Yoga Trainer
5 Things of Yoga Anatomy Every Yoga Trainer Should Know

Becoming a yoga trainer is not just about possessing knowledge of each yoga asana on a physical level. You also need in-depth knowledge of the mental and spiritual aspects of this ancient art. When you perform a yoga asana with the right body alignment, it helps you reap the full benefits of the practice.

An important part of yoga teacher training involves possessing complete knowledge of yoga anatomy. Lessons on anatomy form the core part of the yoga teacher training course. It includes detailed classes on muscles, joints, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and organs in your body. Moreover, it is an added benefit – even if you do yoga to just stay fit.

With that said, let us understand the five things of yoga anatomy you as a yoga trainer should know about.

Yoga Anatomy – In Brief

The anatomy of your body is diverse and is not made up of just muscles and bones. There are nerves, blood vessels, joints, and organs. Becoming a great yoga trainer requires you to possess complete knowledge of all these.

Let us now understand the different parts of yoga anatomy in detail.

Bones

Your body has a total of 206 bones and these are further divided into long and short bones. During yoga teacher training, you should know about the major bones including those in your legs and arms. However, it is equally important to know the structure of your spine as it plays a vital role in giving your body the right posture and alignment during yoga practice.

Moreover, having complete knowledge of bones helps you understand which asana suits a particular part of your body. Thus, practice yoga under the guidance of a yoga trainer to be on the safer side.

The Joints

For you to become a great yoga teacher, it is important to understand all the major joints in your body. Joints are the structural attachments between the different bones in your body. These are also the most vulnerable part of your body prone to an injury during yoga practice.

You should possess complete knowledge regarding the movement of all major joints inside your body especially the arms and legs. The joint extensions like flexion, extension, and rotation help you understand which movement is safe during the practice of a particular yoga asana. Hence, approach a yoga trainer to learn how to safeguard your joints. 

Movement Of The Body

When doing yoga teacher training, it is important to understand the movement of your body. You need to possess knowledge about the different types of shoulder blades and basic movements. It is an important element of the yoga anatomy as overstretching a joint for prolonged periods can lead to an injury.

A yoga trainer can help you move your body without any discomfort or pain in your body. 

Structure Of The Spine

A major aspect of yoga teacher training is understanding the structure of your spine. Your spine provides support to the entire skeleton. You should possess knowledge of the different bones, discs, and nerves passing through your spine.

It helps you guide students during a yoga class especially those with chronic back problems. Understanding the structure of the spine is important in your journey to become a yoga teacher.

The Muscles

Every yoga asana focuses either on a single or multiple muscle groups. It is important for you as a yoga trainer to know which muscles are in use during a particular yoga asana. It helps you assist individuals with specific medical conditions.

However, since yoga anatomy involves a lot of details, it might be a bit confusing for some when it comes to learning it.

4 Tips to Learn Yoga Anatomy With Ease

Given below are the four tips to help you understand yoga anatomy with ease.

  • Be clear about why you want to learn yoga anatomy. Have a clear goal.
  • Start identifying things in yoga anatomy like anatomical positions and what makes it the central part of yoga anatomy.
  • Look at what body parts you have to study during the yoga anatomy class.
  • Pay attention to the muscles used during a yoga asana.

Conclusion

Yoga anatomy forms the backbone of the yoga teacher training. As a certified yoga teacher, you need to possess complete knowledge of this aspect of yoga. This helps you assist others to perform yoga asanas without risking an injury. Hence, choose a good yoga trainer to learn yoga without falling victim to any injury or accident. 

FAQs

Ques 1) Is becoming a yoga trainer worth it?

Ans) Obviously yes! Becoming a  yoga trainer is going to open doors to countless possibilities. Further, you learn to practice and teach yoga to yoga lovers. Hence, you earn money along with staying fit and healthy. Moreover, it will help you get in touch with other yoga professionals from other parts of the world. 

Ques 2) can personal trainers teach yoga?

Ans) Yes! Personal yoga trainers can teach yoga. The only difference is that they might charge you for hourly service. Moreover, you need to get an appointment first before learning from him or her. Make sure you check the yoga certification before practicing with a personal yoga trainer. 

Ques 3) Can I teach yoga without a certification?

Ans) To some extent, yes. In a registered yoga school, no. Therefore, you might be able to teach yoga in your locality, however, not professionally. In case you want to make it a full-time career, a certification is a must for you. 

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