

• Narrower scope than a full class-planning book
• Less guidance on sequencing beyond the sun salutation

Bottom line: Best for practitioners who want a daily solar routine and a dependable warm-up for summer classes.

Buying Guide

Decide between planning and ready-made sequences

If you enjoy building a class from scratch, a planning notebook or theme book will serve you well. If you are short on time, a collection of ready-made flows gives you a structure to adapt. Many teachers combine both approaches, using a sequence collection as a base and a planner to record changes.

Good picks for this: Sequence: Yoga Sequence Notebook for Teachers and Students; Yoga Sequences: 20 yoga sequences for vinyasa, hatha, or strong flow classes

Look for guidance on theme and intention

A solstice sequence works best when every pose supports a clear idea, such as opening, expansion or release. Books that explain how to set and carry a theme through a class help you avoid a random string of poses. Check whether the book discusses intention, arc and closing rest, not only pose names.

Good picks for this: Beyond the Sequence: Creating Yoga Themes That Linger; Yoga: 01 – Roots and Breath

Check the size and format

Planning books are usually sold in a few common trim sizes. A compact notebook of about 5 × 8 inches fits easily in a bag or mat pocket. Larger formats give more writing space but are harder to carry to class. Consider whether you will plan at a desk or refer to notes while teaching.

Good picks for this: Sequence: Yoga Sequence Notebook for Teachers and Students; My Flow, My Sequence: Yoga Class Planner

Consider the length and pacing of the sequence

Most group classes run 45 to 75 minutes. Check how many poses a sequence contains and whether it suggests timing. An 18-pose sequence, for example, can fit a 60-minute class with time for savasana. Summer crowds often need shorter holds and more water breaks, so look for material that discusses pacing.

Good picks for this: Yoga: 01 – Roots and Breath; Yoga Sequences: 20 yoga sequences for vinyasa, hatha, or strong flow classes

Match the book to your style of practice

A vinyasa-focused book will give you energetic flows, while a hatha or breath-centered guide offers a steadier rhythm. Solstice classes can lean either way, so choose a resource that matches the energy you want to create. If you are unsure, a book that covers several styles gives you more options.

Good picks for this: Yoga Sequences: 20 yoga sequences for vinyasa, hatha, or strong flow classes; Sun Salutations Yoga Sequences: A Colorful Guide to Your Daily Practice

Think about long-term use

If you plan to teach the solstice every year, a planner that lets you record sequences, notes and student responses will become more valuable over time. Look for layouts that make it easy to find past entries. A durable cover and sturdy binding matter if the book will travel to class.

Good picks for this: My Flow, My Sequence: Yoga Class Planner; Sequence: Yoga Sequence Notebook for Teachers and Students

Plan for your students’ level

Summer classes often mix beginners and experienced practitioners. Look for resources that mention modifications or offer options for different levels. A sequence that is too advanced can discourage new students, while one that is too gentle may bore regulars. If you need guidance on adapting poses, see Yoga Pose Modifications.

Good picks for this: Yoga: 01 – Roots and Breath; Beyond the Sequence: Creating Yoga Themes That Linger

FAQ

What is a good yoga sequence for summer solstice?

A good solstice sequence usually builds from grounding to energy and then back to stillness. Many teachers start with gentle breath work, move into sun salutations and standing poses, then include a peak of heart-opening or balance, followed by a cool-down and savasana. The exact poses matter less than the arc of the class.

How long should a summer solstice yoga class be?

Most group classes run between 45 and 75 minutes. For a themed solstice class, 60 minutes gives enough time for a warm-up, a main sequence and a rest. If you are teaching a shorter session, keep the core sequence to about 10 to 12 poses and leave generous time for breath and savasana.

Do I need a special book to plan a solstice sequence?

No. You can build a sequence with pen and paper alone. A book or planner can speed up the process, offer structure and give you ideas for themes and pose order. Choose a resource that matches whether you prefer to plan from scratch or adapt a ready-made flow.

Can beginners follow a solstice sequence?

Beginners can follow a solstice sequence if it includes clear modifications and avoids advanced poses. Look for a sequence that focuses on breath, basic standing poses and gentle backbends. Practicing with a teacher is a good idea before attempting a longer or more vigorous flow. For a broader starting point, see Beginner Yoga Sequences.

How do I keep a summer solstice class from feeling too intense?

Heat and high energy can make a solstice class feel demanding. Build in extra water breaks, shorten holds, and include a slower middle section. Include a clear cool-down and encourage students to rest whenever needed. Remind them that the aim is balance, not maximum effort.

Should I include sun salutations in a solstice sequence?

Sun salutations are a natural fit because they are traditionally linked to the sun. They make a good warm-up or a repeated thread through the class. You can vary the number of rounds or add a few variations to keep the sequence fresh while staying true to the theme.

What props help with a summer solstice practice?

Blocks and straps can make standing and seated poses more accessible, especially in longer holds. A towel can help with sweat and hand grip. For more on choosing these items, see Yoga Props Buying Guide and Yoga Towels.

Conclusion

A strong yoga sequence for summer solstice balances light and grounding, energy and rest. For teachers who want to build a theme from the ground up, Beyond the Sequence is a thoughtful place to start. If you prefer to draft on paper, the Sequence notebook is practical and portable. For ready-made flows, the 20-sequence collection gives you plenty of structure, while Roots and Breath suits a steadier class. Teachers who return to the solstice each year may value the planner for tracking results, and the sun salutation guide works well as a daily or warm-up reference.

Sources

• Research summaries on yoga and physical activity, including guidance on safety and participation (nih.gov)
• Guidance on physical activity recommendations and staying safe in hot weather (cdc.gov)
• Plain-language information on yoga as a complementary practice and its common uses (nccih.nih.gov)

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our yoga guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.