1. Anatomy and Physiology The Practice of Yoga
“You are as young as your spine is flexible.”
The Spine twists, bends, flexes, protects the spinal cord
26 vertebrae - 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar,
sacrum (5 fused vertebrae), coccyx (4 fused vertebrae)
Vertebral discs - cartilage, spine’s shock absorbers flexion, extension, rotation occurs at the discs
Spine’s shape is like an “S” for stability and shock absorption, lumbar spine lordosis
Strength and flexibility improve with yoga

2. Terms of Movement

3. A YOGI’S SKELETON

4. The Joints and Yoga
- Not all joints move to the same extent: vertebrae, shoulder, knee
- Hinge joint…knee, elbow…respect the hinge (lotus pose)
- Ball and Socket…shoulder, hip…very mobile and must also be protected
Synovial fluid lubricates the joints
Warm-up

5. Muscles Three types of muscle tissue - striated – skeletal muscles
- smooth – visceral muscles
- cardiac….striated, involuntary
Muscles function as
- agonist, prime movers
- antagonist
- synergists

6. Skeletal Muscle Components

7. Goodbye
Rear View
Striated,
Voluntary
Muscles

8. Front View
Striated,
Voluntary
Muscles
Power to the People

9. Muscles cont. - Muscles stretch…tendons don’t
- Proprioceptors – found among muscle fibers, send information on muscle contraction/position to brain
- Aerobic exercise - yoga, even Power yoga
- Anaerobic exercise -“out of breath”
- Muscle tension/contraction
Isotonic…movement
Isometric…same-length contraction

10. Possible Limitations Instructors Must Consider
Five Important Physiological Factors
Possible Limitations Instructors Must Consider
Tension…muscles, tendons, ligaments
Compression…physical limits caused by bones or tissues
Bone length…each of us is different
Strength…significant limitation for beginners
Orientation…influenced by age, posture, injury history
There is great variety in the appearance of “the correct pose.” Our challenge is to recognize individuality and to help students improve all aspects of their yoga practice.

11. No Pain! No Pain! - Those who are most flexible must take care
- Most start yoga with little body self-knowledge
- Class introductory remarks
Take care of yourself
Modify the pose
No pain
Vertigo
Some pay no attention, competitive nature
- Breath before pose – “Working the Edge”