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

459 articles

Anatomy

The Soleus Muscles

This month I highlights the soleus muscles. Learn where these lower leg muscles are found, what they do, and what yoga postures… Injury Survey

Is Yoga Safe? – Injury In Yoga

Our research on injury in yoga provides information to empower yoga practitioners and teachers to make informed decisions on yoga and risk. Standing Postures

SI Joint Pain In Warrior 1: How Should I Work With It?

This month David answers the question: How should I work with SI joint pain in warrior 1? David describes how you can… Yoga Postures

What Are Our Intentions In Parsvottanasana?

David breaks down parsvottanasana or intense side-stretching pose. Learn what components allow or restrict movement in this posture. Understand what patterns can… Anatomy

The Gastrocnemius Muscles

This month I highlight the gastrocnemius muscles. Learn where these lower leg muscles are found, what they do, and what yoga postures… Injury Survey

What’s Driving Yoga Injuries?

Based on our survey of over 2000 yoga practitioners, learn about practitioners' yoga injuries and the contexts in which they happened. 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… Yoga

How Do You Create A Strong Yoga Practice?

In this post, David answers the question: how do I create a strong yoga practice? David discusses what it means to create… Anatomy

Internal And External Intercostal Muscles

This month I highlight the internal and external intercostal muscles. Take a look at where these important breathing muscles attach, what actions… Injury Survey

Yoga Injuries: When Do They Happen?

Based on our survey of over 2000 yoga practitioners, learn what types of injuries in yoga occurred and the contexts in which… Your Questions

How Do I Work With A Long Torso And Short Femurs In Yoga?

This month, David responds to the question: How do I work with a long torso and short femurs? David highlights the importance… Standing Postures

What Are Our Intentions In Standing Wide-legged Forward Bend?

Deconstruct standing wide-legged forward bend. Explore multiple intentions for variations of this posture and evolve your pose. Anatomy

The Erector Spinae Muscles

This month I highlight the erector spinae muscles. Take a look at where these important spinal muscles attach, what actions they do,… Yoga Postures

How Do I Fix A Flat Back In Poses Like Garbha Pindasana?

Distinguish between anatomical and technique-related reasons for difficulty rounding the low back in garbha pindasana. For those working on technique, learn some… Injury Survey

Low Back Injuries In Yoga: What Are Practitioners Experiencing?

When are yoga practitioners most at risk for low back injuries? Read our report on the experiences of our survey of 2000+… Anatomy

Diaphragm Muscle

This month we highlight the diaphragm muscle. Take a look at where this very unique muscle attaches, what action it does, and… Anatomy

A Reality Check On The SI Joint In Yoga

Our SI joint page includes information on the anatomy of the SI joint, including a current understanding of movement at the SI… 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… Anatomy

Transverse Abdominis Muscle

This month we highlight the transverse abdominis muscle. Take a look at where this muscle attaches, what action it does, and how… Yoga

How Do You Know When To Add Poses In The Ashtanga Intermediate Series?

How do you know when it's time to add poses in the Ashtanga intermediate series? Understand the relationships between aspects of the… Yoga Postures

Should I Be Opening My Knees For Lotus?

Should you open your knees for lotus? No, you should focus on your hips. When it comes to lotus opening the hips… Anatomy

Rectus Abdominis Muscle

This month we highlight the rectus abdominis muscles. Take a look at where these abdominal muscles attach, what actions they do, and… Standing Postures

What Are Our Intentions In Side Angle And Revolved Side Angle Pose?

Deconstruct side angle and revolved side angle pose. Explore multiple intentions for these postures and learn how to evolve your poses. Yoga Postures

Are My Arms Too Short To Jump Through?

This month, David answers a question about body proportions and the vinyasa transition: jump through/jump back. Is it true that your arms…