Yoga Glossary: 117 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 so you can quickly understand what it means, how it shows up in class, and where to explore it next.
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Philosophy & Core Concepts
Big-picture terms that explain what yoga is really about—beyond the poses.
- Yoga Full Definition →More than a workout—yoga is an ancient path that brings together body, breath, mind, and inner awareness.
- Asana Full Definition →Yoga postures and shapes; the physical expression of practice you see in most classes.
- Pranayama Full Definition →Yogic breathwork practices that consciously shape the breath to influence state and focus.
- Prana Full Definition →Life force or vital energy; the subtle "aliveness" that flows with your breath and attention.
- Mudra Full Definition →Symbolic hand or body gestures that focus the mind and direct subtle energy.
- Bandha Full Definition →Gentle muscular locks that stabilize your body and help direct life force energy.
- Chakra Full Definition →Traditional energy centers along the spine, each linked to different themes and experiences.
- Nadi Full Definition →Subtle channels said to carry prana through the body, like energetic pathways.
- Drishti Full Definition →Point of gaze or visual focus that supports balance and concentration.
- Dharma Full Definition →A sense of purpose, right action, or path that feels aligned with your values.
- Dharana Full Definition →Concentration—the sixth limb of yoga, training the mind to focus on a single point.
- Dhyana Full Definition →The meditative limb of yoga—steady, continuous flow of attention.
- Guru Full Definition →A spiritual teacher who guides students from darkness toward light.
- Japa Full Definition →The meditative practice of repeating a mantra to focus the mind.
- Karma Full Definition →The idea that actions and choices shape patterns and consequences over time.
- Kleshas Full Definition →The five afflictions—ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear—that cloud perception.
- Kundalini (energy) Full Definition →Coiled, dormant energy at the base of the spine—a symbol of untapped potential.
- Mantra Full Definition →A word, phrase, or sound repeated to steady the mind and guide attention.
- Namaste Full Definition →A respectful greeting meaning "I bow to you," often used to close class.
- Niyama Full Definition →Personal observances that shape how we care for ourselves and our inner life.
- Om / Aum Full Definition →A sacred syllable often chanted in yoga, representing universal vibration.
- Sadhana Full Definition →Your dedicated spiritual practice—the daily discipline toward self-realization.
- Samadhi Full Definition →A state of deep integration where the usual sense of separateness softens.
- Samskara Full Definition →Mental impressions and conditioned patterns that shape our perceptions.
- Satsang Full Definition →Gathering in the company of truth—being with teachings that support growth.
- Satya Full Definition →Truthfulness—the second yama, practicing honesty in thought, word, and deed.
- Ahimsa Full Definition →Non-harming or non-violence—toward others, yourself, and the world.
- Yama Full Definition →Ethical guidelines for how we relate to others and the world around us.
Styles & Class Types
The names you see on schedules: different ways to organize movement, breath, and rest.
- Aerial Yoga Full Definition →Yoga using hammocks or silks for support, inversions, and playful movement.
- Anusara Yoga Full Definition →Heart-centered yoga emphasizing alignment principles and uplifting themes.
- Ashtanga Yoga Full Definition →A set-sequence, physically demanding practice that repeats the same series.
- Beginner Yoga Full Definition →Classes designed for newcomers with foundational poses and clear instruction.
- Bhakti Yoga Full Definition →The yoga of devotion—practice through love, chanting, and heart-opening.
- Chair Yoga Full Definition →Yoga adapted for seated practice—ideal for offices or limited mobility.
- Gentle Yoga Full Definition →Slower, softer classes suited for beginners or anyone needing lighter practice.
- Hatha Yoga Full Definition →A foundational style with moderate pace, clear poses, and time to explore alignment.
- Hot Yoga / Bikram Full Definition →Yoga practiced in heated rooms (95–105°F), often following a set sequence.
- Iyengar Yoga Full Definition →Alignment-focused yoga using props and longer holds for precision.
- Jivamukti Yoga Full Definition →A physically vigorous practice blending chanting, philosophy, and ethics.
- Jnana Yoga Full Definition →The yoga of knowledge—self-inquiry and wisdom as the path.
- Kriya Yoga Full Definition →The yoga of action—combining discipline, self-study, and devotion.
- Kundalini Yoga (style) Full Definition →A practice blending movement, breath, mantra, and meditation in structured kriyas.
- Partner Yoga Full Definition →Practice where two people support each other through poses.
- Power Yoga Full Definition →Athletic, strength-building classes with faster pace and challenging sequences.
- Prenatal Yoga Full Definition →Adapted yoga for pregnancy, with modifications for comfort and safety.
- Raja Yoga Full Definition →The "royal path"—the eight-limbed yoga of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
- Restorative Yoga Full Definition →Fully supported poses with lots of props, designed for rest and ease.
- Rocket Yoga Full Definition →A playful, accessible version of Ashtanga with creative sequencing.
- Vinyasa Yoga Full Definition →Breath-synchronized "flow" classes that link poses in creative sequences.
- Yin Yoga Full Definition →Slow, floor-based poses held for minutes to target deeper tissues.
- Yoga Nidra Full Definition →"Yogic sleep"—a guided meditation that brings profound relaxation.
Poses & Breath
The building blocks of any physical yoga class.
- Backbends Full Definition →Poses that open the front body—energizing and heart-opening.
- Balasana (Child's Pose) Full Definition →A restful, kneeling pose often used for recovery or grounding.
- Boat Pose (Navasana) Full Definition →A core-strengthening balance on your sit bones.
- Bound Angle (Baddha Konasana) Full Definition →A seated hip opener with soles of feet together.
- Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) Full Definition →A powerful prone backbend curving like an archer's bow.
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha) Full Definition →A supine backbend that opens the chest.
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana) Full Definition →A kneeling backbend that opens the front body.
- Chaturanga Dandasana Full Definition →A low plank or "yoga push-up" requiring arm and core strength.
- Child's Pose (Balasana) Full Definition →The resting pose—a gentle forward fold that calms the mind.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) Full Definition →A gentle backbend that opens the chest.
- Downward Dog Full Definition →An inverted V-shape that stretches the whole back body.
- Extended Triangle (Trikonasana) Full Definition →A foundational standing pose creating a triangle shape.
- Half Lord of the Fishes Full Definition →A seated spinal twist that wrings out tension.
- Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana) Full Definition →A standing balance expanding in all directions.
- Headstand (Sirsasana) Full Definition →The "king of asanas"—an inversion building strength and focus.
- Heart Openers Full Definition →Poses that expand the chest and front body.
- Hip Openers Full Definition →Poses targeting the hips—where we often hold stress.
- Inversions Full Definition →Any pose where the head is below the heart.
- Kapalabhati Full Definition →Rapid, rhythmic exhales through the nose to energize.
- Locust Pose (Salabhasana) Full Definition →A prone backbend that strengthens the entire back body.
- Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) Full Definition →A deep hip-opening pose stretching the hip flexors.
- Mula Bandha Full Definition →The root lock—a subtle engagement at the pelvic floor.
- Nadi Shodhana Full Definition →Alternate nostril breathing for balance and clarity.
- Plow Pose (Halasana) Full Definition →An inversion stretching the spine and shoulders.
- Reclined Bound Angle Full Definition →A restorative hip opener performed lying down.
- Revolved Chair Full Definition →A standing twist combining Chair Pose with spinal rotation.
- Savasana (Corpse Pose) Full Definition →Final relaxation pose—lying still to integrate the practice.
- Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) Full Definition →The "queen of asanas"—a calming inversion.
- Staff Pose (Dandasana) Full Definition →The foundational seated pose with legs extended.
- Standing Splits Full Definition →A standing balance with one leg reaching toward the ceiling.
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) Full Definition →A flowing sequence of poses to warm up and energize.
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose) Full Definition →Standing tall with awareness—the foundation for all standing poses.
- Twists Full Definition →Rotating poses that massage internal organs and release tension.
- Ujjayi Breath Full Definition →"Ocean breath"—a soft, audible breath used to build heat.
- Upward-Facing Dog Full Definition →A powerful backbend that opens the chest.
- Vinyasa (as transition) Full Definition →The breath-linked movement between poses.
- Virabhadrasana (Warrior Poses) Full Definition →A family of standing poses that build strength and focus.
- Wheel Pose Full Definition →A full backbend arching the body into a wheel shape.
- Wide-Leg Seated Forward Fold Full Definition →A seated hip opener stretching inner thighs.
- Yogi Squat (Malasana) Full Definition →A deep squat opening the hips and groin.
Studio & Training Terms
What you'll encounter as a student, teacher, or studio owner.
- Class Pack Full Definition →A bundle of classes purchased in advance, often at a discount.
- Drop-In Class Full Definition →A single class you can attend without a membership.
- Private Session Full Definition →One-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs.
- Props Full Definition →Equipment like blocks, straps, bolsters that support practice.
- Retreat Full Definition →An immersive yoga experience, often over multiple days.
- RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) Full Definition →Credential indicating completion of a Yoga Alliance-recognized training.
- Unlimited Membership Full Definition →A subscription allowing unlimited class attendance.
- Workshop Full Definition →A focused, often longer session on a specific topic.
- Yoga Alliance Full Definition →The largest international registry for yoga teachers and schools.
- YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) Full Definition →Certification program (typically 200 or 500 hours).
Everyday Yoga
Terms for the off-the-mat side of yoga.
- Breathwork Full Definition →Any intentional breathing practice to shift state.
- Gratitude Practice Full Definition →Consciously noting what you're thankful for.
- Meditation Full Definition →Practices that train attention and awareness.
- Mindfulness Full Definition →Present-moment awareness without judgment.
- Nervous System Regulation Full Definition →Using breath and movement to shift from stress to calm.
- Intention (Sankalpa) Full Definition →A resolve or heartfelt purpose set at the beginning of practice.
- Self-Care Full Definition →Intentional actions to support your health.
- Somatic Full Definition →Body-centered practices that tune into sensation.
- Flexibility & Mobility Full Definition →Range of motion and ease of movement.
- Stress Relief Full Definition →Reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
Ready to Practice?
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