Yoga Glossary: 70+ Essential Terms for Students, Teachers & Studios
This glossary is your plain-language guide to the words you'll hear in yoga classes, teacher trainings, and studio conversations—from asana and pranayama to Yin, Yoga Nidra, and beyond.
Each term has its own dedicated page (300 words or less) so you can quickly understand what it means, how it shows up in class, and where to explore it next.
Type to filter terms instantly
Browse by Category
No terms found
Try adjusting your search or browse all categories
Philosophy & Core Concepts
Big-picture terms that explain what yoga is really about—beyond the poses. These show up in teacher trainings, philosophy talks, and thoughtful classes.
- Yoga Full Definition → More than a workout or stretch routine—yoga is an ancient path that brings together your body, breath, mind, and inner awareness into one integrated practice. Related: Full Definition
- Asana Full Definition → Yoga postures and shapes; the physical expression of practice you see in most classes. Related: Full Definition
- Pranayama Full Definition → Yogic breathwork practices that consciously shape the breath to influence state and focus. Related: Full Definition
- Prana Full Definition → Life force or vital energy; the subtle "aliveness" that flows with your breath and attention. Related: Full Definition
- Mudra Full Definition → Symbolic hand or body gestures that focus the mind and direct subtle energy. Related: Full Definition
- Bandha Full Definition → Gentle muscular locks that stabilize your body from the inside and help direct your life force energy with intention and awareness. Related: Full Definition
- Chakra Full Definition → Traditional energy centers along the spine, each linked to different themes and experiences. Related: Full Definition
- Nadi Full Definition → Subtle channels said to carry prana through the body, like energetic pathways. Related: Full Definition
- Kundalini (energy) Full Definition → The image of coiled, dormant energy resting at the base of your spine—a symbol of untapped potential and the transformative awakening that yoga seeks to unlock. Related: Full Definition
- Drishti Full Definition → Point of gaze or visual focus that supports balance and concentration. Related: Full Definition
- Mantra Full Definition → A word, phrase, or sound repeated to steady the mind and guide attention. Related: Full Definition
- Om / Aum Full Definition → A sacred syllable often chanted in yoga, representing universal vibration or wholeness. Related: Full Definition
- Namaste Full Definition → A respectful greeting meaning "I bow to you," often used to close class. Related: Full Definition
- Yama Full Definition → Ethical guidelines for how we relate to others and the world around us. Related: Full Definition
- Niyama Full Definition → Personal observances that shape how we care for ourselves and our inner life. Related: Full Definition
- Ahimsa Full Definition → Non-harming or non-violence—toward others, yourself, and the world. It's a core yoga principle about practicing with compassion and care. Related: Full Definition
- Dharma Full Definition → A sense of purpose, right action, or path that feels aligned with your values. Related: Full Definition
- Karma Full Definition → The idea that actions and choices shape patterns and consequences over time. Related: Full Definition
- Dharana Full Definition → The practice of focused concentration—binding the mind to a single point as the gateway to meditation. Related: Full Definition
- Dhyana Full Definition → The meditative limb of yoga—steady, continuous flow of attention. Related: Full Definition
- Samadhi Full Definition → A state of deep integration or absorption where the usual sense of separateness softens. Related: Full Definition
- Japa Full Definition → The meditative practice of repeating a mantra to focus the mind and cultivate inner stillness. Related: Full Definition
- Kleshas Full Definition → The five afflictions—ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear—that cloud perception and create suffering. Related: Full Definition
- Samskara Full Definition → Mental impressions and conditioned patterns that shape our perceptions and tendencies. Related: Full Definition
- Kriya Yoga Full Definition → The yoga of action—a practical path combining discipline, self-study, and devotion. Related: Full Definition
- Satsang Full Definition → Gathering in the company of truth—being with teachers and teachings that support spiritual growth. Related: Full Definition
- Sadhana Full Definition → Your dedicated spiritual practice—the daily discipline of yoga and meditation toward self-realization. Related: Full Definition
- Guru Full Definition → A spiritual teacher who guides students from darkness toward light—the remover of ignorance. Related: Full Definition
Styles & Class Types
The names you'll see on schedules: different ways to organize movement, breath, and rest. Use these to choose classes that fit your body and goals.
- Hatha Yoga Full Definition → A foundational style with moderate pace, clear poses, and time to explore alignment. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Vinyasa Yoga Full Definition → Breath-synchronized "flow" classes that link poses together in creative sequences. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Ashtanga Yoga Full Definition → A set-sequence, physically demanding practice that repeats the same series of poses. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Iyengar Yoga Full Definition → Alignment-focused yoga using props and longer holds to make poses precise and accessible. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Kundalini Yoga (style) Full Definition → A practice that blends movement, breath, mantra, and meditation in structured kriyas. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Yin Yoga Full Definition → Slow, floor-based poses held for minutes to target deeper tissues and patience. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Restorative Yoga Full Definition → Fully supported poses with lots of props, designed for deep rest and nervous system ease. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Hot Yoga / Bikram Full Definition → Yoga practiced in heated rooms (95–105°F), often following a set sequence. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Power Yoga Full Definition → Athletic, strength-building classes with faster pace and challenging sequences. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Prenatal Yoga Full Definition → Adapted yoga for pregnancy, with modifications for comfort and safety. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Aerial Yoga Full Definition → Yoga using hammocks or silks for support, inversions, and playful movement. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Rocket Yoga Full Definition → A playful, accessible version of Ashtanga with modifications and creative sequencing. Related: Style Guide · 12 Benefits
- Yoga Nidra Full Definition → "Yogic sleep"—a guided meditation that brings profound relaxation and restoration.
- Gentle Yoga Full Definition → Slower, softer classes suited for beginners, seniors, or anyone needing a lighter practice.
- Chair Yoga Full Definition → Yoga adapted for seated practice—ideal for office settings or limited mobility.
- Jivamukti Yoga Full Definition → A physically vigorous practice blending chanting, philosophy, and ethical teaching. Related: Full Definition
- Anusara Yoga Full Definition → Heart-centered yoga emphasizing alignment principles and uplifting themes. Related: Full Definition
- Partner Yoga Full Definition → A practice where two people support each other through poses—deepening stretches and building connection. Related: Full Definition
Poses & Breath
The building blocks of any physical yoga class. Knowing these gives you confidence walking into any studio.
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose) Full Definition → Standing tall with awareness—the foundation for all standing poses.
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) Full Definition → An inverted V-shape that stretches the whole back body and builds strength.
- Virabhadrasana (Warrior Poses) Full Definition → A family of standing poses that build strength, stability, and focus. Related: Full Definition
- Chaturanga Dandasana Full Definition → A low plank or "yoga push-up" that requires arm and core strength.
- Savasana (Corpse Pose) Full Definition → Final relaxation pose at the end of class—lying still to integrate the practice.
- Balasana (Child's Pose) Full Definition → A restful, kneeling pose often used for recovery or grounding.
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) Full Definition → A flowing sequence of poses used to warm up and energize the body. Related: Full Definition
- Vinyasa (as a transition) Full Definition → The breath-linked movement between poses, often chaturanga to updog to downdog.
- Ujjayi Breath Full Definition → "Ocean breath"—a soft, audible breath used to build heat and focus.
- Kapalabhati Full Definition → Rapid, rhythmic exhales through the nose to energize and cleanse. Related: Full Definition
- Nadi Shodhana Full Definition → Alternate nostril breathing for balance, calm, and mental clarity. Related: Full Definition
- Inversions Full Definition → Any pose where the head is below the heart—like headstand, handstand, or shoulderstand.
- Backbends Full Definition → Poses that open the front body—energizing and heart-opening.
- Twists Full Definition → Rotating poses that massage internal organs and release spinal tension.
- Hip Openers Full Definition → Poses targeting the hips—often where we hold stress and tension.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) Full Definition → A gentle backbend that opens the chest and strengthens the spine. Related: Full Definition
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha) Full Definition → A supine backbend that opens the chest and strengthens the legs. Related: Full Definition
- Boat Pose (Navasana) Full Definition → A core-strengthening balance on your sit bones, building stability and focus. Related: Full Definition
- Bound Angle (Baddha Konasana) Full Definition → A seated hip opener with soles of feet together, stretching inner thighs. Related: Full Definition
- Extended Triangle (Trikonasana) Full Definition → A foundational standing pose creating a triangle shape with strength and stability. Related: Full Definition
- Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha) Full Definition → A powerful backbend that opens the chest and lifts the heart. Related: Full Definition
- Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana) Full Definition → A standing balance that expands in all directions like a crescent moon. Related: Full Definition
- Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) Full Definition → A deep hip-opening pose that stretches the hip flexors. Related: Full Definition
- Locust Pose (Salabhasana) Full Definition → A prone backbend that strengthens the entire back body. Related: Full Definition
- Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) Full Definition → A powerful prone backbend curving like an archer's bow. Related: Full Definition
- Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) Full Definition → A full backbend arching the body into a wheel shape. Related: Full Definition
- Staff Pose (Dandasana) Full Definition → The foundational seated pose with legs extended—simple but demanding. Related: Full Definition
- Wide-Leg Seated Forward Fold (Upavistha Konasana) Full Definition → A seated hip opener stretching inner thighs and hamstrings. Related: Full Definition
- Reclined Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana) Full Definition → A restorative hip opener performed lying down, promoting deep relaxation. Related: Full Definition
- Standing Splits (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana) Full Definition → A standing balance with one leg reaching toward the ceiling. Related: Full Definition
- Yogi Squat (Malasana) Full Definition → A deep squat opening the hips and groin—one of humanity's natural resting positions. Related: Full Definition
- Half Lord of the Fishes (Ardha Matsyendrasana) Full Definition → A seated spinal twist that wrings out tension and stimulates digestion. Related: Full Definition
- Headstand (Sirsasana) Full Definition → The "king of asanas"—an inversion building strength, focus, and new perspective. Related: Full Definition
- Plow Pose (Halasana) Full Definition → An inversion stretching the spine and shoulders while calming the nervous system. Related: Full Definition
- Revolved Chair (Parivrtta Utkatasana) Full Definition → A standing twist combining Chair Pose with spinal rotation. Related: Full Definition
- Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) Full Definition → The "queen of asanas"—a calming inversion supporting thyroid function. Related: Full Definition
- Child's Pose (Balasana) Full Definition → The resting pose—a gentle forward fold that calms the mind and offers refuge. Related: Full Definition
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana) Full Definition → A kneeling backbend that opens the front body and builds heart-opening courage. Related: Full Definition
Studio & Training Terms
What you'll encounter as a student, teacher, or studio owner—from class formats to teacher credentials.
- RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) Full Definition → Credential indicating completion of a Yoga Alliance-recognized training program.
- YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) Full Definition → A certification program (typically 200 or 500 hours) to become a yoga instructor.
- Yoga Alliance Full Definition → The largest international registry for yoga teachers and schools.
- Drop-In Class Full Definition → A single class you can attend without a membership or series commitment.
- Class Pack Full Definition → A bundle of classes purchased in advance, often at a discount.
- Unlimited Membership Full Definition → A monthly or annual subscription allowing unlimited class attendance.
- Private Session Full Definition → One-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Workshop Full Definition → A focused, often longer session on a specific topic or practice.
- Retreat Full Definition → An immersive yoga experience, often over multiple days in a special location.
- Props Full Definition → Equipment like blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets that support practice.
Everyday Yoga
Terms for the off-the-mat side of yoga—how the practice shows up in daily life, wellness, and self-care.
- Mindfulness Full Definition → Present-moment awareness without judgment—a quality yoga cultivates.
- Meditation Full Definition → Practices that train attention and awareness, often seated or lying down.
- Breathwork Full Definition → Any intentional breathing practice—yogic or contemporary—to shift state.
- Intention (Sankalpa) Full Definition → A resolve or heartfelt purpose set at the beginning of practice. Related: Full Definition
- Gratitude Practice Full Definition → Consciously noting what you're thankful for—common in yoga contexts. Related: Full Definition
- Self-Care Full Definition → Intentional actions to support your physical, mental, and emotional health. Related: Full Definition
- Nervous System Regulation Full Definition → Using breath and movement to shift from stress response to calm. Related: Full Definition
- Somatic Full Definition → Body-centered—practices that tune into physical sensation and inner experience. Related: Full Definition
- Flexibility & Mobility Full Definition → Range of motion and ease of movement—common goals in yoga practice.
- Stress Relief Full Definition → Reducing tension and promoting relaxation—a key benefit many seek from yoga.
Ready to Practice?
Now that you know the lingo, find a class near you. From Vinyasa to Yin, heated to gentle—your next practice is waiting.
Find Studios Near You