The 8 Best Yoga Anatomy Online Courses
oga isn’t just about stretching and bending your body into several positions for exercise, flexibility, or mental focus. While this is a part of the process and a reason people enjoy various types of yoga in their daily lives, yogis (yoga teachers) know that for yoga to be effective, you have to understand the human body anatomically.
The best way for an aspiring yoga teacher or avid yoga practice to obtain this necessary knowledge is to take an online yoga anatomy course. Online courses are one of the most accessible ways to study a subject, and nowadays, there are a series of options you can take for yoga anatomy.
The 8 Best Yoga Anatomy Online Courses we recommend include:
- The Mazé Method: Asanatomy – The Wonder of Your Body
- Lasater Yoga: Experiential Anatomy
- Loka Yoga School: Yoga Mechanics Course
- Doctor Yogi: Yoga Anatomy 30-Hour Online Course
- Yoga Bliss: Yoga Anatomy Course
- The Peaceful Warriors: Yoga Anatomy & Physiology Course
- YogaRenew: Yoga Anatomy Teacher Training
- 8. My Vinyasa Practice: Online Advanced Anatomy & Physiology Course
Of all these choices, we are going to discuss our top five recommended online yoga anatomy courses that will provide the most in-depth and impactful yoga learning experience. We’ll also delve more deeply into why anatomy is a vital component of yoga to emphasize the importance of these courses.
Article Topics
Why is Learning Anatomy Important in Yoga?
Few people realize that yogis are actually expected to have significant knowledge of human anatomy before obtaining their teaching certification and host classes. Even the average person who uses yoga intermittently in their life should have a basic understanding of its relationship with anatomy. But why is learning anatomy important in yoga?
All individuals who use yoga, teachers and students alike, should understand anatomy and how it is affected by yoga in order to perform asanas correctly, create effective yoga session plans, and limit any risks of injury.
Much of yoga focuses on mental focus and proper breathing techniques to promote relaxation and help individuals feel more attuned with their bodies. Because of its calming and often slow nature, people easily underestimate how physically demanding it is as well.
Yoga requires a great deal of strength, flexibility, and balance, rendering it an effective form of exercise as well as meditation. Therefore, it should be treated like any other sport or form of exercise when it comes to taking care of and understanding the human body.
You certainly don’t have to be an anatomy expert in order to perform elements of yoga, but it is vital for people to understand the structure of the human body so they can tell when they are safely working their body safely or pushing it beyond its limits.
Additionally, understanding anatomy will give students and teachers a deeper understanding and appreciation of yoga techniques. It helps you know exactly what parts of your body you are working on during a yoga session and can even open doors to understanding yoga’s connection to other studies, like physiology.
How Do I Learn Anatomy for Yoga?
The study of anatomy might seem like a vastly complicated topic to learn on your own, especially when you’re trying to connect to yoga. Luckily, you don’t have to navigate this subject alone as long as you use the right resources.
The best way to learn about anatomy for yoga is to find legitimate resources (ex., books, scientific articles) on the subject that you can read and study. However, if you prefer more of a school setting to learn this information, we recommend and taking courses, particularly online, taught by experts in both fields.
How you decide to learn about anatomy for yoga truly depends on the individual and their lifestyle. Some prefer to learn on their own and use books and online resources to fuel their knowledge on the subject. While this is a great way to learn, we think the better option is to enroll in an online course taught by certified yogis.
These courses are created with a vast number of useful resources hand-picked by educated yogis who have years of experience using anatomy in their yoga teachings. Not only will students have a mentor(s) they can consult with whenever they have questions, but they’ll also have a community of fellow students going through the same yoga journey.
This opens doors for collaboration, networking, motivation, and social interaction that many people enjoy in a learning atmosphere.
The 8 Best Yoga Anatomy Online Courses
Since we’re here singing the praises of online courses for yoga anatomy, it’s only fair that we provide you with some recommendations, so you can find a reputable course right away.
Each of these courses is exceptional in their own right and will benefit nearly any student, but they also have unique advantages and disadvantages, so the course you choose might vary depending on your yoga journey (ex., teaching certification versus enhanced student learning).
To help you decide which course is best for you, we’re going to describe each briefly below. We’ll cover essential information regarding course content, price, and who these courses are made for so you can make an informed decision of which will benefit you most.
1. Asanatomy - The Wonder of Your Body by The Mazé Method
If you have a deep passion for yoga and a strong interest in exploring human anatomy, kinesiology, and applied biomechanics, consider The Mazé Method Asanatomy course as your next step.
This course is tailored for committed yoga enthusiasts who have some familiarity with anatomical principles or are accredited yoga instructors. It’s also open to individuals dealing with stiffness or injuries who are still eager to actively participate in group learning. Dedication, motivation, and a self-driven approach to learning are essential qualities for success in this program.
This course covers much more than just yoga poses:
- Muscular-Skeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology & Applied Biomechanics
- Alignment in Common Yoga Poses
- Motor Skill Development
- Progression and Regression of Poses
- Adapting to Limitations
- Enhancing Teaching Skills
- Effective Communication
This intensive training program spans several days, with each day dedicated to a specific area of the body: spine and core, pelvis, hips, lower extremities, feet and ankles, shoulders, and arms. Participants will delve deep into yoga anatomy through a combination of methods and topics designed to improve both their practice and teaching abilities.
While real-time engagement is highly encouraged, all live sessions are recorded and typically available within 24 hours after each session concludes. Students can engage with missed sessions later and revisit sessions as needed to reinforce their skills. The Mazé Method seamlessly merges the ancient wisdom of yoga with cutting-edge knowledge of human anatomy.
2. Experiential Anatomy by Lasater Yoga
The Experiential Anatomy course offered by Lasater Yoga has been thoughtfully designed by a team of highly experienced yoga professionals, namely Judith Hanson Lasater, Mary Richards, and Lizzie Lasater. These experts collectively possess decades of expertise in yoga practice, teaching, and therapeutic applications, and they’ve come together to share their invaluable insights.
Dr. Judith Hanson Lasater, a prominent figure in the yoga community, brings her extensive background in psychology and physical therapy to the forefront. As a trailblazer in restorative yoga and a respected author, her teachings have left an indelible mark on numerous yoga practitioners and instructors worldwide.
The subject of anatomy, often laden with complex terminology, can be quite daunting. The Movement Literacy program takes a refreshing approach to learning by emphasizing experiential education and fun. It goes beyond mere memorization of muscle names, it encourages students to feel the body’s movements and gain a profound understanding of them. To ensure a comprehensive grasp of human anatomy, this course employs a multifaceted teaching methodology.
Here’s an overview of the course:
- Comprises 15 modules covering the entire human body
- Utilizes diverse learning resources: workshop videos, tutorials, and audio podcasts
- Provides access to six new live webinars
- Includes recordings of 16 past webinars with former students
- Offers supplementary materials such as award-winning medical animations, downloadable PDFs, assigned readings, homework assignments, quizzes, and more
- Grants a certificate of completion along with 50 hours of Yoga Alliance continuing education credit
- Allows three years of unlimited access to the course materials
Students have the flexibility to choose their learning pace—some opt for an intensive approach, covering one chapter each week, while others prefer a more relaxed schedule. In total, students can anticipate dedicating a minimum of 50 hours to fully master the course materials.
The Movement Literacy for yoga teachers course represents a groundbreaking advancement in yoga education. With its innovative approach to anatomy, the expertise of renowned professionals, and a flexible learning structure, this $1,250 course equips yoga teachers with the skills and insights to interpret the human body like never before. Namaste.
3. Yoga Mechanics Course by Loka Yoga School
Led by Stella Attwood, a distinguished expert in more than a dozen modalities, the Yoga Mechanics Course at Loka Yoga School is an exceptional option for earning 20 Yoga Alliance credits. This self-paced online training delivers a comprehensive curriculum that delves deep into the realms of yoga science, biomechanics, and asana.
In this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively teach yoga exercises and techniques to a wide range of individuals. You’ll learn how to utilize yoga as a powerful tool for releasing tension, reducing stress, alleviating pain, preventing injuries, and promoting recovery.
Here’s what’s included:
- A comprehensive Yoga Mechanics training program that is internationally certified and accredited by Yoga Alliance, providing you with a solid foundation for success as a yoga teacher or practitioner.
- Practical Yoga Mechanics workshops where you have the opportunity to be a student, learning directly from an expert as you personally experience and engage in the exercises and techniques.
- A full-length Yoga Mechanics class led by Stella herself, allowing you to experience her renowned teaching firsthand.
- In-depth exploration of common cues and misconceptions, including benefits, contraindications, options, variations, cues, and instructions.
- Valuable teaching tips and insights that you can incorporate into your future yoga teachings.
Areas of Focus in the course include:
- The Spine and Core
- Hips and Knees
- Shoulders
- Mobility
- Isometric drills
- Sequencing
- Cues and Instruction
- Dynamic movement
By mastering these fundamental principles and mechanics of yoga, you’ll be equipped to assist a diverse range of individuals, including athletes, seniors, office workers, or anyone with a human body. Additionally, this course offers guidance on crafting innovative and effective yoga sequences that incorporate mobility techniques, making your teachings accessible to a broad audience. Seize this opportunity to collaborate with Stella Attwood and be part of the transformation of the yoga world.
4. Yoga Anatomy Online Course by Doctor Yogi
This on-demand Yoga Anatomy course spans 30 hours and is led by Dr. Andrew McGonigle, aka Doctor Yogi, an instructor well-versed in yoga anatomy with a medical background. It’s tailor-made for yoga instructors and aspiring teachers who seek to enhance their teaching with a solid foundation in science. The program will empower you to teach with increased confidence, incorporating the latest evidence-based insights into yoga while refining your instructional language.
Considerable time is allocated to exploring effective ways of communicating with and supporting students who may attend classes with common injuries and conditions. The course also features dedicated somatic practices to ensure comprehensive integration of the knowledge.
With lifetime access to the course materials and periodic live Q&A sessions every five weeks, this course offers excellent value for your investment.
5. Yoga Anatomy Course by Yoga Bliss
Yoga Bliss presents a 30-hour Yoga Anatomy course that equips you with comprehensive tools for unraveling the intricacies of your body and its movements. By course completion, you’ll possess an in-depth understanding of the core muscles and joints, enabling you to evaluate your postures and track your yoga journey’s progress.
Delve into the impact of yoga on the nervous system and embark on a journey into practical anatomy, wherein you’ll intimately explore your body and its inherent limitations.
Here are a few aspects that make this course stand out:
- Establish a strong foundation in yoga anatomy that transcends the requirements set by Yoga Alliance.
- Access all course materials online, affording you the flexibility to study at your own pace and connect with experienced instructors for personalized guidance.
- Enjoy lifelong access to continually updated Yoga Anatomy content, ensuring a lasting wellspring of support and resources for your teaching and lesson planning.
This course delves deeply into the intricate actions of muscles, empowering you to lead asana classes with a keen anatomical focus. You’ll also learn factors influencing yoga practice, including proprioception, the vagus nerve, relaxation techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, and much more.
Furthermore, you’ll receive insights into fascia, techniques for releasing the plantar fascia, modifications for hyperextended knees, and other valuable practical knowledge that goes beyond what’s typically expected from a 30-hour online course.
Course Details:
- Duration: 30 hours
- Cost: A one-time payment of $297
6. Yoga Anatomy and Physiology by The Peaceful Warriors
The Yoga Anatomy and Physiology Course offered by The Peaceful Warriors is an integral component of their 200HR Online Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Pathway. Successfully completing this 30-hour online module contributes toward your 200HR YTT certification.
This course is meticulously crafted to impart knowledge and inspiration to yoga instructors, students, and practitioners, encouraging a deep exploration of the human body’s physical composition. Participants will gain insights into the intricacies of bones, muscles, and tissues, and how these elements synergize within the context of yoga postures and practice.
The curriculum equips students to lead yoga classes that are both safe and effective, while also ensuring the safety and benefits of their own yoga practice. It is facilitated by Sean Goldberg BSc, a Physiotherapy instructor known for his teaching style grounded in a profound understanding of yoga anatomy, yoga physiology, and traditional Hatha Yoga. With a wealth of experience gained from global travels, Sean has been instrumental in assisting individuals dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. According to The Peaceful Warriors, this course empowers students to elevate their teaching skills by enhancing their anatomical knowledge.
For those interested, The Peaceful Warriors offers a 25% discount at checkout on their website when using the code “MITM25OFF.”
7. Yoga Anatomy Teacher Training by YogaRenew
The Yoga Anatomy Teacher Training course offered by YogaRenew is designed to empower you with a more profound comprehension of human anatomy, allowing you to effortlessly weave it into every class you lead.
YogaRenew is a Registered Yoga School (RYS®) and a provider of continuing education accredited by Yoga Alliance. They present a 50-hour Yoga Anatomy & Physiology Training Online, which can serve as a valuable continuing education unit (CEU) course.
Here’s what you can expect from this training:
- Deepen your insight into the human body and its functional movements within yoga asanas.
- Simplify anatomy concepts for both yourself and your students, perceiving the human body as a unified entity.
- Apply the acquired knowledge directly into your classes, creating a lasting, embodied impact on your students.
Whether you possess some prior knowledge of anatomy from your 200-hour yoga teacher training, have extensive anatomical understanding but aspire to delve deeper within the context of yoga, or are starting from scratch, this course is meticulously designed to cater to your needs.
Course Details:
- Duration: 50 hours
- Cost: A one-time payment of $249
8. Online Advanced Anatomy & Physiology Course by My Vinyasa Practice
My Vinyasa Practice has risen to global prominence as a renowned yoga studio due to their unwavering commitment to delivering accessible and affordable yoga teacher training. In their Advanced Anatomy & Physiology course, students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system, meridians, and nadis, along with their interconnections, their significance for yoga practitioners, and more.
Moreover, participants will delve into the body’s most vulnerable regions, including the hips, joints, spine, pelvis, and more, and comprehend their pivotal role in both physical well-being and effective yoga practice.
As per My Vinyasa Practice, this course is ideal for teachers seeking to fortify their foundational training or for students aiming to enhance their personal practice. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a diploma in advanced anatomy and physiology.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn more about yoga anatomy it might be a good idea to check out the Yoga Anatomy with David Keil Review…
Understanding the relationship between anatomy and yoga is not something to be underestimated. Anyone interested in being a yogi should take one of the online courses mentioned here to broaden their yogi horizons and enhance their knowledge of this practice as a whole. (If you would like to teach others how to combine yoga and anatomy, then there are some great online yoga instructor training courses for you!)
It will also help ensure you understand how the human body functions during any asana and yoga session and how you can help prevent student injury, promote physical healing, and manage various physical sources of pain students might be experiencing for a higher quality of life and a deeper appreciation for yoga as a practice.
