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Anatomy Basics
Yoga teachers will often assume students have a knowledge of basic anatomy. If your last science class was in high school, you may want to brush up a little. Understanding the basic anatomy directions you are receiving in class will have a profound impact on how you do even the most simple yoga poses. Good alignment is the key to a healthy practice!
Yoga Anatomy - Five Body Parts You Didn't Know You Had
One of the great things about doing yoga is that you become way, way more familiar with your own anatomy. You might even discover a few body parts you didn't know you had before! Do the names psoas, piriformis, sacrum, and sit bones ring any bells? Find out more about these mysterious body parts.
Book Review: Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
The great illustrations in this book show you the poses from the inside out.
Intercostal Muscles
The intercostal muscles between your ribs are important in yoga stretches and breathing exercises.
Piriformis
Where to find the piriformis muscle and its relationship to sciatica and yoga.
Psoas
Definition of the psoas and its relevance to yoga.
Yoga Poses for the Psoas
Recommended yoga poses to stretch and stengthen the psoas.
The Sacrum
Definition of the sacrum, from About.com's yoga glossary.
The Sit Bones
What is meant by the term "sit bones," often used in yoga.
The Abdominal Muscles
About Guide to Back and Neck Injury Anne Asher explains the six abdominal muscles.
