Advanced Studies Program :: Yoga Anatomy Course

Here is what some current and former students have to say about Leslie Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy training:

“Leslie Kaminoff was one of my most influential teachers. His intellect and vast understanding of yoga are truly inspiring. He is THE guru of breathing -- opening your eyes to this profound aspect of yoga. A must for all serious yoga teachers -- I encourage all my teachers to take his course!”
—Beverley Foster, co-owner, BeYoga

“If you’re a yoga teacher, and even if you’re not, L.K.’s class will fundamentally change the way you teach and/or practice yoga. It did for me. Leslie is wonderful at demystifying complex subjects and making them readily accessible-- both on an intellectual academic level and on a tangible experiential level. What’s more, he’s refreshingly non-pretentious and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure everyone’s on the same page.”
—Suzanne A., yoga teacher

“Leslie Kaminoff reveals an unmistakably unique and profound insight into the workings of human anatomy, and its practical application in daily life. He presents the material with articulate clarity, and with an infectious passion for the subject matter.”
—Andy Sugerman, yoga teacher

Leslie Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy

Course description

The subject of human anatomy holds an endless fascination for many of us, yet its study can easily become a frustrating process of memorizing, and then quickly forgetting countless details. Yoga provides a singular opportunity to the anatomy student because it shows us which details are important to focus on, and integrates those details into a unified vision of human existence. It is the specific intention of this course to provide a creative and engaging learning environment that will make the course material a living, breathing part of our personal and professional lives.

This course provides a practical grounding in the essentials of the anatomy and physiology of yoga practice with a particular emphasis on the relationship between breathing and healthy spinal function. To that end, each trimester covers the material from a different perspective. The fall session focuses on the anatomy and pressure mechanics of breathing, the three diaphragms and the thoracic and abdominal muscles. The winter session covers the evolution and anatomy of spinal mechanics, the development of postural support and articular freedom. The spring session deals with yoga physiology, balance and equilibrium and hands-on techniques of yoga therapy and assisted practice.

Each 11 to 13-week trimester is a self-contained unit, so the course can be started at the beginning of any of the three trimesters. Some of the topics that will be covered in-depth are:

The evolution, structure and function of the spinal column
The evolution and function of breathing, and its relation to spinal movements
The anatomy and physiology of the diaphragm and respiratory mechanism
Breath as the integrating principle of posture, movement and yoga practice

Yoga Anatomy Course Outline (Preliminary)

Fall Session - The Diaphragms and Respiratory Anatomy

Pressure Systems - Space Moves Through Us - Integrating and Isolating
Body Tissues, Directions, Terms and Definitions
The Diaphragm - Simple Relations
The Diaphragm - Actions of Inhaling
The Diaphragm - Complex Relations and Actions of Inhaling
The Abdominal Wall and Ribcage - Active and Passive Exhaling
The Pelvic Floor - Layers of Foundation
The Vocal Diaphragm - Regulating Space, Speech and Sound
Introduction to the Bandhas - Release and Action at the Three Diaphragms

Winter Session - The Spine, The Joints and Respiratory Anatomy

A Brief History of the Spine
Simple Relations of Back and Forward Bends
Axial Rotation, Lateral Flexion
Axial Extension - Mahamudra
Integrating Breathing and Movement
Yoga and the Knee - Balancing Stability and Mobility
Yoga and the Foot - Foundations and Arches, Contact and Space
Yoga, the Shoulder and the Hand - Support Without Strain

Spring Session - Physiology and Hands-on Techniques and Practice

Fundamentals of Yoga Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology of Touch - Developing Basic Skills
Working with the Abdomen - Breaking Down and Building Up
Working with the Ribcage
Samasthiti - Standing on Two Feet - Falling Back, Falling Forward
Anatomy of a Yoga Sequence - Fallbacks, The Warrior Series, Practice and Assists
Arm Supports and Shoulder Work - Down Dog, Up Dog, Stick and Plank
Twisting and Neuromuscular Releases - Working with the Breath and the Senses
Inversions, Counterposes and Compensation

Enrollment in the Yoga Anatomy Course is open to anyone with a basic understanding of anatomy, and an interest in human movement. The course will include weekly homework assignments, which will be submitted via e-mail.

The course fee includes all required classroom hours, course materials and homework grading. Upon successful completion of course requirements, a certificate will be issued by The Breathing Project, Inc., a nonprofit educational corporation. The number of hours of each student’s participation in the course will be clearly stated on each certificate, and course hours can be applied to any of the Yoga Alliance categories of R.Y.T. standards.

The originator of the course, Leslie Kaminoff, is an innovative yoga educator and breathing therapist inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized and sought-after specialist in breath anatomy who has led workshops for many of the leading yoga associations and schools in America. He currently practices yoga and breathing therapy in New York City and Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Leslie’s is the co-founder of The Breathing Project.