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The Monk’s Mindset: Finding Stillness in a World That Won’t Stop Moving
In
The Monk’s Mindset,
legendary Peloton trainer Sam Yo delivers a first-of-its-kind practical approach to both mindfulness and fitness, merging physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Perfect for fans of Jay Shetty and Thich Nhat Hanh.
Sam Yo is well known as Peloton’s first Thai-Chinese instructor and fitness coach, reaching more than thirty thousand people per day. His teachings on and off the bike draw from his experience as an ordained Theravāda Buddhist monk in Thailand. In The Monk’s Mindset, he describes the lessons he learned from ancient traditions and how he adapted them to live a fuller life in our modern world.
Throughout the book, Sam shares from his own life and the ways in which he found (and continues to find) his purpose through mindfulness, meditation, and fitness. From challenges he experienced growing up as a first-generation immigrant, to his award-winning career on stage and screen before becoming an ordained monk and finally an instructor at Peloton, traveling these different paths has brought Sam to a defining lesson he is eager to share with “I am a disciple of a better me.” Each chapter of The Monk’s Mindset is tied to the belief that if we adopt the right mindset, we can bring a focused energy to all we do, enhancing all the areas of our life—our relationship to self, to others, and to the communities and world we live in.
Most fitness books are grounded in the “Let’s Do This” principle without establishing an emotional, mindful, or spiritual tether. In The Monk’s Mindset, Sam Yo reworks this principle with a radically alternative “How do we do this?”
Sam Yo is well known as Peloton’s first Thai-Chinese instructor and fitness coach, reaching more than thirty thousand people per day. His teachings on and off the bike draw from his experience as an ordained Theravāda Buddhist monk in Thailand. In The Monk’s Mindset, he describes the lessons he learned from ancient traditions and how he adapted them to live a fuller life in our modern world.
Throughout the book, Sam shares from his own life and the ways in which he found (and continues to find) his purpose through mindfulness, meditation, and fitness. From challenges he experienced growing up as a first-generation immigrant, to his award-winning career on stage and screen before becoming an ordained monk and finally an instructor at Peloton, traveling these different paths has brought Sam to a defining lesson he is eager to share with “I am a disciple of a better me.” Each chapter of The Monk’s Mindset is tied to the belief that if we adopt the right mindset, we can bring a focused energy to all we do, enhancing all the areas of our life—our relationship to self, to others, and to the communities and world we live in.
Most fitness books are grounded in the “Let’s Do This” principle without establishing an emotional, mindful, or spiritual tether. In The Monk’s Mindset, Sam Yo reworks this principle with a radically alternative “How do we do this?”
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 12, 2026
I really enjoyed reading about Sam's journey and found his tips about mindfulness to be meaningful and practical. He is one of my favorite peloton instructors and was happy that he also included a lot of nerdy references in his book, just like his rides.
May 19, 2026
Brilliantly presented! I have loved you as a peloton instructor for years and even more so now! Thank you Sam for sharing this journey and teaching us the insights of a monk’s mindset!
May 29, 2026
This book by Peloton instructor Sam Yo, like other instructor books, is part memoir, part self-help. The autobiographical part focuses primarily on the year he spent as a monk in Thailand, which is indeed pretty fascinating! Though I feel like he’s a little more mysterious and private than some of the other instructors so I would have liked to know a little more about his present day life.
The self-help part is as the title indicates, lessons we can all learn from monks - mindfulness, growth mindset, meditation, etc. I’m not really a self-help person, but Sam brings the same calming energy he somehow successfully brings to cycling classes and he definitely had some good suggestions. I listened to the audio of this one because I wanted to hear Sam’s voice, but if you are more interested in the self-help aspect I’d recommend a physical copy instead or in addition as there are activities, tips, etc included. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t finish my review by noting my favorite part were the references to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.
3.5 stars
The self-help part is as the title indicates, lessons we can all learn from monks - mindfulness, growth mindset, meditation, etc. I’m not really a self-help person, but Sam brings the same calming energy he somehow successfully brings to cycling classes and he definitely had some good suggestions. I listened to the audio of this one because I wanted to hear Sam’s voice, but if you are more interested in the self-help aspect I’d recommend a physical copy instead or in addition as there are activities, tips, etc included. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t finish my review by noting my favorite part were the references to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.
3.5 stars
June 7, 2026
3.5 Stars
I recently did my first class with Sam. His spring recovery class soothed the heck out of me. I have never felt so safe and calm in a peloton class. And now I understand why.
I wanted more “Monk” info. Like how long do they meditate…How to quiet the mind fast, etc. but I understand this book is about giving you calm in an overly hustling world.
If you’re wanting to find that stillness within then this book is good for you. I personally wasn’t expecting the books direction and I feel like because he was a Monk someone told him to write a book, but it was not needed.
I recently did my first class with Sam. His spring recovery class soothed the heck out of me. I have never felt so safe and calm in a peloton class. And now I understand why.
I wanted more “Monk” info. Like how long do they meditate…How to quiet the mind fast, etc. but I understand this book is about giving you calm in an overly hustling world.
If you’re wanting to find that stillness within then this book is good for you. I personally wasn’t expecting the books direction and I feel like because he was a Monk someone told him to write a book, but it was not needed.
June 6, 2026
While I love Sam Yo on the Peloton platform, not everyone needs to write a book. Full of trite platitudes, I sadly found myself rolling my eyes through the cheesy “find your breath,” and “a single tear dropped from my eyes.” I didn’t hate it, but I ironically was impatient and frustrated through the banal calls for calm.
June 4, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of The Monk’s Mindset and absolutely loved Sam Yo’s narration. He does a wonderful job bringing the listener along on his journey as he learns the deeper meaning behind the teachings and experiences that shaped his life.
That said, this is one of those books that made me wish I had a hard copy in front of me. There were so many practical insights, mindset shifts, and small action steps that I wanted to underline, highlight, and revisit later. I found myself constantly thinking, “I need to remember that.”
Grounding, thought-provoking, and inspiring, this book offers wisdom that feels both meaningful and achievable. Rather than simply teaching concepts, Sam Yo shows how these lessons can be put into practice in everyday life.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to slow down, reflect, and approach life with greater intention.
Thank you to the author in NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book.
That said, this is one of those books that made me wish I had a hard copy in front of me. There were so many practical insights, mindset shifts, and small action steps that I wanted to underline, highlight, and revisit later. I found myself constantly thinking, “I need to remember that.”
Grounding, thought-provoking, and inspiring, this book offers wisdom that feels both meaningful and achievable. Rather than simply teaching concepts, Sam Yo shows how these lessons can be put into practice in everyday life.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to slow down, reflect, and approach life with greater intention.
Thank you to the author in NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book.
July 9, 2026
Thank you Sam Yo for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with what you learned from the monastery. I really appreciate it. When I used to bike on peloton, I loved your classes. I’m so grateful to have read your book! It was just what I needed. Thank you again 🙏❤️
June 1, 2026
I really liked this book in the way it helped me understand how to adapt some of the "monk mentality". The author narrates the book and he does a nice calming job and I felt at ease while listening. I would definitely recommend this book if you feel like this genre might be for you!
July 5, 2026
Never heard of Sam Yo but I am always looking into finding ways to integrate mindfulness into my fitness and life. The subtitle also got my attention because that is definitely what things feel like! Part memoir and part self-help, Yo talks about growing up, finding his way through life first through performance, being a monk and then as a Peloton instructor.
Yo weaves back and forth between telling the audience about growing up and not feeling like he really fit in to gradually finding his place in the world as well as various mindfulness/meditation tips/tricks and general lessons he has learned and how some of that is part of his life. Depending on your knowledge level, some of it may be new to you (I cannot say how well it would integrate with Peloton specifically). As someone who has been exploring this for some time, this was less helpful for me.
Overall this was quite dull. It's a book that's capitalizing on his popularity but otherwise is not particularly interesting. It's never any one thing (memoir vs. self-help, etc.) and for some people that might be fine but I really was more interested in the monk aspect of his life more than anything else. If you're a fan of his or into Peloton, though, it might be a fun read.
I can't say this has especially interested me in Peloton either, so if you're looking at it from that angle, then keep in mind this really more a book for someone who is interested in Yo's philosophy or approach than anything else. Which was something I appreciated: sometimes these works could easily be sales pitches in disguise but this is not that either.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Yo weaves back and forth between telling the audience about growing up and not feeling like he really fit in to gradually finding his place in the world as well as various mindfulness/meditation tips/tricks and general lessons he has learned and how some of that is part of his life. Depending on your knowledge level, some of it may be new to you (I cannot say how well it would integrate with Peloton specifically). As someone who has been exploring this for some time, this was less helpful for me.
Overall this was quite dull. It's a book that's capitalizing on his popularity but otherwise is not particularly interesting. It's never any one thing (memoir vs. self-help, etc.) and for some people that might be fine but I really was more interested in the monk aspect of his life more than anything else. If you're a fan of his or into Peloton, though, it might be a fun read.
I can't say this has especially interested me in Peloton either, so if you're looking at it from that angle, then keep in mind this really more a book for someone who is interested in Yo's philosophy or approach than anything else. Which was something I appreciated: sometimes these works could easily be sales pitches in disguise but this is not that either.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
June 10, 2026
This book offers a nice blend of memoir, teachings, and practices. Sam Yo shares personal stories, mostly from the year he spent training to be a monk at a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. I found his stories both interesting and instructional, and I wish he would have shared even more of his personal experiences (and his grandmother’s wisdom). However, he does a nice job using those experiences to teach the reader about the monk’s mindset. Each instructional section is followed by a few practices to help you incorporate the monk’s mindset into your daily life.
His stories felt very authentic, and I appreciate how he shared so many of his personal challenges. It makes him feel relatable and the practices feel achievable.
The audiobook production was good, as was the narration by the author. It was nice to hear him tell his story in his own warm, friendly voice.
I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
His stories felt very authentic, and I appreciate how he shared so many of his personal challenges. It makes him feel relatable and the practices feel achievable.
The audiobook production was good, as was the narration by the author. It was nice to hear him tell his story in his own warm, friendly voice.
I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Sam Yo has such a calm, comforting voice that it honestly felt more like having a conversation than listening to a typical self help book.
The book mixes personal stories with advice about mindfulness, stress, and slowing down a bit in everyday life. Never preachy or over the top, it was simple, thoughtful, and easy to take in. I found it relaxing and genuinely helpful.
I think the audiobook format worked especially well for this one because of how soothing the narration was. It’s the kind of book that’s nice to listen to while walking, driving, or winding down at night. I will admit that I fell asleep while listening on my couch a couple of times. But, it was never from boredom, just his calming voice.
4⭐️
As always I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance audiobook copy.
The book mixes personal stories with advice about mindfulness, stress, and slowing down a bit in everyday life. Never preachy or over the top, it was simple, thoughtful, and easy to take in. I found it relaxing and genuinely helpful.
I think the audiobook format worked especially well for this one because of how soothing the narration was. It’s the kind of book that’s nice to listen to while walking, driving, or winding down at night. I will admit that I fell asleep while listening on my couch a couple of times. But, it was never from boredom, just his calming voice.
4⭐️
As always I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance audiobook copy.
May 27, 2026
Sam Yo is my favorite Peloton instructor, and this book is so genuinely him! I love that Sam offered a detailed view into one of the most interesting parts of his life in this combo memoir/mindfulness guide: The memoir focuses on his time spent as a Buddhist monk, while the mindfulness exercises and meditations come from what he learned at the monastery. I was always so curious about this time in Sam's life, and it was great to have him pull back the curtain (Pun intended, as he's also a professional actor and dancer!) This book felt so unique to Sam and his POV — the references to all his various fandoms (Star Wars, Star Trek, musical theater, The Matrix, etc. — even a Lego-themed guided meditation) were so totally him! I'm so incredibly proud of Sam for publishing this book — what a treat for all of his Peloton fans (myself obviously included!)
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The Monk's Mindset is equal parts memoir, exploration of Buddhist teachings, and approachable mindfulness exercises. Perfect for incorporating calm into our busy lives.
Sam Yo has long been one of my favorite Peloton instructors for his calm and supportive style of fitness programming and fantastic playlists. He challenges without shouting or shaming. His first book embodies that same thoughtful teaching style. His pop culture references and storytelling illustrate Buddhist fundamentals for a 21st century audience.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Edelweiss for the digital review copy.
Sam Yo has long been one of my favorite Peloton instructors for his calm and supportive style of fitness programming and fantastic playlists. He challenges without shouting or shaming. His first book embodies that same thoughtful teaching style. His pop culture references and storytelling illustrate Buddhist fundamentals for a 21st century audience.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Edelweiss for the digital review copy.
June 26, 2026
This was a great read, and perhaps not quite what I expected in some ways. Sam's ability to carefully weave his personal stories into a mindfulness self-help style guide was perfect. I truly felt as if I were a bystander watching everything unfold. The book certainly got me thinking and I will reference parts of it in the future. I'm glad I have a hard copy as well to be able to easily go back and review. There was no extra or fluff, it was incredibly well written. Everyone should take the time to read this; it would make the world a better (or more mindful) place.
June 16, 2026
Enjoyable book from my favorite Peloton instructor. From the start I liked his workouts the most because he talked sparingly, you worked hard and there was always a sense of calm. After reading the book, I understand why. The book is part memoir and part instruction book on how to embrace the monk's mindset. I thought he gave many practical ways to implement the teachings he reviewed. Well done for a first book.
May 28, 2026
Back when I did Peloton, Sam Yo was one of my favorite instructors, due to his calm demeanor (a 180 to the fun chaos from my other favorite, Cody's classes). This was a very interesting look on his journey to monkhood as well as practical advice for embracing the foundations of mindfulness and finding small moments of stillness throughout the day.
June 11, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. Although I rarely ever say this, I could have had a bit more of his background and details of his journey. I enjoyed hearing about his relationship with his grandmother. I LOVE his reflections at the end of the chapters……..I’m very happy I bought this book, rather than borrowed from the library. I’ll definitely relook at it.
July 7, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book, I felt like Sam was there with me, similar to when I take one of his Peloton classes online. It was interesting to hear his life story and how he reached the place his is today. His message of sharing kindness and practicing mindfulness came through in such a beautiful way.
May 25, 2026
This is a book I will listen to again and I took many notes because I really want to incorporate meditation into my life and it has a lot of practical tips. I also loved hearing about his background and he did amazing on the narration!
June 22, 2026
Really Enjoyed This
The Monk”s Mindset brings more clarity to the idea of being able to focus when so much is trying to distract us. This book has plenty to offer. Both actionable and thought-provoking.
The Monk”s Mindset brings more clarity to the idea of being able to focus when so much is trying to distract us. This book has plenty to offer. Both actionable and thought-provoking.
July 1, 2026
Actor turned Buddhist monk turned Peloton trainer mixes self-help and memoir in this book focusing on the lessons he learned while becoming a Buddhist monk. Some good advice here. The author reads the audiobook.
[I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via Netgalley.]
[I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via Netgalley.]
May 31, 2026
A big "YesYo!" to this amazing book that is half autobiography, half guide to living more mindfully.
June 11, 2026
Sam's story of his time in a Thai monastery mixed with the principles he learned while there.
June 22, 2026
Fabulous. I love Sam as my Peloton instructor and I loved reading this book. We all need much more stillness in our lives.
July 2, 2026
Sam Yo, thank you. I will read/embrace this book again. “One bubble at a time.”
July 9, 2026
Wow such a fantastic book! Each chapter was an ah ha moment to instill in my world and mind. Sam has an incredible journey and does a great job explaining his life lessons.
July 14, 2026
This book was so impactful I have gotten a few friends together to read it with me again and to do the practices with.
June 3, 2026
Sam beautifully shares his experiences and the concepts of the “monk mindset” that he gleaned during his time as a Buddhist monk. Well written and structured intentionally with practical reflective points to reflect, absorb and revisit. Like his Peloton classes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, so thoughtful, beautiful and intentional. And I enjoyed “meeting” his family and seeing the generational influences.
Now I am going to listen to the book on Audible, I want to hear it read by Sam, but wanted the Kindle version too to highlight.
Now I am going to listen to the book on Audible, I want to hear it read by Sam, but wanted the Kindle version too to highlight.
July 9, 2026
Perfect blend of memoir, lessons on mindfulness, advice, and daily practices to find balance and peace. Highly recommend for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews