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Laura Goellner E-RYT, C-IAYT

This is part 2 in the "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series to cover the way that the practice of yoga interacts with the body systems - This is where we go beyond just the muscles and bones to understand the organ systems.   The information in this course is the basis for progressing your skills to become a more effective yoga teacher.

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. 

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This is part 2 in the "Anatomy of Yoga" workshop series to cover the way that the practice of yoga interacts with the body systems - This is where we go beyond just the muscles and bones to understand the organ systems.   The information in this course is the basis for progressing your skills to become a more effective yoga teacher.

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. 

If you are already a yoga teacher- this is a great way to "fill in the gaps" if the Yoga Teacher Training you attended did not provide in depth information about the body.

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. Upon course completion you will get a certificate from Udemy that you can submit on the Yoga Alliance dashboard.

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: 

- How yoga interacts with the nervous system

- The structure of the Neuron - the building block of the Nervous System

- The Central and Peripheral Nervous system

- The Vagus Nerve and the Relaxation Response

- The spinal Nerves

- Sensory input- the Language of the nervous system

- The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

- How to activate the Relaxation Response

- Introduction to Polyvagal Theory

- The Sensory System and Sensory Diet Techniques

- The Respiratory System and how it interacts with Yoga

- The Core Muscles

- The Digestive System & how it interacts with Yoga

- The Cardiovascular System and how it interacts with Yoga

- The Lymphatic System and how it interacts with yoga

- The Immune System and how Yoga supports proper function

- The Urinary system and how yoga interacts with it

- The endocrine System and how it relates to the Subtle Body and Chakra System

- Psychology as it relates to the endocrine system

- Yoga Injury Prevention

- Utilizing Exercise Science to build resilience

- Alignment considerations in Yoga Safety

- Common Yoga Injuries and how to Prevent Them

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

  • How yoga interacts with the nervous system
  • How to stimulate the vagus nerve
  • An introduction to polyvegal theory
  • How the sensory system gives us access to the nervous system
  • The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
  • The respiratory system
  • The core muscles
  • The digestive system
  • The vascular systems: cardiovascular and lymphatic
  • How yoga impacts the immune system
  • How yoga impacts the urinary system
  • The endocrine system compared with the chakras and psychology
  • Yoga injury prevention
  • Yoga teacher's scope of practice
  • How exercise science informs a safer yoga practice
  • Building resilience through progressive loading
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Identify the course content of part 2
Course Introduction
Questions, Contact and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits
Introduction
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Utilizes the Complete Anatomy App for detailed virtual dissections, which can help yoga teachers visualize and understand the body's structures in a more comprehensive way
Explores the interaction between yoga and the nervous system, which is essential for understanding the physiological effects of yoga and designing effective practices
Covers the endocrine system and its relation to the subtle body and chakra system, which may add a unique perspective to the understanding of yoga's energetic effects
Examines common yoga injuries and prevention strategies, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of students and promoting responsible teaching practices
Requires completion of part 1, which may be a barrier for some learners who are looking for a standalone course on specific topics
Recorded live over Zoom, so learners should expect to hear student questions in real time, which may be distracting for some learners

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Reviews summary

Yoga anatomy deep dive for teachers

According to learners, this course offers a deep dive into the anatomy and physiology relevant to yoga practice and teaching. Many found the content to be incredibly detailed and practical for their teaching skills. Students appreciated the instructor's clear explanations and the use of helpful visuals like slides and the Anatomy App. The format, recorded from a live workshop, provided realistic Q&A sessions, though some noted occasional audio quality issues. Overall, students felt this was a valuable resource for continuing education and filling gaps from prior training, providing a strong foundation for effective teaching.
Q&A helpful, audio sometimes tricky.
"Hearing the live student questions and instructor answers was really valuable."
"The audio isn't always perfect since it's a live recording, but the content makes up for it."
"I appreciated the authenticity of the live format, even with minor technical glitches."
Dense material requires focus.
"This course dives deep into complex systems; be prepared to focus and rewatch."
"It covers a lot of material, sometimes the pace felt a bit fast given the density."
"Definitely not introductory - assumes some prior understanding of basic anatomy."
Engaging teaching with great aids.
"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and explains complex topics in an understandable way."
"The use of the Anatomy App and slides made visualizing concepts much easier."
"Her passion for anatomy and yoga shines through, making it engaging."
Detailed & practical for teaching.
"The depth of anatomical knowledge provided was far beyond what I expected, directly applicable to my classes."
"I finally understand how yoga affects the nervous system and can explain it better to my students."
"The content was practical and helped me improve my cueing and understanding of common injuries."

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" 2: Teacher Training Workshop Series with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy Terminology
Familiarize yourself with anatomical terms to better understand the course's explanations of body systems.
Show steps
  • Review anatomical position and directional terms.
  • Study common prefixes and suffixes used in anatomy.
  • Practice identifying body parts using anatomical terminology.
Review 'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff
Deepen your understanding of how yoga asanas affect the body by studying a dedicated anatomy resource.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to the body systems covered in the course.
  • Study the illustrations to visualize muscle actions during yoga poses.
  • Take notes on key anatomical concepts and their application to yoga.
Create a Mind Map of the Nervous System
Solidify your understanding of the nervous system by visually organizing its components and functions.
Show steps
  • Identify the main components of the nervous system (CNS, PNS).
  • Break down each component into its sub-parts (e.g., brain regions, spinal nerves).
  • Connect the components with lines and labels to show relationships and functions.
  • Add images or symbols to enhance visual understanding.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Answer Questions in Online Yoga Forums
Reinforce your understanding by helping others learn about yoga anatomy and physiology.
Show steps
  • Find online yoga forums or communities.
  • Search for questions related to anatomy, physiology, or injury prevention.
  • Provide clear and accurate answers based on your knowledge from the course.
Design a Yoga Sequence for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Apply your knowledge of the vagus nerve to create a practical yoga sequence that promotes relaxation and well-being.
Show steps
  • Research yoga poses and breathing techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve.
  • Select a sequence of 5-8 poses and breathing exercises.
  • Write a brief description of each pose and its benefits for vagal tone.
  • Include contraindications and modifications for different student needs.
Review 'Fascia in Motion' by Joanne Avison
Explore the role of fascia in movement and its relevance to yoga practice.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to fascia and its connection to the body systems.
  • Reflect on how fascia might influence your yoga practice and teaching.
  • Consider how to incorporate fascia-focused movements into your yoga classes.
Develop a Workshop on Common Yoga Injuries
Synthesize your knowledge of anatomy and injury prevention to create a valuable resource for other yoga teachers.
Show steps
  • Research common yoga injuries and their causes.
  • Outline the content of your workshop, including anatomy, prevention strategies, and modifications.
  • Create visual aids, such as slides or handouts.
  • Practice delivering the workshop content.

Career center

Learners who complete "Anatomy of Yoga" 2: Teacher Training Workshop Series will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Yoga Therapist
A yoga therapist uses yoga techniques to help individuals manage their physical and mental health conditions. This course, with its detailed exploration of how yoga interacts with various body systems like the nervous, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, urinary, and endocrine systems, provides a foundational understanding for a yoga therapist. The course also covers yoga injury prevention, which helps a yoga therapist ensure the safety of their clients. The section on the Autonomic Nervous System may be especially useful. Furthermore, this course will be very helpful in understanding body science.
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor leads individuals or groups through yoga practices and promotes wellness. This course, designed for yoga teachers looking to deepen their understanding of body science, can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a yoga instructor. The course covers various aspects of anatomy and physiology, including the nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, and more. The course's focus on how yoga interacts with these systems along with the inclusion of exercise science considerations directly benefits a yoga instructor in providing safe and effective instruction. The sessions on the lymphatic and immune systems may also be particularly insightful.
Pilates Instructor
A Pilates instructor guides clients through exercises designed to strengthen the core, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. While distinct from yoga, Pilates shares a focus on body awareness and controlled movement. This course, with its in-depth look at the core muscles as accessory muscles of respiration, can provide a Pilates instructor with a deeper understanding of how these muscles function and how to engage them effectively. The course materials on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system would be particularly valuable to a future Pilates Instructor.
Mindfulness Facilitator
A mindfulness facilitator leads group sessions or workshops to teach individuals mindfulness techniques for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. The course covers topics such as the nervous system, the vagus nerve, and the relaxation response. This understanding of the physiological basis of mindfulness may help facilitators create more effective and impactful mindfulness programs. The section on the sensory system and sensory diet will be very helpful.
Massage Therapist
A massage therapist manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness. This course, which explores the nervous system, circulatory systems, and lymphatic system, may be useful for a massage therapist. Understanding how these systems respond to touch enables massage therapists to provide more effective and targeted treatments. This course focuses on anatomy, this course will be highly relevant to their work, especially the segment on common yoga injuries and prevention.
Alternative Medicine Practitioner
An alternative medicine practitioner provides holistic healthcare services that are outside the realm of conventional medicine. This course offers insights into how yoga interacts with various body systems and may be useful for practitioners who incorporate movement-based therapies into their practice. The course's detailed exploration of the endocrine system and its relationship to the subtle body and chakra system may be especially relevant. The discussion of the lymphatic system will be very useful.
Dance Instructor
A dance instructor teaches various dance styles and techniques to students of all ages and skill levels. While not directly related to dance, this course provides an understanding of the core muscles and alignment considerations. This background in anatomy may help a dance instructor teach movement in a way that minimizes the risk of injury. The session on sensory receptors and propioceptors would be invaluable to a dance instructor.
Somatic Movement Therapist
A somatic movement therapist uses movement and body awareness practices to help individuals heal from trauma, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. This course, with its focus on the nervous system, the relaxation response, and the impact of trauma on the body, may enhance a somatic movement therapist's understanding of how movement can be used to promote healing. The session on Mechanoreceptors and Proprioceptors will be very informative.
Personal Trainer
A personal trainer creates customized exercise programs for clients, focusing on strength, endurance, and overall fitness. This course delves into exercise science considerations, including building resilience through progressive loading, and the risk and reward of asana practice. This background in exercise science directly helps a personal trainer develop safe and effective workout plans. The segments on sensory systems and sensory diet would be particular useful.
Health Coach
A health coach guides clients in making lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and wellness. This course covers a range of topics relevant to health, including the nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, immune system, and endocrine system. Understanding how these systems function and how they are impacted by yoga, may help a health coach provide more comprehensive guidance. Health Coaches may find the lymphatic and immune system section to be especially helpful.
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer specializes in preventing and treating injuries for athletes. They work closely with athletes to develop rehabilitation programs and ensure their safe return to sports. This course delves into detail on yoga injury prevention, alignment considerations, and common yoga injuries and how to prevent them. Information on building resilience through progressive loading may be valuable for athletic trainers. The course's examination of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems would be particularly relevant.
Wellness Program Coordinator
A wellness program coordinator designs and implements programs to promote employee health and well-being within organizations. This course, with its broad coverage of body systems and yoga's impact on them, helps a coordinator create programs that incorporate yoga and mindfulness practices. Understanding of yoga injury prevention techniques and the physiology of stress may assist in developing more effective wellness initiatives. The segments on the endocrine system and psychology may be particularly helpful.
Ergonomist
An ergonomist designs workplaces and equipment to maximize efficiency and minimize the risk of injury. While primarily focused on yoga, this course delves into anatomy, including the nervous system, respiratory system, and core muscles. This knowledge of anatomy and alignment considerations may help an ergonomist assess and improve workplace setups to prevent musculoskeletal issues. The session on building resilience and progressive loading would be helpful.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist helps patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation programs; this may require an advanced degree. This course offers insights into yoga injury prevention, alignment considerations in yoga safety, and common yoga injuries. While yoga is not the primary focus of physical therapy, integrating yoga principles into rehabilitation programs may enhance patient outcomes. A Physical Therapist will benefit from a more detailed approach to the lymphatic and immune systems.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist plans and implements recreational activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. While not directly focused on recreation, this course, with its emphasis on the nervous system and the relaxation response, may be useful for incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into therapy sessions. The information in this course focused on the endocrine system in relation to psychology and the chakras may be particularly beneficial.

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" 2: Teacher Training Workshop Series.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the musculoskeletal system and its relevance to yoga practice. It valuable resource for understanding the anatomical principles behind various yoga poses. It is commonly used as a textbook in yoga teacher training programs. This book adds depth to the course by providing detailed anatomical illustrations and explanations.
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Explores the role of fascia in movement and its relevance to yoga. It provides insights into how fascia affects flexibility, stability, and overall body awareness. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It adds breadth to the course by introducing the concept of fascia and its impact on yoga practice.

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