Vocabulary

General Yoga Terms

Intention - Generally, students are asked to set intentions for their practice at the beginning of every class. This term simply means for the student to decide what he wants from the class. It can include joy, peace in stressful times, strength, a solution to a problem, etc.

Asana - Sanskrit for the poses that the physical aspect of yoga uses.

Sukasana - Easy seated pose, aka criss-cross applesauce, in which most classes begin.

Pranayama - The voluntary use of breath that is controlled to calm nervous system and regulate the body.

Prana - Energy

Savasana - The literal translation is corpse pose. Practice ends in savasana giving the student a time of quiet, relaxed rest.

Engage - Students are often asked to engage specific muscles. This action is simply flexing the muscle.

Aerial Yoga Terms

Hammock - The fabric which hangs from the ceiling.

Plumb Line - The place in which the hammock is in a neutral position.

Hang - Where the fabric is placed against the body to support weight and movement.

Wrap - Specific ways fabric goes around body parts to provide stability. Most often used in the more physically challenging times of class.

Index Finger Thumb Webbing - Connection between the two fingers that is often used to maneuver hammock.

 Etiquette & Props

Etiquette

Purity is another aspect of the yogic tradition. Therefore, students are asked to attend classes with a mindfulness of personal hygiene, free of any strong odors (including perfumes/colognes) that may disturb other students. Also, classes are taken in bare feet.

Depending on the location, props may differ. Here is a list of commonly used props:

mat - Yoga mats are highly varied in price thickness and material. The key is that they allow the student to practice without fear or discomfort of slipping.

blanket - Blankets are often used to assist students by giving them a slight tilt or support in asanas. They can also be used to aid in comfort by placing them under bony parts of the body.

straps - Straps closely resemble the belts found on the waists of children growing up in the 70's and early 80's. They allow for more length when students are stretching muscles.

blocks - Blocks are generally made out of foam or wood. These props are used to slightly support weight so that students can go deeper in specific poses.

bolsters - Bolsters are used most often in restorative yoga poses, but can also be used to give a student a more relaxed feeling in some seated poses, allowing the muscles to lengthen further.

eye pillows - Some students enjoy using eye pillows during savasana. They are general filled with rice and frangranced using essential oils.