FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY FOR YOGA TEACHERS AND MOVEMENT PROFESSIONALS

Elissa believes that having a foundational, if not EXPANDED KNOWLEDGE OF ANATOMY and how the body functions is essential to being a yoga teacher or movement professional.

Yes –  there is much more to our practice (and ourselves for that matter) beyond the physical, but having a proficient understanding of our inner landscape and the mechanics of anatomical structure and functional movement provides a basis for leading intelligently sequenced classes, offering effective cues and providing support for our students’ needs and goals while preventing injury and facilitating recovery.

Elissa’s intention is to empower teachers with a deeper understanding and knowledge-base of anatomy and biomechanics and to help them develop critical thinking and observation skills to elevate instruction beyond scripted cues and to teach with sensitivity, adaptability and confidence.

The HISTORY OF ANATOMY has been characterized, over a long period of time, by an ongoing, developing understanding of the functions of organs and structures in the human body.

A GOOD STANCE and posture reflect a proper state of mind.     -Morihei Uehiba

the human skeleton anatomy

Anatomy Studies

This course covers the basics of anatomy and biomechanics in the context of yoga that will help refine your practice and sharpen your teaching skills.  The interactive, embodied format allows for integrating, applying and retaining the concepts and information covered while providing a launchpad for continued, lifelong learning.

PROGRAM INLCUDES:

        • Lecture
        • Slides
        • Video Presentations
        • Demonstration
        • Exploratory Movement and Asana
        • Question and Answer
        • 36-page Reference Manual

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Looking at and seeing your students (observation and evaluation skills)
  • Verbal cueing and assists for alignment and support for different body types
  • Props, support and modification
  • Posture Assists Lab
Syllabus Highlights:

ANATOMY 101

  • Language of Anatomy
  • Directions of Movement
  • Skeleton and Joint function
  • Soft Tissue Structures
  • Systems of the Body

BREATH MECHANICS AND THE MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION

  • Anatomy of Breathing
  • Breath and the Nervous System
  • Abodes of Breath/Pranayama

MAJOR MUSCLE GROUPS

ALIGNMENT, BIOMECHANICS and THE SCIENCE OF YOGA AND MOVEMENT