Buzz
Just as ballet dancers must grasp a few French terms, and runners should know how to pronounce the Swedish word 'fartlek' without bursting into laughter, those practicing yoga will benefit from understanding the Sanskrit and other terms commonly used in yoga classes and instructional videos.
For seasoned yogis, I'd love to hear about the terms that stumped you when you first started, and any tips you have for beginners to help them follow along in their initial sessions. Meanwhile, here are some terms everyone should get acquainted with:
Namaste: A traditional Indian greeting meaning 'I bow to the divine within you.' It is often used at the beginning and end of yoga classes; just press your palms together and bow your head. (Simply follow the lead of others around you.)
Vinyasa: A continuous sequence of poses, flowing smoothly from one to the next.
Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Yin, Iyengar: These are different styles of yoga. This guide can help you decide which one suits you best.
In yoga, poses are known as asanas, with the emphasis on the first syllable, which sounds like 'aah.' Some poses have familiar English names, while others are just as likely to be referred to by their Sanskrit names.
Downward Facing Dog: A classic yoga pose where your palms rest on the floor and your hips lift towards the sky. This is one you'll encounter frequently.
Sun Salutation: A series of movements starting from a standing position, bending forward, moving into a plank, and returning to stand. It has variations, but here’s a video showcasing one common version.
Tadasana: A simple pose where you stand tall, often referred to as Mountain Pose.
Chaturanga: This is like a pushup, but you pause halfway down. Give it a try if you’re able.
Updog: Not a joke, we promise! Short for Upward Facing Dog, where your shins are on the ground, and your chest lifts up. It's similar to Cobra Pose—here’s a comparison photo of both.
Utkatasana (Chair Pose): A pose that resembles a squat, but with a more graceful form. Imagine sitting in an invisible chair, or, if needed, pretend it’s a barstool.
Virabhadrasana (Warrior I, II, III): These standing poses involve different foot placements and orientations. In Warrior I, you position one foot in front of the other, facing forward like in a lunge. Warrior II turns your chest to the side, and Warrior III is a one-legged balancing pose. Here’s a guide to all three.
Savasana: Often called Corpse Pose, this is where you lie on your back, doing absolutely nothing. Many yoga sessions conclude with a long Savasana. Don’t worry, the instructor hasn’t left the room—probably. You can open your eyes if you're curious.
