Yoga Poses

Yoga Poses & Anatomy

By Marissa Hazel

Yoga Poses

Yoga uses all muscles in the body. Many poses may appear relaxed. However, when done mindfully, many muscles in the body are engaged.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is TRUE?

• yoga uses few muscles

• yoga uses all muscles in the body

Mountain pose activates your quadriceps (front of thighs), hamstrings (back of thighs), and back muscles.

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Mountain Pose

Multiple Select

Mountain pose uses which of the following muscles?

• quadriceps (front of thighs)

• hamstrings (back of thighs)

• back muscles

Forward fold stretches your hamstrings (back of thighs) and calves.

The spinal muscles and hip muscles support help support the pose.​

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Forward

Fold

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Multiple Select

Forward fold STRETCHES which muscles?

• hamstrings (back of thighs)

• calves (gastrocnemius)

• neither of these

Warrior I (one) uses many muscles. The major muscles include the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, latissimus (back) and rectus abdominus (abs). This pose engages the deltoids to raise the arms.

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Warrior I (One)

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Multiple Choice

What is the name of the pose previously mentioned that uses many major muscle groups, including those in the legs, torso, and arms?

• Forward Fold

• Mountain Pose

• Warrior I

Warrior II (two) uses the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles in the neck. It also uses the pectoralis minor and deltoids to keep the arms raised.

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Warrior II (Two)

Multiple Choice

Warrior II pose is achieved by turning the neck to face front. Which muscles are used to do this?

• sternocleidomastoid

• scalene

• neither of these

• both of these

Cat and Cow pose begins in all fours pose. It uses the erector spinae (back muscles) and the rectus abdominus (abs). The triceps (back of arm) are also used.

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Cat and Cow Pose

Multiple Choice

Which pose begins in all fours pose, and uses the back and abdominal muscles?

• cat and cow pose

• mountain pose

• forward fold

Knees to chest pose is achieved lying down and crunching in the legs. This pose uses the abdominals, pectorals (chest muscles), quadriceps (front of thighs), and neck muscles. The arm muscles pull the legs into the body.

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Knees to Chest Pose

Multiple Choice

Which pose seems like it wouldn't use a lot of muscles but actually uses the abdominals, quadriceps, arms, neck, and chest muscles to achieve the pose?

• knees to chest pose

• warrior II

• warrior I

Yoga can be a full body workout! There are many active poses that use many different muscles. The length of holding each pose can intensify the workout.

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In Conclusion