We are reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Are you ready to bend into the lingo that’ll make you a savvy yogi?

Discover these 30 essential terms and slay your next yoga sesh with newfound wisdom.

It’s time to talk the tranquil talk! Let’s unravel the yoga talk treasure trove.

Must-Know Yoga Terms, Phrases and Slang:

  1. Asana
  2. Bandha
  3. Chakra
  4. Drishti
  5. Hatha
  6. Mantra
  7. Mudra
  8. Namaste
  9. Prana
  10. Pranayama
  11. Savasana
  12. Surya Namaskar
  13. Vinyasa
  14. Yoga mat
  15. Yogi
  16. Alignment
  17. Bhakti
  18. Core
  19. Downward Dog
  20. Flow
  21. Kundalini
  22. Meditation
  23. Om
  24. Pose
  25. Restorative
  26. Sequence
  27. Tadasana
  28. Ujjayi breath
  29. Warrior
  30. Zen

#1 Asana

The term used for any of the physical postures practiced in yoga; these range from simple seated positions to more complex poses requiring flexibility and strength. Asanas are the building blocks of most yoga practices.

#2 Bandha

A term for the body locks in yoga that are used to control and regulate the flow of energy and assist in maintaining certain postures. There are three primary bandhas: Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Jalandhara Bandha.

#3 Chakra

Chakras are conceived as an energy centers within the body, each corresponding to different physical and spiritual functions. There are seven main chakras, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.

#4 Drishti

Drishti is a focused gaze or concentrated intention used in yoga practice to develop concentrated attention and spiritual insight. Each asana has a prescribed drishti, which aids in balance and meditative focus.

#5 Hatha

Hatha is a branch of yoga that emphasizes physical exercises to master the body along with mind exercises to withdraw it from external objects. The word Hatha means forceful, alluding to its physical techniques.

#6 Mantra

A mantra is a sacred utterance, a sound, a syllable, word, or group of words believed to have psychological and spiritual power. Mantras may be chanted, sung, or silently repeated in meditation.

#7 Mudra

A Mudra is a symbolic hand gesture used in yoga and meditation practices to direct energy flow within the body. Each mudra has a specific purpose and can promote different states of mind, such as calmness, clarity, or energy. Common mudras include Gyan Mudra (for wisdom) and Anjali Mudra (for reverence).

#8 Namaste

Namaste is a traditional Indian greeting or gesture of respect, made by bringing the palms together before the face or chest and bowing. In yoga, it is often used at the beginning or end of classes as a sign of respect and a symbol of gratitude and connection between the teacher and students.

#9 Prana

Prana is the Sanskrit word for life force or vital energy, which permeates all living things. In yoga practice, controlling the flow of prana through breathing techniques and meditation is believed to improve health and increase vitality.

#10 Pranayama

Pranayama refers to the practice of breath control in yoga. It’s composed of various techniques that are designed to regulate the breath, which is thought to help control the mind and maintain physiological balance.

#11 Savasana

Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose, is a restorative posture typically practiced at the end of a yoga session. It encourages total relaxation of the body and mind, allowing practitioners to assimilate the benefits of their practice.

#12 Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is a series of twelve yoga poses performed in a sequence to honor the sun. It is often used as a warm-up routine to build heat in the body and prepare it for further asanas.

#13 Vinyasa

Vinyasa is a style of yoga that links breath and movement into a flowing sequence of poses. This dynamic form of yoga is known for its cardio effect and ability to improve strength and flexibility.

#14 Yoga mat

A yoga mat is a specially designed mat that provides cushioning and traction for yoga practices. It helps define one’s personal space, provides comfort, and prevents slipping while performing yoga asanas.

#15 Yogi

A yogi is a person who practices yoga and follows the path of yoga as part of their spiritual, physical, and mental discipline. The term can apply to anyone engaged in regular yoga practice, regardless of their level of proficiency.

#16 Alignment

In yoga, alignment refers to the precise way in which the body should be positioned in each pose to maximize benefits while minimizing the risk of injury. Proper alignment is crucial for effective practice and involves positioning the limbs, joints, and torso in a way that aligns with the structural integrity of the body.

#17 Bhakti

Bhakti in yoga is the path of devotion and love toward the Divine, or one’s chosen representation of divinity. This spiritual practice emphasizes a personal relationship with the divine, in contrast to purely physical or meditative approaches.

#18 Core

In yoga, the core refers to the muscles around the abdomen, back, and pelvic area. Strengthening the core is essential for improving posture, balance, and stability, and is a focus in many yoga poses and sequences.

#19 Downward Dog

Downward Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, is a foundational yoga pose that resembles an inverted V shape. It stretches the back, opens the chest, and strengthens the arms, making it a key component of many yoga flows.

#20 Flow

Flow, often referred to as Vinyasa, in yoga, is a dynamic style that sequences poses together synchronizing with the breath. It creates a smooth transition between postures, resembling a dance-like movement, enhancing physical and mental fluidity.

#21 Kundalini

Kundalini Yoga is a practice aimed at awakening the Kundalini energy situated at the base of the spine. It involves specific sets of exercises (kriyas), meditation, chanting, and breathing techniques to elevate consciousness.

#22 Meditation

Meditation in yoga is a practice of focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. It involves techniques such as mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

#23 Om

Om (or Aum) is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Indian religions. In the practice of yoga, chanting Om is believed to unify the chanter with the universe while slowing the body and calming the mind. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions.

#24 Pose

In yoga, “pose” refers to the specific positions that the body is put into during practice to promote physical strength, flexibility, and mental concentration. Each pose, or asana, has unique benefits and a Sanskrit name.

#25 Restorative

Restorative yoga is a gentle style focused on relaxation and healing, using props like yoga bolsters and blankets to support the body in poses that are held for an extended period, typically 5-20 minutes.

#26 Sequence

A sequence in yoga is a structured series of poses that flow from one to another. Sequencing is designed with specific intentions, such as opening a particular part of the body or focusing on a certain energetic effect.

#27 Tadasana

Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, is a foundational standing yoga pose that teaches proper alignment and posture. It is often used as a starting position for standing poses and can help improve balance and stability.

#28 Ujjayi breath

Ujjayi breath, also known as “oceanic breath,” is a breathing technique employed in yoga in which inhalations and exhalations are done through the nose with a slight constriction in the back of the throat, creating a soothing sound.

#29 Warrior

The Warrior poses are integral to many yoga practices, enhancing physical and mental discipline and integrating the narrative of inner strength and combat against personal struggle.

#30 Zen

Zen, often associated with a school of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes rigorous meditation-practice, insight into Buddha-nature, and the personal expression of this insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others. In yoga, Zen can influence practices focusing on mindfulness and meditation, guiding yogis toward a peaceful and insightful state of mind.

Yoga

FAQ

What are some Yoga terms for beginners?

“Asana,” “Pranayama,” and “Savasana” are some Yoga terms beginners should start with. These help understand basic poses, breath control, and relaxation techniques in Yoga.

What are some funny Yoga terms?

“Downward Dog” and “Happy Baby” are some funny Yoga terms that add light-heartedness to the practice with their playful names reminiscent of pets and children.

What is a famous Yoga phrase?

“Namaste,” is a famous Yoga phrase, often used to end a practice, signifying respect and acknowledging the divine spark within everyone, connecting the individual with the universal.

Meet Rev, one of our dedicated team members who embodies the essence of sports passion. When he’s not immersed in the world of sports content creation, Rev is busy honing his skills in esports and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and basketball.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments