Presenter Jenny Loftus facilitates a Q&A based on her previous workshop, All About the SI Joint. Event participants have the opportunity to ask questions in real time and review information that will deepen their understanding of SI joint anatomy and its application(s) in yoga. For reference, the original workshop recording can be found archived on yourya.org or on our YouTube channel.

In the “forest” of the body, the psoas major is a very influential “tree” because it crosses so many joints and significantly impacts the lumbo-sacral-hip complex. For reasons discussed in this workshop, the psoas major can become dysfunctional and contribute to low back and hip problems. Come explore, demystify, and get to know the psoas major in this workshop, which covers anatomy and functions of the psoas major, why it likes to cause trouble, and what we can do about it with wise use of our yoga practice. The event includes both lecture and practice.

Nick and Aaron of Men Care Now, discuss the Yoga for Young Athletes program designed to help yoga teachers communicate and integrate yoga into sports and recovery programs for youth. The conversation also illuminates the benefits of teaching yoga to youth, including how to deliver and structure a class.

Learn about pigeon pose and its applications for strength and useful mobility. This workshop also teaches the difference between passive and active range of motion while guiding participants through movements that distinguish these concepts. Presenter Erin Ehlers discusses the "how to" of this peak pose and adjacent movements to create a practice that amplifies an understanding of strong and mobile hips.

Increase your understanding of spinal anatomy and physiology from a developmental standpoint to our present state of common seated discomfort. This workshop reviews the importance and function of the spinal curves, the role of the SI joint for stability, and the key relationship to the psoas in fostering healthy posture in all positions.

Six anti-gravity muscle groups are strongly used in yoga practice and become even more essential to focus on when working with an aging population. Engagement of these muscles increases postural control and decreases the risk of falls by allowing for greater neck range of motion and peripheral vision. Learn how utilizing and strengthening these muscle groups is essential to improving posture, core support, and head positioning.

Using the pelvic floor musculature as support for the breath and body is often misunderstood. Yoga practitioners are regularly encouraged to engage “Mula Bandha” without an understanding of what is involved, leaving students confused and tense from effort. This workshop shines light on the anatomy of the pelvic basin, creating awareness of physical patterns, and how to use the pelvis as a ground for support and freedom in practice.

In this 75-minutes workshop, presenter Erin Ehlers guides participants through an anatomy and physiology lesson. This experiential class includes simple exercises that enhance the understanding of the spine and core. Both the exercises and lessons reviewed can work wonderfully in yoga classes as smaller pieces of bigger poses.