Yoga Anatomy Training

The Anatomy Connections Intensive is designed to give an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the human body as it relates to yoga.  This course may be done in 2-3 days.  It consists of interactive lectures (with a course manual and use of anatomical models) and asana practice.  

Below is a sample of an Anatomy Connections 2-day intensive:

DAY 1
7:45 to 9:30AM:  Review of all systems (i.e. cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, etc) and how they relate to yoga (open to trainees and whole weekend registrants)

10AM – 12:30PM:  Anatomy Connections:  The Key to Understanding Anatomy for Yoga
Do you want to know more about your body? Do you wonder what is going on inside as you flow through sun salutations or hold warrior poses? Deepen your understanding of yoga anatomy and deepen your mind body connection. In this workshop you will learn the basic structure and movement of the major joints in the body and how fifteen key muscles support your asana practice. Anatomical models, lecture, and simple yoga sequences will be utilize to allow students to practically apply the knowledge of human anatomy to their own practice.  Find out how an understanding of functional anatomy can empower your experience on the mat.

2:00 – 4:30:  What Does It Really Mean to “Tuck the Tailbone”?
You have most likely heard your yoga teacher instructing the class to tuck or lengthen the tailbone. But what does this really mean and why is it so important? This workshop will explore the functional anatomy of the pelvis, low back, and hips as it relates to your asana practice. Learn how your bones and joints move and what muscles let you “tuck your tailbone”.  After an interactive lecture, you will be led through a specific sequence of poses involving various positions of the pelvis and tailbone. This will allow you to apply the anatomy to your own movements, deepening your own mind body connection.

5:00 – 6:00PM:  Discussion on observing the anatomy/alignment of students/ review and question time. (open to trainees and whole weekend registrants)

DAY 2
7:45– 9:30:  Anatomy of breath and bandhas (open to trainees and whole weekend registrants)

10:00 – 12:30: Mind Your Low Back: The Anatomy You Need to Know for a Healthy Yogi Spine
At least 80% of the population will at some time suffer from low back pain.  A healthy yoga practice can help you prevent and minimize many pains including those of the back.  Research has also showed that some yoga poses can cause low back pain if not done with correct and mindful technique.  This workshop will utilize an interactive lecture with anatomical models to review the anatomy of the low back and common causes of low back pain.  You will then be led through a sequence of asanas with guidance on correct technique to avoid low back problems and poses that will improve the health of your spine.  Gain an understanding of the anatomy of your own back so that you can continue a lifelong yoga practice with a healthy spine!

2:00– 4:30: The Rhythm of the Shoulder: What Happens When You “Wrap” and “Slide” Your Shoulder Blades?
The shoulder is a highly complex joint that provides us with the freedom to move our arm throughout a huge range of motion.  In this workshop you will learn how your shoulder blade and the shoulder muscles work together to create a rhythm that allows you to bring your arms over your head or to support you during poses like downward dog.  An explanation of the joint structure of the shoulder and important muscles (i.e. serratus anterior and rotator cuff muscles) that bring movement and stability to the shoulder will be followed by an opportunity to better understand this on your own mat.  You will be guided through a thoughtful series of poses and encouraged to feel the rhythm of your own shoulders as they move and support you in your practice.

5:00 – 6:00:  Discussion on addressing students’ injuries and questions regarding their injuries/ review and question time.