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Laura Goellner E-RYT, C-IAYT

Yoga + Anatomy & The Body Sciences

         If you are seeking a deeper understanding of the BODY & the relationship between the body & YOGA you have come to the right place.   This course was created for Yoga Teachers, or those going into Yoga Teacher Training, that want to have a solid foundation of knowledge in Anatomy. It is not just anatomy though, this course goes beyond naming the parts, to focus on how the body functions and how that impacts what we do in our practice.

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

Read more

Yoga + Anatomy & The Body Sciences

         If you are seeking a deeper understanding of the BODY & the relationship between the body & YOGA you have come to the right place.   This course was created for Yoga Teachers, or those going into Yoga Teacher Training, that want to have a solid foundation of knowledge in Anatomy. It is not just anatomy though, this course goes beyond naming the parts, to focus on how the body functions and how that impacts what we do in our practice.

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

        This is the first 10 hour course, in a multi-part series on Yoga Anatomy. In this first course, you will learn the basic language of anatomy & movement that is necessary for all future learning about the body. You will also learn about the Skeletal System, Bones, Joints & Ligaments, with special attention to how this information is applied to the way you teach yoga.

The Segments include: 

- Why Should Yoga Teachers Study Anatomy?

- The 12 Body Systems

- Anatomical Terms of Position & Relationship

- The 3 Planes of Movement

- The Biomechanics of Balance

- The Language of Movement

- The Components of the Skeletal System

- Types of Bones

- Classification of Joints

- The Axial & Appendicular Skeleton

- Surface Anatomy

- Common Conditions of the Skeletal System

    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. There are also segments where I use the Complete Anatomy program to give you a 3D image of the bones and joints that we are discussing. Finally, there is a practice video where we find these structures in our own body, through what is called Surface Anatomy. This is a valuable skill when looking at students in yoga poses to assess their alignment and posture.

     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? 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 & movement
  • How individual variation in our bone structure and joints impacts the way we move & practice yoga poses
  • The components of the skeletal system
  • The structure of the joints and how that impacts the way we move
  • Common conditions of the skeletal system & how to manage them in yoga class
  • How deeply interconnected the systems of the body are
  • The scope of practice for yoga teachers

Syllabus

This section explains how studying the body will impact the way that you teach and practice yoga

Here we will talk about why there is a strong push toward yoga teachers being more educated about the body.

Read more

Let's see how well you have digested the information in this section, or see if there are any areas that need additional clarification!

Our education as yoga teachers goes beyond Anatomy (naming the parts) to include other branches of science. Here we will talk about what those other scientific studies include.

Let's look at the information in this section to see how much you have absorbed and if there are any topics that you need to revisit.

Let's see how well you have absorbed the information in this section or if there are any topics that you need to revisit

Let's see how well you absorbed the information in this section, or if there are any topics that you need to revisit!

Let's See how well you absorbed the information in this section regarding the skeletal system, or if there are any topics that you need to go back and review!

Let's see if you have a good grasp on the terms and concepts explored in this course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers continuing education credits through Yoga Alliance, which may help yoga teachers maintain their certification and stay current with industry standards
Explores the language of anatomy and movement, which is essential for yoga teachers to effectively communicate with students and understand their bodies
Includes practice videos to feel concepts in your own body, which can enhance understanding and application of anatomical knowledge in yoga practice
Uses the Complete Anatomy program to provide 3D images of bones and joints, which can aid in visualizing and understanding complex anatomical structures
Focuses on how the body functions and how that impacts what we do in our practice, which goes beyond rote memorization of anatomical terms
Is the first course in a multi-part series on Yoga Anatomy, which may require learners to take additional courses to gain a more complete understanding

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Reviews summary

Foundational anatomy for yoga teachers

According to learners, this course provides a solid and comprehensive foundation in anatomy specifically tailored for yoga teachers and trainees. Students consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging teaching style, noting how complex anatomical concepts are made easy to understand. A major strength highlighted by many is the course's direct application to yoga practice and teaching, making the knowledge highly relevant and practical. The inclusion of helpful practice videos and useful 3D anatomy demonstrations is frequently mentioned as significantly enhancing the learning experience and visualization. It is widely considered an excellent starting point for those with little or no prior anatomy knowledge.
Excellent introduction for beginners in anatomy.
"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone needing a solid base in yoga anatomy."
"Perfect for yoga teacher training or refreshing foundational knowledge."
"It lays the groundwork beautifully for the rest of the series."
"I feel like I have a much better grasp on the basics of the skeletal system and movement after this course."
Videos and 3D models enhance learning.
"The 3D anatomy visuals were fantastic for seeing exactly what was being discussed."
"Practice videos helped me feel the concepts in my own body, solidifying understanding."
"Using the Complete Anatomy program added a great dimension to visualizing bones and joints."
"The combination of lecture, 3D models, and practice videos caters to different learning styles effectively."
Anatomy concepts are explained simply and clearly.
"Complex anatomy is broken down into manageable and understandable parts. Never felt overwhelmed."
"The explanations were incredibly clear, even for someone like me with zero prior anatomy background."
"I appreciated how the difficult terminology was introduced and explained thoroughly."
"Very clear presentation of potentially confusing topics like planes of motion and joint types."
Instructor is knowledgeable, clear, and passionate.
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and her passion for the subject comes through. She makes complex concepts easy to understand..."
"Excellent instructor, clear and concise, made learning enjoyable and the pace was just right."
"She is an excellent teacher, very clear and articulate. This is a subject that can be dry, but she brings it to life."
"I really enjoyed the teaching style and clarity of explanation throughout the course."
Directly applicable to teaching and practicing yoga.
"This course does a great job of linking anatomy directly to yoga poses and movement. It's exactly what I needed as a teacher."
"Understanding how these structures work impacts the way I teach and practice yoga immensely. Very practical!"
"It provided me with a deeper understanding of the body and how it moves, which is crucial for cueing and adjusting."
"I now feel more confident in discussing anatomy with my students and modifying poses safely."

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: 1 Language of Motion, Skeleton with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy Terminology
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental anatomical terms to better grasp the course's language of motion and skeletal system concepts.
Show steps
  • Review anatomical directional terms (e.g., superior, inferior, medial, lateral).
  • Practice identifying body planes (sagittal, frontal, transverse).
  • Quiz yourself on common anatomical terms using online resources.
Review 'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff
Deepen your understanding of the skeletal system and its role in yoga practice by studying a dedicated anatomy resource.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to the skeletal system and joint movements.
  • Study the illustrations and diagrams to visualize anatomical structures.
  • Relate the anatomical information to specific yoga poses.
Create a Glossary of Anatomical Terms
Solidify your understanding of anatomical terms by creating a personal glossary with definitions and examples related to yoga.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of anatomical terms used in the course.
  • Define each term in your own words, relating it to yoga movements.
  • Include illustrations or diagrams to visually represent the terms.
  • Share your glossary with peers for feedback and improvement.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Pose Analysis Practice
Improve your ability to analyze yoga poses from an anatomical perspective by practicing identifying the bones, joints, and movements involved.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of common yoga poses.
  • For each pose, identify the primary bones and joints involved.
  • Describe the movements occurring at each joint (e.g., flexion, extension, rotation).
  • Compare your analysis with anatomical resources to verify accuracy.
Explore 'The Key Muscles of Yoga' by Ray Long
Enhance your understanding of how muscles interact with the skeletal system in yoga postures by studying a book that focuses on muscular anatomy.
Show steps
  • Select a few yoga poses covered in the book.
  • Study the 3D illustrations to identify the key muscles involved.
  • Analyze how these muscles attach to and move the bones and joints.
Develop a Yoga Sequence with Anatomical Focus
Apply your knowledge of yoga anatomy to create a yoga sequence that targets specific bones, joints, or movements.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific anatomical focus for your sequence (e.g., hip opening, spinal mobility).
  • Select yoga poses that effectively target the chosen area.
  • Sequence the poses in a logical and safe progression.
  • Write a brief description of each pose, highlighting the anatomical benefits.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations in Yoga Anatomy: 1 Language of Motion, Skeleton will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Therapist
A yoga therapist uses yoga techniques to promote healing and well-being. This career requires a deep understanding of anatomy to tailor practices to individual needs and limitations. This course, with its focus on the skeletal system, joints, and the language of movement, helps build a strong foundation for understanding how yoga can be adapted for therapeutic purposes. The course's exploration of common skeletal conditions would be beneficial for aspiring yoga therapists. The training in surface anatomy is particularly useful when assessing students in yoga poses.
Pilates Instructor
Pilates instructors guide individuals and groups through exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Anatomy knowledge is essential for designing safe and effective Pilates programs. This course, which covers the skeletal system, joint function, and biomechanics of balance, can help equip instructors with the understanding of the body needed to prevent injuries and optimize results. The course's coverage of anatomical terms of position and relationship may be particularly helpful for Pilates instructors. A Pilates instructor will find the course beneficial.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of a physician, providing a wide range of medical services. A comprehensive understanding of anatomy is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. This career requires an advanced degree. This course, with its focus on the skeletal system, joints, and the language of movement, may be useful for prospective physician assistants seeking to deepen their knowledge of anatomy. The exploration of common conditions of the skeletal system and the training in surface anatomy could be particularly valuable. This knowledge of anatomy can help equip the physician assistant.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation programs. This career typically requires an advanced degree. A comprehensive understanding of anatomy is crucial for assessing patient conditions and developing effective treatment plans. This course, which explores the skeletal system, joints, and movement, may be useful for prospective physical therapists seeking to deepen their foundations in anatomy. The exploration of common conditions of the skeletal system will be particularly relevant in this line of work. This knowledge of anatomy can help equip the physical therapist.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists manipulate soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Anatomy knowledge is important for understanding muscle attachments, joint movements, and potential contraindications for massage. This course may be useful for massage therapists wanting to improve their understanding of the skeletal system and its relationship to movement. The segments on the language of movement and surface anatomy can add value to their skills. This course can help the massage therapist better understand the body.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing and treating injuries for athletes. A strong understanding of anatomy is essential for assessing injuries, developing rehabilitation programs, and ensuring athlete safety. This course provides a foundation in skeletal anatomy and biomechanics, which may be useful for those pursuing a career in athletic training. The study of the language of movement, biomechanics of balance, and common conditions of the skeletal system may be especially beneficial. For an athletic trainer, the study of anatomy is important.
Dance Instructor
Dance instructors teach various dance styles to students of all ages and skill levels. While creativity and artistry are important, a basic understanding of anatomy can help instructors prevent injuries. This course may be useful for dance instructors who seek to expand their knowledge of the skeletal system and biomechanics as they relate to movement. The course's section on the language of movement helps them communicate effectively with their students. The learning in the practice videos may be particularly helpful. The dance instructor can benefit from this course.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers design and implement exercise programs tailored to individual client goals. A solid grasp of anatomy helps trainers create safe and effective workouts. This course offers a foundational introduction to skeletal anatomy and movement principles. This course may be useful for personal trainers who want to refine their knowledge of joint function and biomechanics. The personal trainer can find value in this course.
Ergonomist
Ergonomists analyze workplaces and design equipment to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. While this career often requires an advanced degree, a fundamental understanding of anatomy is crucial. This course, with its focus on skeletal structure, joint mechanics, and the biomechanics of movement, may be useful for those interested in ergonomics. The course's attention to anatomical terms of position and relationship can inform ergonomic assessments. The ergonomist can learn from this course.
Kinesiologist
Kinesiologists study human movement and its impact on health, performance, and function. This career often requires an advanced degree. A deep understanding of anatomy is essential for analyzing movement patterns and developing interventions. This course, which covers the skeletal system, joints, and the language of movement, may be useful for students and professionals in kinesiology. The course's exploration of the biomechanics of balance and common skeletal conditions can bolster their knowledge of kinesiology.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges to perform daily tasks. This career typically requires an advanced degree. A strong foundation in anatomy is necessary for assessing patient needs and developing effective treatment plans. This course, which explores the skeletal system, joints, and movement, may be useful for aspiring occupational therapists. The exploration of common conditions of the skeletal system can be very relevant. An occupational therapist may find this course helpful.
Medical Illustrator
Medical illustrators create visuals of anatomy and surgical procedures for textbooks, websites, and patient education materials. While artistic skill is paramount, a solid understanding of anatomy is crucial for accuracy. This course, which details the skeletal system, joints, and their function, may be useful for aspiring medical illustrators. Studying the components of the skeletal system, the types of bones, and the axial and appendicular skeleton could be beneficial. A medical illustrator can benefit from this course.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. A general understanding of anatomy can help therapists modify activities to suit individual needs. This course may be useful for recreational therapists seeking to improve their knowledge of the skeletal system and biomechanics. Learning about skeletal anatomy, joint function, and the biomechanics of balance may inform activity planning. A recreational therapist can learn from this course.
Science Teacher
Science teachers educate students on various scientific topics. A solid grasp of anatomy can enrich the curriculum. This course, which explores the skeletal system, joints, and movement, may be useful for science teachers looking to enhance their understanding of human anatomy. The course's sections on the anatomical terms of position and relationship as well as the common conditions of the skeletal system may be beneficial when teaching anatomy modules. A science teacher may find this course helpful.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and monitor patient health. A solid understanding of anatomy is essential for accurate assessment and treatment. This course may be useful for registered nurses seeking to improve their understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy. The course's examination of the skeletal system, joint function, and common conditions of the skeletal system may be particularly relevant. A registered nurse may find this course 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 Foundations in Yoga Anatomy: 1 Language of Motion, Skeleton.
Comprehensive guide to yoga anatomy, providing detailed explanations and illustrations of the muscles, bones, and joints involved in yoga postures. It valuable resource for understanding the biomechanics of yoga and how to modify poses for individual needs. This book is commonly used as a textbook in yoga teacher training programs and useful reference tool for yoga teachers and practitioners.
Uses 3D illustrations to show the specific muscles engaged in various yoga poses. It's helpful for understanding how different muscles work together to create movement and stability. While not strictly focused on the skeletal system, it provides valuable context for understanding how muscles interact with bones and joints. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course material.

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