Yoga terms

Question 1

Yoga

Answer 1

means “to yoke” = union. Practicing yoga can help us unite the body, breath, mind, and spirit

Question 2

Hatha Yoga

Answer 2

is the physical discipline of yoga – the practice of asana, pranayama (shaping of the breath), and quieting the mind (e.g. meditation)

Question 3

Ha

Answer 3

(sun)– (Hatha Yoga) bringing opposite energies together to harness our vital force and find balance within

Question 4

Tha

Answer 4

(moon)– (Hatha Yoga) bringing opposite energies together to harness our vital force and find balance within

Question 5

Asana

Answer 5

“Seat” or “to sit with”; also pose or posture

Question 6

Namaste

Answer 6

is a greeting or salutation that can be translated in many different ways. We can think of it as “the light in me honors the light in you.” The purest, truest essence within me greets that part of you

Question 7

Foundational Postures

Answer 7

Building blocks that provide the foundation for a strong asana practice. Teach us alignment, symmetry, and awareness of habitual patterns within our bodies

Question 8

Examples of Foundational Postures

Answer 8

Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog), Balasana (Child’s Pose), Savasana (Corpse), High Lunge

Question 9

Basic Standing Poses – (*standing balances)

Answer 9

Build strength, balance, confidence, and mental focus. Provide a foundation for more challenging and complex asanas

Question 10

Examples of Basic Standing Poses

Answer 10

Utkatasana (Chair, Thunderbolt, Fierce), Trikonasana (Triangle), Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I), Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II), *Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III), Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle), Parsvottanasana (Intense Extended Flank Pose) (Pyramid Pose), *Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon), *Vrksansana (Tree Pose)

Question 11

Beginner Backbends

Answer 11

Extend the spine and stimulate the nervous system. Counteract the effects of rounded shoulders and poor posture; open the chest. Uplifting and invigorating

Question 12

Examples of Beginner Backbends

Answer 12

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Ustrasana (Camel)

Question 13

Forward Folds

Answer 13

Calming to the nervous system, brings scattered energy inward. Hips are flexed and sometimes the spine. Back body lengthens. Increases flexibility in hamstrings and/or hips

Question 14

Examples of Forward Folds

Answer 14

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold), Prasaritta Padottanasana (Wide Legged), Standing Forward Fold
Pachimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) (Intense Stretch to the West), Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee),
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose) (forward folding variation)

Question 15

Twists

Answer 15

Detoxifying for internal organs. Can have a “wringing out” effect on the organs and muscles along the spine (compressing and releasing). Twists can help prevent or ease back pain. Rejuvinating, relaxing, balancing

Question 16

Examples of Twists

Answer 16

High Lunge twist (e.g. Prayer Twist in High Lunge), Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle), Marichyasana (Sage Twist), Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes) Reclined twist (many variations)

Question 17

Inversions

Answer 17

Increase circulation by bringing the hips above the level of the heart. Strengthen shoulders, neck, wrists, arms. Can be calming and balancing or vitalizing

Question 18

Examples of Inversions

Answer 18

Sirsasana (Headstand), Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand), Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)

Question 19

Miscellaneous

Answer 19

Most asanas can be put into multiple categories. The categories above describe the main types of postures. Spinal Extensions and Arm Balances are two other categories that can describe the primary physical action of a posture

Question 20

Examples of Miscellaneous

Answer 20

Phalakasana (Plank) (spinal extension), Bakasana (Crane) (arm balance), Vasistasana (Side Plank) (arm balance/lateral extension), Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limb Staff Pose) (powerful spinal extension), Badha Konasana (Cobblers Pose) (basic seated pose/forward fold/hip opener)