Tony Tenaglier's new book argues yoga is more than poses

New Hampshire author and yoga teacher Tony Tenaglier is releasing In a Rush to Go Nowhere: Finding Savasana on Oct. 20, along with in-person signings and an online launch event. The book looks at yoga through philosophy, neuroscience and stillness, asking how the practice shapes life off the mat.

Why it matters: - The book pushes back on the idea that yoga is mainly physical exercise. - Tenaglier frames yoga as a practice that should change how people respond to stress, distraction and daily life. - The release arrives as yoga classes increasingly emphasize performance, sequencing and technique.

What happened: - New Hampshire author and yoga teacher Tony Tenaglier is releasing In a Rush to Go Nowhere: Finding Savasana on Oct. 20, 2026. - The book examines yoga beyond poses and considers what may be lost when the practice becomes centered on physical output. - Tenaglier is pairing the launch with book signings in Merrimack and Exeter, plus a free virtual presentation and Q&A. - A special episode of the Yoga Is a Practice, Not a Performance podcast is scheduled for Oct. 19.

The details: - The book draws from traditional yoga philosophy, contemporary neuroscience and Tenaglier's experience as a yoga practitioner and teacher. - Topics include the eight limbs of yoga, the Yoga Sutras, breath, meditation, Savasana, music and technology in modern yoga classes, and the relationship between attention and the nervous system. - Tenaglier says the core question is not whether practitioners can improve their physical yoga practice, but whether the practice changes how they respond to everyday life. - Tenaglier said, “Yoga is a practice, not a performance.” - Tenaglier added, “The question is what happens when we leave the mat. Can we find the same stillness when life becomes uncomfortable, distracting or rushed?” - The first signing is Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. at New Hampshire Power Yoga, 704 Milford Road #1, Merrimack. - The second signing is Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Sanctuary Yoga & Wellness, 190 R Water St., Exeter. - The virtual launch takes place Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on the Yoga Is a Practice, Not a Performance YouTube channel. - The online event will discuss themes from the book and include a question-and-answer session. - The Oct. 19 podcast episode will be hosted by Tenaglier and Emily. - More information is available on the book's website. - Tenaglier also shared updates on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The book positions yoga as a mental and behavioral discipline, not just a workout. - That framing could resonate with teachers and students who want a more traditional or reflective approach. - Tenaglier's background in psychology and industrial-organizational studies gives the project a performance-and-attention angle that goes beyond a standard wellness book.

What's next: - Readers can attend the in-person signings on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21. - The virtual book launch and Q&A follows on Oct. 22. - The podcast episode on Oct. 19 will likely serve as an early preview of the book's themes. - Tenaglier's broader platform, including the book and podcast, suggests continued content around yoga, psychology and personal practice.

The bottom line: - Tenaglier is using his new book launch to argue that the real measure of yoga is not performance on the mat, but steadiness in everyday life.