Yoga and Movement Cues Vocabulary 1

Vocabulary terms and definitions derived from core yoga and movement alignment cues.

Stand tall

An instruction to stand upright with proper vertical alignment.

Crown of your head

The top part of the head, which is reached upward to help lengthen the spine.

Lengthen your spine

A physical cue to elongate and stretch the back.

Tuck your tailbone

A postural cue to adjust the pelvic position and lengthen the lower back.

Engage your core

The action of activating the muscles of the torso and abdominal region for stability.

Engage your buttocks

An instruction to activate or contract the gluteal muscles.

Focus your gaze

A direction to fix one's vision on a single point to aid stability and concentration.

Downward Facing Dog

A yoga posture referenced as a starting position from which to transition to Plank Pose.

Plank Pose

A yoga posture that is transitioned into from Downward Facing Dog.

Inhale to lengthen

A breath control cue to draw breath in while extending the body.

Exhale to deepen the stretch

A breath control cue to release breath while moving further into a stretch.

Rotate your torso

An instruction to twist or turn the upper body and trunk to one side.

Modify a pose

Adjusting or altering a yoga posture, such as bending the knees, to suit individual physical needs.

Use a block

Utilizing a supportive yoga prop to assist in supporting a pose.