We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Laura Goellner E-RYT, C-IAYT

This is part 1 in the "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series to cover the Anatomy and Physiology Module in a Yoga Teacher Training program.

This course was designed for Yoga Teachers looking to deepen their understanding of body science. This course can also be utilized in your Yoga Teacher Training program (along with part 2 and 3)  to fill the required 30 hours of Anatomy and Physiology training.

Read more

This is part 1 in the "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series to cover the Anatomy and Physiology Module in a Yoga Teacher Training program.

This course was designed for Yoga Teachers looking to deepen their understanding of body science. This course can also be utilized in your Yoga Teacher Training program (along with part 2 and 3)  to fill the required 30 hours of Anatomy and Physiology training.

I am am certified through both Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a continuing education provider.  Continuing education credits (non-contact) can be earned through the completion of this course.

This course was recorded LIVE as it was delivered over Zoom- so you can hear the students asking questions in real time.  I utilize clear visuals in the form of slides that are provided as a downloadable PDF at the beginning of each section. I also utilize the Complete Anatomy App for detailed "virtual dissections" of the body. The best part is that you can work at your own pace and go back to review any information as needed...an essential part to fully absorbing the complex topic of anatomy.

The Topics Covered in Part 1 of the "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series are: 

- Why study Anatomy?

- The 12 Body Systems Overview

- The Language of Anatomy

- The 3 Planes of Movement

- The Skeletal System

- The type of Joints in the Body

- Surface Anatomy

- The Structure and Function of Soft Tissue: Fascia, Tendons, Ligaments, Muscle

- Types of Muscles

- The 4 Forms of Stretching

-Types of Range of Motion

- How muscles work together

- Tension and Biotensegrity in the body

- Balance: Center of Gravity and Base of Support

- Upper Extremity Joints and Major Muscles

- Lower Extremity Joints and Major Muscles

- Joints of the Axial Skeleton

- Major muscles of the Neck, Back and Trunk

These videos total over 10 hours of coursework and include 5 slide shows as detailed downloadable PDF resources. The remainder of coursework for the "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series will be covered in the next segments of the course.

Each topic is discussed with a focus on how it relates directly to yoga practice.

The information is conveyed in a way that is applicable to what you do as a yoga teacher and how you can utilize this information to better meet the needs of your students.

Thank you for your interest in my course- I look forward to sharing my love of Yoga & Anatomy with you.

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

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

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The language of anatomy and the body systems
  • How yoga impacts the body and its systems
  • How the body is impacted by the practice of yoga
  • Why it is important for yoga teachers to study the body- how it makes you a better teacher
  • The planes of movement and how they impact yoga sequences
  • Using the anatomical language of movement to sequence a well rounded class
  • The components and properties of the skeletal system
  • The soft tissues of the body and how they respond to stress
  • Understanding movement science: stretching, strengthening and flexibility
  • The joints and muscles of the upper extremity & yoga poses to target this area
  • The joints and muscles of the lower extremity & yoga poses to target this area
  • The joints and muscles of the axial skeleton and trunk & yoga poses to target this area
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

The learning objectives for this Anatomy and Yoga course
Welcome to the Anatomy of Yoga Series
Questions and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit
Read more

Let's see how well you absorbed that new information!

Lets 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
Designed for yoga teachers, this course aims to deepen their understanding of body science, which is essential for effective teaching and injury prevention
Focuses on how anatomy relates directly to yoga practice, enabling teachers to better meet the needs of their students and create safer, more effective classes
Utilizes the Complete Anatomy App for detailed virtual dissections, providing a hands-on learning experience that enhances understanding of complex anatomical structures
Covers the language of anatomy, planes of movement, and the skeletal system, which are foundational concepts for understanding biomechanics and movement in yoga
Explores the structure and function of soft tissues like fascia, tendons, and ligaments, which is crucial for understanding how the body responds to stress and movement in yoga
This is part 1 of a workshop series, so learners will need to take parts 2 and 3 to complete the Anatomy and Physiology training, which may require additional time and resources

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Yoga anatomy for teachers part 1

According to students, this course is a highly valuable resource for yoga teachers and trainees, offering a clear and practical deep dive into human anatomy. Learners found the instructor to be knowledgeable and engaging, effectively explaining complex concepts by directly relating them to yoga poses and teaching. The course is particularly praised for its helpful visual aids, including 3D anatomy app demos and downloadable slides, which significantly enhance understanding. While some noted the live recording format could occasionally be distracting, many appreciated the inclusion of real-time questions. It's widely seen as a solid foundation for the required anatomy module in yoga teacher training programs and useful for continuing education.
Live format with Q&A has mixed impact
"Some parts felt a little slow due to the live recording format..."
"...sometimes the live recording format was distracting with background noise or unrelated questions."
"I found the Q&A from the live recording format was sometimes insightful."
Provides a good foundational overview
"Solid foundational anatomy for yoga teachers. Covers the basics well."
"...for an overview, it's very comprehensive for Part 1."
"This course might be too simple if I already had some anatomy background, but it's a good starting point."
Visuals like 3D app enhance learning
"The visual aids, especially the 3D app, are incredibly helpful."
"The downloadable slides are a great resource."
"The virtual dissections really brought the concepts to life."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging
"The instructor is highly knowledgeable and passionate."
"Dr. Blankenship makes anatomy accessible and relevant."
"I found the instructor was easy to follow and understand."
Designed for teacher training & CE credits
"Perfect for teacher training."
"Good course for getting your anatomy hours for YTT."
"This course helped me fulfill the anatomy requirement for my certification."
Anatomy explained clearly for yoga application
"The instructor explains anatomy concepts clearly and directly relates them to yoga poses and teaching."
"Breaking down complex anatomy into digestible chunks and linking it explicitly to movement and poses is brilliant."
"I found the practical application of anatomy to yoga teaching was exactly what I needed."

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 "Anatomy of Yoga" 1: Teacher Training Workshop Series with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy Terminology
Solidify your understanding of anatomical terms to better grasp the course material.
Show steps
  • Review anatomical directional terms (e.g., superior, inferior, medial, lateral).
  • Practice identifying body parts using anatomical terminology.
  • Quiz yourself on common anatomical terms.
Create a Glossary of Yoga Anatomy Terms
Consolidate your understanding of key anatomical terms used in yoga.
Show steps
  • Review the course materials and identify key anatomical terms.
  • Define each term in your own words.
  • Include illustrations or diagrams where appropriate.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically for easy reference.
Review 'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff
Deepen your understanding of yoga anatomy with a widely respected and comprehensive resource.
Show steps
  • Read chapters relevant to the topics covered in the course.
  • Study the illustrations and diagrams to visualize anatomical structures.
  • Relate the anatomical information to your own yoga practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Joint Movement Identification Drills
Improve your ability to quickly identify joint movements during yoga practice.
Show steps
  • Watch videos of yoga sequences.
  • Pause at different poses and identify the joint movements occurring (e.g., flexion, extension, rotation).
  • Repeat with increasing speed and complexity.
Create a Muscle Reference Guide
Reinforce your knowledge of muscles by creating a visual guide for common yoga poses.
Show steps
  • Choose 5-10 common yoga poses.
  • Identify the primary muscles engaged in each pose.
  • Create a visual guide with illustrations or photos, labeling the muscles.
  • Include a brief description of each muscle's function in the pose.
Review 'Functional Anatomy of Yoga' by David Keil
Gain a deeper understanding of the functional anatomy of yoga and injury prevention.
Show steps
  • Read chapters focusing on specific joints and muscle groups.
  • Analyze the biomechanics of different yoga poses.
  • Consider how to modify poses to accommodate individual needs and limitations.
Design a Yoga Sequence with Anatomical Focus
Apply your anatomical knowledge to create a yoga sequence that targets specific muscle groups and joints.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific anatomical focus (e.g., hip openers, spinal twists).
  • Select yoga poses that effectively target the chosen area.
  • Sequence the poses in a logical and safe progression.
  • Write a brief description of the anatomical benefits of each pose.

Career center

Learners who complete "Anatomy of Yoga" 1: Teacher Training Workshop Series will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Therapist
A Yoga Therapist uses principles of yoga to improve mental and physical health. They work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized yoga practices that address specific needs and conditions. This course, with its detailed exploration of anatomy and physiology, helps to build a strong foundation for understanding how yoga impacts the body. Understanding the language of anatomy, the skeletal system, and how muscles work together, provides valuable knowledge for tailoring yoga practices to individual client needs as a Yoga Therapist. The course's focus on how different yoga poses target specific muscles and joints is particularly relevant.
Yoga Instructor
A Yoga Instructor leads group classes through various yoga poses and breathing techniques while providing modifications based on students' needs. With a strong understanding of anatomy, a Yoga Instructor is able to explain the benefits of each pose and ensure students are practicing safely. The "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series helps instructors develop deeper knowledge of body science, which will increase confidence in class design and cueing. A Yoga Instructor will find that instruction in muscle function, joint mechanics, and the body's response to stretching are immediately applicable in a classroom setting.
Anatomy Educator
An Anatomy Educator teaches anatomy to students in various settings, such as universities, colleges, and vocational schools. They may use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, dissections, and virtual simulations, to help students learn about the structure and function of the human body. This course about the anatomy of yoga shares insights that will be useful for this role. This course can also be utilized in a Yoga Teacher Training program to fill the required hours of Anatomy and Physiology training.
Continuing Education Provider
A Continuing Education Provider creates and delivers educational content for professionals who need to maintain their licenses or certifications. They may specialize in a particular field, such as healthcare, education, or business. The course is certified through both Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a continuing education provider. Considering the scope of this course, this background is immediately applicable to this role. Continuing education credits can be earned through the completion of this course.
Wellness Coach
A Wellness Coach works with clients to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. They provide guidance, support, and motivation to help clients make positive lifestyle changes. Wellness Coaches are generally more holistic and their focus is broader as compared to a yoga instructor. In this course, the information in the language of the body is helpful to support the needs of the clients. The topics covered in this course may apply to the work.
Movement Therapist
A Movement Therapist uses movement and dance to help people improve their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. They often work with individuals who have experienced trauma, mental health issues, or physical disabilities. The topics of this course are related to movement, making this education very valuable for Movement Therapists. The modules on the muscles of the neck, back, and trunk, as well as the upper and lower extremity joints and muscles, may be particularly useful.
Holistic Health Practitioner
A Holistic Health Practitioner focuses on treating the whole person, considering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. They may use a variety of modalities, such as nutrition, herbal medicine, and mind-body practices, to promote well-being. The 'Anatomy of Yoga' workshop series helps to understand how yoga impacts the body. It makes you a better teacher as you understand the language of anatomy, the skeletal system, and how muscles work together.
Pilates Instructor
A Pilates Instructor guides individuals or groups through exercises designed to strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. Knowledge of anatomy is crucial for Pilates instructors, who must understand how muscles and joints work together to create efficient and safe movement patterns. This course may be useful for a Pilates Instructor, who needs to understand the body's structure and function. The exploration of the skeletal system, soft tissues, and planes of movement covered in the course provides foundational knowledge.
Massage Therapist
A Massage Therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. They need a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology to effectively target specific muscles and address client concerns. This course may be useful for a Massage Therapist. The course helps to enhance your understanding of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of different techniques on the body. The discussions on soft tissues, muscles, and joints provide valuable context for massage practice.
Physical Therapist
A Physical Therapist assesses and treats individuals with physical impairments or limitations. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help patients regain function and improve their quality of life. A Physical Therapist typically needs a doctoral degree. Since physical therapy benefits the body, this course may be of use considering the focus on how yoga impacts the body and its systems. The course's detailed examination of the skeletal system, muscles, and joints may be helpful for a Physical Therapist.
Athletic Trainer
An Athletic Trainer specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to sports and physical activity. They work with athletes to develop rehabilitation programs and ensure their safe return to play. This course may be useful for an Athletic Trainer. The course helps build a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology, offering insights into how the body moves and responds to stress. The course's exploration of muscles, joints, and soft tissues may be helpful for an Athletic Trainer.
Personal Trainer
A Personal Trainer creates customized exercise programs for clients based on their fitness goals and needs. They guide clients through workouts, providing instruction, motivation, and support. Knowledge of anatomy helps Personal Trainers design effective and safe programs. This course may be useful for a Personal Trainer, helping them refine their understanding of the body's structure and function. The information about muscles, joints, and range of motion covered in the course may give a Personal Trainer a new perspective.
Dance Instructor
A Dance Instructor teaches various dance styles to students of all ages and skill levels. They design lesson plans, demonstrate techniques, and provide feedback to help students improve their form and coordination. Knowledge of anatomy helps Dance Instructors understand how the body moves and how to prevent injuries. This course may be useful for a Dance Instructor, allowing them to refine their understanding of the body's structure and function. The information about muscles, joints, and range of motion covered in the course may give a Dance Instructor a new perspective.
Acupuncturist
An Acupuncturist practices traditional Chinese medicine and uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to promote healing and relieve pain. They need a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as the body's energy pathways. This course may be useful for an Acupuncturist. While this course focuses on the Western understanding of anatomy and physiology, the detailed knowledge of muscles, joints, and the skeletal system may be relevant to understanding how acupuncture points relate to the body's structure. This course may help an acupuncturist integrate Eastern and Western perspectives on the body.
Occupational Therapist
An Occupational Therapist helps people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Occupational Therapists address physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges to improve independence and quality of life. An Occupational Therapist typically requires a master's degree. This course may be useful for those in this profession, given a focus on how yoga impacts the systems of the body. The specific knowledge about the skeletal system, joints, and muscles may be helpful.

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 "Anatomy of Yoga" 1: Teacher Training Workshop Series.
Comprehensive guide to the anatomy and biomechanics of yoga. It provides detailed explanations and illustrations of the muscles, bones, and joints involved in various yoga poses. It is commonly used as a textbook in yoga teacher training programs and valuable resource for understanding the anatomical principles underlying yoga practice. This book adds more depth to the existing course.
Focuses on the functional anatomy of yoga, explaining how different poses affect the body's structure and function. It provides insights into common injuries and how to prevent them through proper alignment and technique. This book is valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the biomechanics of yoga. It adds breadth to the existing course.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser