Glossary
Words a class assumes you know.
Short meanings. You can practice every routine on this site without memorizing them.
- Asana
- A physical yoga posture. The word is Sanskrit. On this site, “pose” and “asana” mean the same thing.
- Pranayama
- Breathing practices. They are separate from the shapes of the poses, though most poses are easier when the breath stays steady.
- Drishti
- A steady gazing point. Looking at one spot, such as your front thumb in Warrior II, helps balance.
- Vinyasa
- Linking poses with the breath, often moving rather than holding. The routines here are slower than a typical vinyasa class.
- Hatha
- A broad word for physical yoga that holds poses. Most beginner classes in the United States are some form of hatha.
- Savasana
- Corpse Pose. The still rest at the end of a practice. It is part of the practice, not the moment you roll up the mat.
- Namaste
- A greeting, often with the palms together. You do not need to say it to practice. Use it only if it feels respectful to you.
- Sun salutation
- A repeating sequence, often including a fold, a lunge, and Downward-Facing Dog. Day 7 of the beginner path is a slow version.
- Alignment
- How the joints stack so a pose is sustainable. It is not a beauty standard. Pain is not a sign of better alignment.
- Modification
- A change that keeps the intent of a pose while fitting your body. Bending the knees in a fold is a modification, not a lesser pose.
- Prop
- A block, strap, bolster, blanket, or wall that makes a pose more precise. Props are tools, not training wheels you must outgrow.
- Bandha
- A traditional internal “lock,” often taught as a gentle lift of the pelvic floor or lower belly. Beginners can skip the locks and simply breathe.
- Mudra
- A hand shape used in seated practice or breathing. They are optional. A relaxed hand on the knee is enough.
- Mantra
- A repeated word or phrase. This site does not assign one. If you want a focus, try silently counting the breath.
- Chakra
- A traditional map of energy centers. You do not need chakra theory to practice the poses or routines here.
- Yin
- A slow style that holds passive poses for several minutes, often on the floor. Legs Up the Wall and Child’s Pose can be practiced this way.
- Restorative
- Supported poses meant for rest, usually with props. The sleep routines lean this direction.
- Neutral spine
- A comfortable curve, not a flat back and not a deep arch. In standing poses, think of the ribs stacked over the pelvis.
- Microbend
- A small, soft bend in the knee or elbow so the joint is not locked. Useful in Mountain, Triangle, and Downward-Facing Dog.
- Foundation
- The parts of you touching the floor: feet, hands, shins, or sitting bones. Press them down before you reach anywhere else.