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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify basic human anatomy and body movement terminology.
2. Describe evidence-based physiological benefits of yoga practices.
3. Analyze breath anatomy and how it relates to yoga pranayama (breathing) exercises.
4. Analyze the physiology of the nervous system and stress response related to yoga mind-body practices.
5. Apply biomechanics principles to address common misalignments and effective joint stabilization and mobility, safe movement, balanced practices, and adaptations.
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I. Fundamentals of Anatomical Movement and Positions
A. Anatomical directional and positional terminology
B. Planes of motion
C. Movements of the spine
D. Types of joints
E. General movement terms
II. The Musculoskeletal System
A. Skeleton
B. Types of joints
C. Articular structure
D. Muscles of the body, their action, and types of muscle contractions
E. Attachments
F. Muscle agonist, antagonist, and synergist in yoga movements
G. Ligaments, tendons, and fascia
H. Types of stretching
I. Muscles involved in respiration
J. Common yoga injuries
III. Physiology of Yoga
A. Scientific research
B. Common injuries
C. Injury prevention
D. Adaptions in anatomy and physiology in response to yoga training
E. Evidence-based physical and mental benefits of yoga
F. Yoga for special populations/conditions (e.g. athletes, veterans, pregnancy, trauma-informed, kids, and seniors)
IV. Dynamics of Breathing
V. Biomechanics Principles
A. Joint stability and mobility
B. Safe movement
C. Addressing common misalignments
D. Balancing practices
E. Adaptations
VI. The Nervous System
A. Central nervous system
B. Peripheral nervous system
C. Vagus nerve
D. Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) and muscle spindles
VII. Using Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga Instruction
A. Theme-based classes
B. Special populations
C. Balancing planes of motion, movements of spine, muscles engaged and stretched
D. Creating safe and effective practices
E. Providing multi-level options with modfications, and progressions for deepening
F. Properly warming up
G. Protecting the joints, spinal discs, and common yoga injuries
H. Addressing tight areas and injuries
I. Common spinal conditions and cautions
J. Sequences focused on therapeutic practices or specific conditions
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Yoga Anatomy 3rd ed. Kaminoff and Matthews. Human Kinetics, 2021.
Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga, Wei. Publisher: Da Capo, 2017 (classic).
Instructor prepared materials