Basic Yoga Terms Every Beginner Should Know

Your Guide to Navigating Your First Yoga Class with Confidence

Starting a yoga practice can feel overwhelming, especially when instructors use Sanskrit terms or unfamiliar phrases. To help you flow through your first class with ease, here’s a breakdown of essential yoga terms every beginner should know.

1. Yoga

Derived from the Sanskrit word yuj (to unite), yoga is a practice that connects the mind, body, and spirit through movement, breath, and meditation. While modern classes often focus on physical postures, yoga’s roots lie in achieving mental clarity and spiritual growth.

2. Asana

Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. Each pose has a Sanskrit name ending in -asana, such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose). These poses build strength, flexibility, and body awareness.

Common Beginner Asanas:

• Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): A foundational pose where the body forms an inverted “V” shape, stretching the hamstrings and shoulders.

• Savasana (Corpse Pose): A relaxation pose performed at the end of class to integrate the practice’s benefits.

3. Pranayama

This term combines prana (life force) and ayama (extension). Pranayama encompasses breathing techniques that regulate energy and calm the mind. A popular method is Ujjayi Breath (Victorious Breath), where you inhale and exhale through the nose while constricting the throat, creating a soothing oceanic sound.

4. Vinyasa

Meaning “to place in a special way,” vinyasa refers to a flowing sequence of poses synchronized with breath. In classes, you might hear “take a vinyasa,” which typically includes moving from Plank to Chaturanga (low push-up) to Upward-Facing Dog and back to Downward Dog.

5. Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

A dynamic warm-up sequence often used at the start of class. Sun Salutations A and B include poses like Forward Fold, Plank, and Cobra, designed to build heat and flexibility.

6. Namaste

A traditional greeting meaning “the light in me honors the light in you.” Instructors often end class with this term, accompanied by hands pressed together at the heart (Anjali Mudra).

7. Drishti

A focused gaze used to improve concentration and balance. For example, in Tree Pose (Vrksasana), you might focus on a fixed point to steady your balance.

8. Mudra

Hand gestures that channel energy. The most common is Anjali Mudra (prayer hands), symbolizing unity and gratitude.

9. Om

A sacred sound chanted at the start or end of class. Representing the universe’s vibration, chanting “Om” promotes mindfulness and connection.

10. Chakra

Chakras are energy centers in the body. The seven main chakras align along the spine, from the Root (base) to the Crown (top of the head). Balancing these through yoga is believed to enhance physical and emotional well-being.

Some other Terms

• Chaturanga: A yoga push-up transitioning from Plank to Upward Dog.

• Hatha Yoga: A slower-paced style focusing on alignment and holding poses.

• Shanti: A Sanskrit word for “peace,” often chanted three times to invoke harmony.

Why These Terms Matter

Understanding these basics helps demystify yoga’s language and deepens your practice. For instance, knowing drishti can improve balance in poses like Warrior III, while mastering Ujjayi breath enhances focus during challenging sequences.

Final Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask instructors for clarification—yoga is a journey, and every yogi starts as a beginner. Roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and embrace the learning process. 

Namaste!