Yoga Anatomy Articles

The yoga anatomy articles are organized into categories such as, Injuries , Postures, Your Questions , Yoga , Anatomy , Yoga Injuries Research , Ashtanga Yoga Research , and even Yoga Adjustments.

They are also broken down more specifically by muscles, bandhas, breathing, sit bone pain, shoulders, psoas, and knee pain.

technique benefits of yoga muscle hip ashtanga yoga shoulders forward bend breath knee pain lotus down dog

23 articles

Category: Yoga Postures Remove filter Category: Yoga Postures Topic: shoulders Remove filter Topic: shoulders Clear filters
Arm Balances

Anatomical Breakdown Of Side Plank

Anatomically, side plank is supported by serratus anterior and other shoulder muscles as well as strong abductors stabilizing the hips. Arm Balances

Anatomical Breakdown Of Forearm Balance

Forearm balance is a fun pose that takes time and patience to learn. Engaging and strengthening serratus anterior is one key to… Yoga Postures

Anatomical Breakdown Of Shoulder Stand

Shoulder stand is a classical asana that can offer many benefits, but is contraindicated for those with many types of neck issues. Yoga Postures

Backbending in Yoga: Anatomy, Technique & Common Mistakes

Dive into the anatomical components of a backbend and learn why and how to set yourself up for comfortable and safe backbending. Arm Balances

How Should We Position The Hands For Arm Balances?

The exact position of the hands in arm balances matters less than whether you're engaging serratus anterior to stabilize the shoulders. Arm Balances

The Truth About Headstand In Yoga

Learn headstand in yoga by going step by step. Build the pose from the base, control the pelvis, and lift up. Yoga Postures

Chaturanga Dandasana: There Is Only One Right Way To Do This Posture

Chaturanga dandasana, or low plank, is difficult for many yoga practitioners. Learn the fundamental principles for doing this pose properly. Anatomy

Where Should Your Elbow Crease Point In Upward Dog?

What alignment should we look for in the elbow crease in upward dog? Learn why that's related to the position of the… Yoga Postures

Should You Land In Chaturanga Or Plank?

Learn why developing strength in serratus anterior and shoulder girdle stability is important whether you land in chaturanga or plank. Anatomy

What Is The Right Alignment In Chaturanga?

There is not one right alignment in chaturanga. Learn why some common cues for alignment in chaturanga don't work for everyone. Anatomy

Should We Squeeze The Shoulder Blades Together In Upward Dog?

Learn why stabilization and depression of the scapulae is as important as squeezing the shoulder blades together in upward dog. Yoga Adjustments

Adjusting Marichyasana C

Learn the key ideas for how to effectively adjust marichyasana C. Learn which adjustments are helpful in different stages of this posture. Yoga Postures

Should We Jump Into Plank Or Chaturanga Position?

This month, David answers the question: Should we jump into plank or chaturanga position? David describes the difference between these two movements… Arm Balances

Is Shoulder Range Of Motion Restricting My Handstands And Arm Balances?

Is shoulder rotation restricting my handstands and arm balances? Learn some techniques for distinguishing between anatomical restriction and muscular tightness in the… Yoga Postures

Sun Salutations, Part 9: Downward Facing Dog, You’ve Arrived!

I hear so many questions about downward facing dog. Where should your feet and hands be? Where should your shoulders be? Explore… Arm Balances

Bakasana To Handstand: What Muscles Are Used to Press Up?

So this month’s question comes from Jessica Payne and she asked a very simple question, well, she asked a complex question, but,… Anatomy

Binding Marichyasana C, Which Muscles Prevent It?

The question of the month was: Which muscles or muscle groups prevent me from binding in Marichyasana C? As usual, I give… Yoga Postures

Sun Salutations, Part 6: Lowering Into Chaturanga

In part 6 of the Sun Salutation series we take a closer look at the landing and lowering down into chaturanga dandasana… Yoga Postures

Sun Salutations, Part 4: The Look Up

Part 4 of the Sun Salutation Series explores the small but important movement of "looking up" after folding forward. There are a… Yoga Postures

Sun Salutations, Part 2: Arms Up!

Sun Salutations are a vital part of any system of yoga. In this part of the series I will break down the… Anatomy

Your Shoulders In Upward Facing Dog

Take a look at the anatomy related to the shoulders and what you should do with them in upward facing dog for… Anatomy

Your Shoulders In Downward Facing Dog

Your shoulders in downward facing dog: What should we do with them? Where does the movement come from? Get answers! Yoga Injuries

The Shoulder Joint In Chaturanga: Who Are You Going To Blame?

Learn more about the shoulder joint in chaturanga. Find out what your shoulder joint is doing in chaturanga and how to avoid…