RYT-200 key terms

A physical posture practiced in yoga. Classical texts describe it as a steady, comfortable seat, but modern classes use many poses to build strength, flexibility, balance, and awareness of the body.

A way of linking postures so each movement matches an inhale or an exhale. The word also names classes built on continuous, breath-synchronized flow rather than long static holds.

The practice of guiding the breath through specific rhythms, ratios, or nostril techniques. It is one of the eight limbs and is used to steady the mind and regulate energy.

A breathing technique that gently narrows the back of the throat, creating a soft, ocean-like sound. It slows the airflow and helps set a steady pace during flow practice.

A chosen gazing point used during a pose to steady attention. Common points include the tip of the nose, the thumbs, the navel, or a spot across the room.

An internal lock made by contracting specific muscles, traditionally at the pelvic floor, lower belly, or throat. Bandhas are used to support core connection and breath control.

A resting pose lying on the back with arms and legs relaxed. It typically closes a class and lets the nervous system settle; it is a real part of practice, not filler.

The words a teacher uses to guide students into, through, and out of postures. Good cues are brief, well-timed, and describe directions a student can actually feel.

A pose chosen to balance the effect of the one before it, such as a gentle forward fold after backbends. It helps the body return toward neutral and prevents overworking one area.

A dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. When it contracts it flattens and moves downward, drawing air into the lungs and driving normal breathing.

A hammock of muscle at the base of the pelvis that supports the organs and helps control urination and bowel movements. It coordinates with the diaphragm during breathing.

A deep muscle running from the lower spine through the pelvis to the inner thigh. It bends the hip and links the trunk to the legs, so tightness can affect posture and back comfort.

Four small muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. Poses that load the arms overhead or in plank depend on them, and poor alignment can strain them.

The body's sense of where its parts are in space, based on receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints. It lets students find alignment without looking and improves with practice.

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that supports rest, digestion, and recovery. Slow breathing and long, supported holds tend to activate it.

A continuous web of connective tissue that wraps muscles, bones, and organs. It carries force through the body and can stiffen with disuse, limiting range of motion.

Joint range of motion beyond typical limits because the surrounding tissue is unusually flexible. It calls for stability and control work instead of pushing deeper into stretches.

A classical text of short aphorisms attributed to Patanjali. It lays out the eight limbs and defines yoga as stilling the fluctuations of the mind.

A Sanskrit phrase usually translated as the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind. It appears in the opening of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as the definition of yoga.

The eight-part path described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: ethical restraints, observances, posture, breath control, withdrawal of the senses, concentration, meditation, and absorption.

The first limb of yoga, made up of ethical restraints about how a practitioner treats others. The five yamas include non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-possessiveness.

The second limb of yoga: personal observances about how one treats oneself. The five niyamas are cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, and surrender to something larger.

Non-harming in thought, word, and action. In a class it shows up as offering options, respecting limits, and never pressuring a student to push past safety.

Contentment with what is already present rather than grasping for more. As a niyama, it invites students to work with their current body instead of comparing themselves to others.

The final limb of yoga, describing a deeply absorbed state where the sense of a separate self grows quiet. It is presented as the fruit of sustained concentration and meditation.

Five layers or sheaths said to make up a human being, moving from the physical body to the bliss body. The model reminds teachers to address more than just anatomy.

The boundary of what a yoga teacher is trained and qualified to do. It generally excludes diagnosing injuries, prescribing treatment, or replacing medical and mental health care.

Explaining what a practice or hands-on touch involves so a student can choose freely. It includes naming risks and accepting a refusal without pressure or comment.

The limits a teacher keeps in relationships with students to protect safety and trust. They cover touch, personal disclosure, social contact, and money.

An approach that assumes some students may have experienced trauma. It offers choice, predictability, and clear language, and avoids surprise touch or pressure to close the eyes.

Ongoing training that keeps a teaching credential current. Registration bodies such as Yoga Alliance require teachers to log a set number of hours over a set period.

Showing a pose so students can see what is being asked. Teachers weigh when to demonstrate, when to describe, and how to keep the whole room in view.

Physically guiding a student's body toward better alignment or support. It requires consent, skill, and awareness of injuries, and should never be assumed welcome.

The main posture a class is designed around. Earlier poses warm up and prepare the body for it, and later poses help the body wind down.

Alternative versions of a pose that change leverage, support, or range of motion. Offering them lets students with different bodies stay safe and still be challenged.

A short, positively worded intention chosen at the start of practice. It gives the session a direction and is often revisited during rest at the end.

Continuously looking around while teaching to check safety, effort, and understanding. It helps a teacher notice who needs a prop, an option, or a rest.