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Laura Goellner E-RYT, C-IAYT

If you have ever tried to study the muscles and found the information to be dry and tedious with little connection to what happens on the yoga mat- then you need this course. The study of muscle FUNCTION will transform the way that you understand movement and the way that you structure your yoga classes. The information in this course will make studying the muscles an interesting and engaging process.

This is the 2nd in a series of 3 courses that contain the Comprehensive Anatomy module that I teach in 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training.

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If you have ever tried to study the muscles and found the information to be dry and tedious with little connection to what happens on the yoga mat- then you need this course. The study of muscle FUNCTION will transform the way that you understand movement and the way that you structure your yoga classes. The information in this course will make studying the muscles an interesting and engaging process.

This is the 2nd in a series of 3 courses that contain the Comprehensive Anatomy module that I teach in 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training.

This Course is also eligible for Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits through the YACEP dashboard.

I am also a CEU provider for the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

Upon Completion of this course you will be able to answer the following Questions:

What is a Yoga Teacher’s Scope of Practice?

What are the Connective Tissues of the Body?

What is Fascia?

What are the 3 types of muscles found in the Body?

What are muscles Made of?

How do muscles get Stronger?

What are the 5 Forms of Stretching?

What are the 3 types of Muscle Contraction?

What are the different forms of Range of Motion at the Joints?

How does Gravity impact Movement?

How do Muscles work together in groups?

Is tension in the body always a bad thing?

What is functional Movement?

What are the “Missing Pieces” of yoga practice?

How can I best support my students Motor Learning?

How does the study of Muscle Physiology prepare me to learn the names of the muscles?

Each topic is explored through an educational lecture that incorporates slides and video. The concepts that were covered in the lecture are then demonstrated in a practice video where you can follow along to feel these concepts in your own body.

One of the greatest benefits of studying Anatomy online is that you can go back and review the topics as many times as you like. This really helps to absorb the information and to become comfortable with this new language.

    I created this course because I love teaching Yoga + Anatomy and I want other yoga teachers to have a solid understanding of the body that guides the way they teach.  When we feel confident in our knowledge that shines through to our students.

I hope you will join me on this journey to creating a generation of confident, well-educated & effective Yoga Teachers.

Questions? Contact me through Udemy & I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • In this section you will learn about the physiology of soft tissue and muscle
  • How muscles contract and relax in yoga
  • The different forms of stretching
  • The importance of balanced movement and strength

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction: Course Overview - What Am I Going to Learn?
Questions, Contact and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits
Review of the The Skeletal System
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Let's See how well you absorbed the information in this section

Let's see how well you absorbed the information in this section

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers insights into muscle function, which can transform the way teachers understand movement and structure their yoga classes
Provides continuing education credits through Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists, which may help teachers maintain their certifications
Explores the scope of practice for registered yoga teachers, which is crucial for ethical and professional conduct
Includes practice videos to feel the concepts in one's own body, which can enhance understanding and application
Is the second in a series of three courses, which may require learners to take other courses to gain a comprehensive understanding
Teaches about progressive muscle loading, which may require access to weights or resistance bands not readily available

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Reviews summary

Yoga anatomy: muscle physiology and function

This course, focusing on muscle physiology and function within yoga, is the second in a three-part series designed for yoga teachers. Due to the lack of provided review data, a summary reflecting specific learner experiences regarding its content, instruction, or effectiveness cannot be generated at this time.
Second course in a comprehensive module.
"This is Course 2 in a series of 3."
"It's part of a larger Comprehensive Anatomy module."
Deep dive into how muscles work in yoga.
"Understanding muscle contraction and relaxation is key."
"I explored different forms of stretching in detail."
"The focus is on muscle function and balanced movement."
"Learning the 'language of movement' as it applies to yoga."
Relevant for teaching and scope of practice.
"Understanding scope of practice for yoga teachers is covered."
"Information helps guide the way I teach my classes."
"Preparing yoga teachers to be confident and effective."
Concepts applied through practice videos.
"Following along with practice videos helps feel concepts."
"Seeing how concepts are demonstrated in practice was helpful."
"Bridging the gap between theory and what happens on the mat."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations in Yoga Anatomy:2 Muscle Physiology and Function with these activities:
Review Skeletal System Anatomy
Reinforce your understanding of the skeletal system as a foundation for understanding muscle function and movement.
Browse courses on Skeletal System
Show steps
  • Review notes and diagrams of the skeletal system.
  • Identify major bones and their locations.
  • Describe the different types of joints and their movements.
Review 'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff
Deepen your understanding of anatomical principles and their application to yoga asanas.
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters focusing on muscle anatomy and function.
  • Study the illustrations to visualize muscle actions during yoga poses.
  • Relate the anatomical information to your own yoga practice.
Practice Identifying Muscle Actions in Yoga Poses
Reinforce your ability to identify the primary muscles involved in common yoga asanas.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of common yoga poses.
  • For each pose, identify the muscles that are contracting and stretching.
  • Check your answers against anatomical resources or online references.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore 'The Key Muscles of Yoga' by Ray Long
Enhance your visual understanding of muscle engagement in various yoga postures.
Show steps
  • Study the 3D illustrations of different yoga poses.
  • Identify the key muscles involved in each pose.
  • Analyze how the muscles work together to create the pose.
Create a Muscle Anatomy Cheat Sheet for Yoga Teachers
Synthesize your knowledge of muscle anatomy and create a practical resource for yoga teachers.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of key muscles relevant to yoga practice.
  • For each muscle, include its origin, insertion, action, and yoga poses where it is active.
  • Organize the information in a clear and concise format.
  • Share your cheat sheet with other yoga teachers for feedback.
Design a Yoga Sequence Focusing on Specific Muscle Groups
Apply your understanding of muscle function to create a targeted yoga sequence.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific muscle group (e.g., hamstrings, hip flexors).
  • Select yoga poses that effectively target the chosen muscle group.
  • Sequence the poses in a logical and progressive manner.
  • Test the sequence and refine it based on your experience.
Answer questions in online yoga forums
Solidify your understanding by explaining concepts to others.
Show steps
  • Find online yoga forums or communities.
  • Look for questions related to muscle anatomy and function in yoga.
  • Provide clear and accurate answers based on your knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations in Yoga Anatomy:2 Muscle Physiology and Function will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor guides students through various yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy particularly helps yoga instructors by providing a deeper understanding of muscle physiology and function. Knowing how muscles contract and relax, the different forms of stretching, and the importance of balanced movement allows the instructor to create classes that are both safe and effective. The section on the language of movement, as it applies to forms of stretching and muscle contraction, provides further insight into how to best tailor yoga instruction.
Yoga Therapist
Yoga therapists use yoga principles and practices to alleviate physical and mental health conditions. This course provides yoga therapists with a strong foundation in muscle physiology and function. By studying how muscles contract and relax, the various forms of stretching, and the importance of balanced movement, a yoga therapist can develop treatment plans that are both safe and effective. The exploration of functional movement and motor learning principles further enhances the therapist's ability to tailor practices to individual needs.
Corrective Exercise Specialist
A corrective exercise specialist assesses and corrects muscle imbalances and movement dysfunctions to improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance performance. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy directly benefits a corrective exercise specialist by providing a comprehensive understanding of muscle physiology and function. Knowing how muscles contract and relax, the importance of balanced movement, and the different forms of stretching is essential for designing effective corrective exercise programs. The course also addresses functional movement and motor learning principles.
Kinesiologist
A kinesiologist studies human movement and applies this knowledge to improve performance, rehabilitation, and overall health. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy, especially concerning muscle physiology and function, is invaluable for a kinesiologist. Knowing how muscles contract and relax, various forms of stretching, the importance of balanced movement, and range of motion allows the kinesiologist to analyze movement patterns. This further leads to the development of more effective interventions. The course emphasizes functional movement, which is highly relevant.
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist studies the effects of exercise on the human body and creates exercise programs to improve health and fitness. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy has much to offer exercise physiologists, especially regarding muscle physiology and function. The importance of balanced movement, and how muscles contract and relax, are useful for developing exercise prescriptions. Understanding different forms of stretching, muscle contraction, and range of motion will also assist.
Massage Therapist
A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The study of muscle physiology and function in this course can be valuable for a massage therapist. The course covers the types of connective tissue and how muscles work together, while exploring the range of motion in the joints. This knowledge allows the therapist to identify areas of tension and imbalance, and to apply appropriate massage techniques for optimal results. Topics such as functional movement and the importance of balanced movement also apply.
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer specializes in preventing and treating injuries related to sports and physical activity. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy helps an athletic trainer by providing a deeper understanding of muscle physiology and function. Knowing how muscles contract and relax, the different forms of stretching, and the importance of balanced movement allows the athletic trainer to develop effective injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. The course addresses functional movement and how to teach effective motor learning.
Movement Therapist
A movement therapist uses movement and dance to help individuals improve their emotional, physical, and mental health. This course can be valuable for a movement therapist by providing a deeper understanding of muscle physiology and function. Knowing how muscles contract and relax, the different forms of stretching, and the importance of balanced movement allows the therapist to develop effective therapeutic movement practices. The course also addresses how to better support motor learning.
Anatomy Instructor
An anatomy instructor teaches the structure of the human body to students in various healthcare fields. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy can assist an anatomy instructor in providing a more engaging and applied understanding of muscle physiology and function. The course explores how muscles contract and relax, the different forms of stretching, and how to study the muscles in an interesting way. The instructor can use the material from this course to supplement their curriculum and provide students with a more practical perspective.
Dance Instructor
A dance instructor teaches various dance styles to students of all ages and skill levels, focusing on technique, choreography, and performance. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy has much to offer a dance instructor, especially regarding muscle physiology and function in relation to movement. Knowing how muscles contract and relax, various forms of stretching, and range of motion allows the instructor to teach safer, more effective dance techniques. The instructor may then better promote balanced movement and strength.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer develops and implements customized fitness programs for clients, focusing on strength, endurance, and overall wellness. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy can enhance a personal trainer's knowledge of muscle physiology and function, leading to more informed training programs. The trainer can utilize the knowledge of how muscles get stronger and how they work together to create balanced and effective workout routines. Understanding the types of stretching and muscle contractions is also relevant to properly guide clients.
Pilates Instructor
A pilates instructor is responsible for guiding clients through pilates exercises, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and posture. This course may particularly benefit pilates instruction by providing a foundation in muscle physiology and function. The course explores muscles, how they are classified, and how they function in different movements. The instructor can apply this knowledge to tailor Pilates exercises to individual needs and promote balanced muscle development. Understanding the forms of stretching, muscle contractions, and range of motion will make teaching that much more effective.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy may bolster the knowledge base of a recreational therapist, especially concerning muscle physiology and function. Understanding how muscles contract and relax, various forms of stretching, and range of motion allows the therapist to better adapt exercises and activities to individual needs. The course emphasizes balanced movement and strength.
Physical Therapist Assistant
A physical therapist assistant works under the direction of a physical therapist to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy may offer a foundation in understanding muscle physiology and function. The course explores muscle contraction, relaxation, and various forms of stretching. This knowledge can assist the assistant in guiding patients through exercises and monitoring their progress, promoting effective recovery.
Ergonomist
An ergonomist studies the interaction between people and their work environment to optimize performance and prevent injuries. This course on Foundations in Yoga Anatomy may offer insights into muscle physiology and function that can be applied to ergonomic assessments. By understanding how muscles work together, the different forms of stretching and types of muscle contraction, the ergonomist may better identify risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. The course also addresses functional movement.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations in Yoga Anatomy:2 Muscle Physiology and Function.
Provides a comprehensive overview of anatomy relevant to yoga practice. It offers detailed illustrations and explanations of muscles, bones, and joints. It valuable reference for understanding the anatomical basis of yoga postures and movements. It is commonly used as a textbook in yoga teacher training programs.
Uses 3D illustrations to show the muscles used in each yoga pose. It is helpful for visualizing the anatomy of yoga and understanding how muscles work together. It is more valuable as additional reading to supplement the course material. It provides a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of yoga.

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