Anatomical Geography: Respecting Skeletal Proportions in Asana
Where do you find a tuberosity, trochanter or malleolus? How do we figure out sacral width or clavicular length? How does any of this pertain to asana practice or instruction?
Knowledge of skeletal anatomy is immensely useful for those of us who teach and practice asana, especially when offering modifications, since people come in all shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the palpable and visible bony features of our skeletal anatomy provide us with valuable information about the movement and orientation of our joints. From the foundation of the skeleton, we can offer anatomically correct and functional movement instructions, offer safe and effective assists to our students, and place props to support the body properly in asana.
Join Mary Richards, M.S., ERYT500, and yoga therapist, for an applied lesson in skeletal proportions as they apply to alignment. From the bony landmarks of joints, we will explore the dynamic relationship between the central nervous and musculoskeletal system in an active whole-body series.
Who is it for?
Yoga teachers, yoga practitioners - anyone interested in learning more about anatomy.
Attendance and Replay
This workshop will be recorded should participants not be able to attend the live session. The link to the recording will be accessible for 6 months.
Meet the Teacher
Mary's teaching is informed by the perspectives and understanding gained in credited coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, kinesiology, cadaver dissection and therapeutic movement. She earned a master of science in yoga therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is registered as a certified yoga therapist with IAYT, and also a certified iRest Level 1 teacher. Her scope of practice includes physical postures, breathing exercises, restorative yoga, and mindfulness techniques such as meditation and heart-centred communication.
Mary primarily studies with Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., PT. She serves as Judith's senior anatomy and therapeutics teaching assistant at workshops around the United States. Judith, Lizzie Lasater, and Mary co-teach several digital courses. She has authored a book, Teach People, Not Poses, which invites us to get the lay of our anatomical land and find our own pathways on the mat.
