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.
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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
- 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
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 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 A physically vigorous practice blending chanting, philosophy, and ethical teaching.
- Anusara Yoga Heart-centered yoga emphasizing alignment principles and uplifting themes.
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) A family of standing poses that build strength, stability, and focus.
- 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.
- 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 Rapid, rhythmic exhales through the nose to energize and cleanse.
- Nadi Shodhana Alternate nostril breathing for balance, calm, and mental clarity.
- 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.
Studio & Training Terms
What you'll encounter as a student, teacher, or studio owner—from class formats to teacher credentials.
- RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) Credential indicating completion of a Yoga Alliance-recognized training program.
- YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) A certification program (typically 200 or 500 hours) to become a yoga instructor.
- Yoga Alliance The largest international registry for yoga teachers and schools.
- Drop-In Class A single class you can attend without a membership or series commitment.
- Class Pack A bundle of classes purchased in advance, often at a discount.
- Unlimited Membership A monthly or annual subscription allowing unlimited class attendance.
- Private Session One-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Workshop A focused, often longer session on a specific topic or practice.
- Retreat An immersive yoga experience, often over multiple days in a special location.
- Props 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) A resolve or heartfelt purpose set at the beginning of practice.
- Gratitude Practice Consciously noting what you're thankful for—common in yoga contexts.
- Self-Care Intentional actions to support your physical, mental, and emotional health.
- Nervous System Regulation Using breath and movement to shift from stress response to calm.
- Somatic Body-centered—practices that tune into physical sensation and inner experience.
- 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.
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