In the world of yoga, we often get caught up in the pursuit of flexibility: how far can we take the asana? But it’s important to take a step back and look at what’s really going on beneath those poses.

Why Anatomy?

During yoga-teacher training, many folks find the anatomy modules to be the least appealing part of the curriculum. It can feel like being back in a high-school biology class. But anatomy is the backbone of our practice (so to speak), and understanding it isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a vital part of keeping ourselves and our students safe, helping facilitate clear communication, and expanding access.

Anatomy for Safety

It’s essential for yoga teachers to understand how the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments work. Take the lumbar vertebrae, for example. Each small bone in your lower back can only rotate about one degree per segment. So, if someone tries to crank a twist expecting significant movement, that force goes somewhere else—often into the sacroiliac joint. That’s where injuries can happen, especially for students with pre-existing conditions. As yoga teachers, it’s our responsibility to understand these mechanics and teach accordingly.

Understanding Anatomy Makes Yoga Accessible

We’re seeing a broader range of body types, abilities, and age ranges in yoga classes. This kind of inclusivity is fantastic—but that also means we need to be adaptable and knowledgeable about how these different bodies work. We are responsible for making yoga safely accessible for someone who isn’t naturally flexible, has a differently abled body, or is older. Understanding anatomy allows us to provide effective modifications for various joint structures. For instance, if someone has knee issues, we can offer alternative or modified poses that allow them to engage in yoga practice without risking injury.

More Than Muscles and Ligaments

When we talk about anatomy in yoga, we’re not just memorizing terms or muscle origins, and we’re generally not using many anatomical terms in class. Studying anatomy transcends all that. We’re cultivating a kinesthetic awareness that enhances our teaching and the student’s experience.

For yoga teachers who choose to evolve in their understanding, studying anatomy is not a one-time thing; it’s a lifelong journey. This ongoing exploration deepens our connection to our bodies and enriches our teaching. There’s always more to learn and explore. New discoveries in anatomy happen all the time. For instance, in 2016, a new muscle in the knee was identified that not everyone has. Isn’t that wild? 

The study of anatomy is not just academic, either. It’s a path to deeper awareness and connection in every practice. I always encourage my students to approach their practice from the inside out. It’s not about how deep you can go into a pose; it’s about finding comfort and ease. You don’t need to look like the poster on the wall to be a yogi. Yoga is an inside job.

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Arturo Peal, a self-described anatomy nerd, has been involved in alternative healthcare for more than 40 years. A Certified Yoga Therapist with training in Craniosacral Therapy, he has a master’s degree in Chinese Medicine and holds a 6^th-degree black belt in Aikido. He integrates his knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, Chinese Medicine, and healing processes to provide a multidimensional understanding of the human body as he teaches adults and children practices of grounding, centering, and empowerment.

Anoa Monsho, MFA, RYT-500 is an experienced practitioner and teacher of yoga, meditation, breathwork, intuitive movement, Pilates, and writing. Anoa teaches internationally in highly sought-after classes, workshops, retreats, and creative projects that center personal transformation through movement, breathwork, and storytelling.