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

Injury Survey

Chaturanga And Shoulder Injuries In Yoga – What’s Going On?

When are yoga practitioners most at risk for shoulder injuries? Learn about the experiences of our survey of 2000+ practitioners regarding shoulder… Anatomy

The Internal And External Oblique Muscles

This month take a look at the unique external and internal oblique muscles. Find out where these muscle attach, what actions they… Yoga Injuries

Should I Pull The Flesh From Sitting Bones In Forward Bend?

This month, David answers a question about forward bending. David discusses why we sometimes like to pull the flesh from the sitting… Anatomy

Splenius Muscles

This month David is highlighting the splenius muscles. They work to extend and rotate the neck. Take a look at where these… Standing Postures

What Are Our Intentions In Triangle and Revolved Triangle Pose?

David breaks down triangle and revolved triangle pose. Learn what components allow or restrict access to these postures. Understand what patterns can… Your Questions

Butt Pain And Sciatica: How Do I Tell If This Pain Is Sciatica?

This month, David answers a question from Mort about butt pain and sciatica. While pain in the gluteals is sometimes related to… Yoga

How Much Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Is Too Much?

How do you know when you might be acquiring an anatomical imbalance from yoga practice? In this post, I discuss aspects of… Injury Survey

Knee Injuries In Yoga: When Are Your Knees Most At Risk?

When are yoga practitioners most at risk for knee injuries? Read about the experiences of our survey of 2000+ practitioners regarding knee… Anatomy

Scalene Muscles

This month take a look at the scalene muscles. They work to stabilize and move the neck. They also assist as secondary… Your Questions

Should The Knee Ever Go Past The Ankle Or Toes In Warrior?

Should the knees go past the ankle or toes? We hear this all the time in yoga classes but why is it… Yoga

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

How do you know when to add poses in the Ashtanga primary series? Learn the signs that you are ready to add… Injury Survey

Gender And Yoga Practice: Is There Any Relationship?

Is yoga practice different between genders? Our survey shows more similarities than differences in yoga practice experience between genders! Anatomy

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCM): Anatomy & Function in Yoga

This month I highlight the sternoleidomastoid (SCM) muscles in the neck. These muscles are important for both stabilization and movement of the… Yoga Postures

Is The Psoas Stretched In Supta Virasana?

Is supta viarasana really a psoas stretch? David explains the anatomical reasons why the psoas is not necessarily stretched in a yoga… Anatomy

Tensor Fascia Latae Muscle And The Iliotibial Band

This month I'm highlighting a unique muscle, the tensor fascia latae along with its related structure, the iliotibial band. This is one… Arm Balances

How Do Long Femurs In Yoga Effect Handstands And Jump Throughs?

David shares some anatomical reasons for why working with long femurs in handstands and jump throughs might be challenging! Injury Survey

Yoga And Aging: Is Yoga Practice Different As We Age?

Does yoga practice change as we age? Our survey shows small differences between practice habits and experiences between some age groups, but… Anatomy

Gluteus Maximus Muscle

This month I'm highlighting the gluteus maximus muscle. This is a powerful hip extensor. Take a look at where this muscle attaches,… Torso

Leg Behind Head Pose And Neck Pain

Working with eka pada sirsasana (leg behind head) is the subject of this month's question of the month. David offers some thoughts… Standing Postures

Is Standing Forward Bend As Simple As It Looks?

David breaks down two variations on standing forward bend, padagusthasana and pada hastasana. Learn what components allow or restrict access to these… Anatomy

Gluteus Medius Muscle

This month I'm highlighting the gluteus medius muscle. This is one of the muscles responsible for stabilization and abduction at the hip.… Lower Limb

Ankle Pain In Half Lotus Pose: How To Evolve Your Half Lotus Without Pain

David shares his approaches to working with ankle pain in half lotus. Find out what might be causing your ankle pain and… Injury Survey

Forward Bends And Hamstring Injury: Have You Injured Your Hamstrings?

Hamstring injuries are prevalent in yoga. In our survey, we found some very interesting relationships between forward bends and hamstring injuries. The… Anatomy

Deep Six Lateral Rotators

This month I'm highlighting the deep six lateral rotators. The deep six lateral rotators are a powerful group of muscles that move…