Yoga Lingo: Essential Yoga Vocabulary in English

Even when practising yoga in your native language, it can feel like learning a new language due to the Sanskrit origins of many terms. For non-native English speakers, it can be challenging to teach a class or follow instructions when the language is unfamiliar. Here’s a quick guide to help you familiarise yourself with common yoga words and phrases, making it easier to feel comfortable during your initial yoga classes.

Yoga is a universal practice, but having a good grasp of essential vocabulary can make a significant difference when teaching or participating in classes in English.

Whether you’re an instructor guiding a diverse group or a practitioner looking to deepen your experience, here’s a thorough guide to key yoga terms and phrases in English.

Types of Yoga

Understanding the different types of yoga is the first step in navigating this ancient practice. Each type of yoga has its unique characteristics and benefits, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. Knowing the distinct styles can help you choose the right class or tailor your instructions to meet the needs of your students.

• Hatha Yoga: A gentle introduction to basic yoga postures.
• Vinyasa Yoga: A series of poses that flow smoothly into one another.
• Ashtanga Yoga: A rigorous style of yoga following a specific posture sequence.
• Bikram Yoga: Also known as hot yoga, it consists of 26 challenging poses practised in a heated room.
• Iyengar Yoga: Focuses on alignment and uses props like belts and blocks.
• Kundalini Yoga: Combines postures, breathing exercises, and chanting to awaken energy.
• Yin Yoga: A slow-paced style of yoga with seated postures that are held for longer periods.

Common Yoga Poses (Asanas)

Knowing the names and instructions for common yoga poses in English is essential for instructors and practitioners. Poses, or asanas, form the foundation of yoga practice and understanding their English names and descriptions can greatly enhance your ability to teach or follow along in a class. Let’s look at vocabulary related to different yoga poses in English.

Standing Poses

• Mountain Pose (Tadasana): “Stand tall with your feet together, arms at your sides.”
• Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): “Step one foot back, bend your front knee, and raise your arms overhead.”
• Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): “Open your hips, extend your arms parallel to the ground, and gaze over your front hand.”

Balancing Poses

• Tree Pose (Vrksasana): “Place the sole of your foot on your inner thigh and bring your palms together at your chest.”
• Eagle Pose (Garudasana): “Wrap one leg over the other and cross your arms in front of you.”

Seated Poses

• Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): “Sit with your legs extended, and reach for your toes.”
• Staff Pose (Dandasana): “Sit with your legs straight out in front of you and your hands by your hips.”

Backbends

• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): “Lie on your stomach and lift your chest off the ground.”
• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): “Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips.”

Inversions

• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana): “Lie on your back and lift your legs and hips towards the ceiling.”
• Headstand (Sirsasana): “Balance on your forearms and the top of your head with your legs extended upwards.”

Restorative Poses

• Child’s Pose (Balasana): “Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward.”
• Corpse Pose (Savasana): “Lie flat on your back and relax your entire body.”

Key Body and Movement Verbs

Understanding the key verbs related to body movements is crucial for clearly instructing and following yoga sessions. These verbs help precisely describe how to move, position, and engage different body parts, making the practice more effective and safe.

• Bend: “Bend your knees slightly.”
• Stretch: “Stretch your arms above your head.”
• Lift: “Lift your hips towards the ceiling.”
• Lower: “Lower your body slowly.”
• Extend: “Extend your right leg behind you.”
• Rotate: “Rotate your torso to the right.”
• Inhale/Exhale: “Inhale deeply, and exhale slowly.”
• Relax: “Relax your shoulders away from your ears.”
• Align: “Align your head, neck, and spine.”
• Engage: “Engage your core muscles.”

Practical Phrases for Yoga Instruction

Having a repertoire of practical phrases can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your yoga instructions. These phrases help in smoothly guiding students through sequences, ensuring proper alignment, and encouraging mindfulness throughout the practice.

• Warm-Up: “Let’s begin with a gentle warm-up to prepare our bodies.”
• Transitioning: “Transition from Downward Dog to Plank Pose.”
• Adjustment: “If you need to, use a block to support this pose.”
• Breathing: “Focus on your breath; inhale to lengthen, exhale to deepen the stretch.”
• Encouragement: “Remember, it’s okay to take a break if you need it.”
• Alignment: “Keep your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.”
• Modifications: “Feel free to modify this pose by bending your knees.”

Whether teaching or practising yoga, mastering these essential English terms and phrases will help you confidently navigate classes. Understanding the names of poses, types of yoga, and key movement verbs ensures clear communication and enhances the overall yoga experience. Namaste!

Are you a Yoga Enthusiast? Master your Yoga English Vocabulary with BELS

If you want to improve your English language skills further, specifically in yoga, consider booking a personalised English course at BELS English Language Schools in Malta and Gozo. We offer specialised programs focusing on yoga vocabulary to help you teach or practice yoga more easily and precisely. We also provide a unique Yoga and English course package that combines language learning with yoga sessions, perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in both disciplines. Email us at [email protected] to learn more and take the next step in your yoga and English journey.