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Savasa . . . what?

Originally from India, yoga is now a popular practice found all over the globe. Yoga uses the Indian language, Sanskrit, to describe the poses performed on the mat. However; as the practice has become popular in English-speaking countries, English words now accompany the Sanskrit pose names.

The word yoga means “unifying the spirit with meditation and concentration.” But, what about the other yogi terms you heard your instructors use in your last class? Well, we’re here to provide a quick reference guide so you aren’t left behind on the mat next time.

Mountain pose

Sanskrit:Ìýtadasana, which stems fromÌýthe SanskritÌýtadaÌýmeaning “mountain”

English: mountain pose,Ìýas you are channeling the stillness and height of a mountain

Benefits:ÌýThis seemingly simple standing pose tightens the core, strengthens thighs and knees, and stabilizes breath. It’s also said to improve confidence and posture.

Boat pose

Sanskrit: paripurnaÌýnavasana, which partially translates to “entire” and “complete”

English: boat pose,Ìýbecause you resemble well, a boat, balancing on your sacrum

Benefits: ridding stress to helping with digestion, all while stimulating the kidneysÌýand improving the spine

Bow pose

Sanskrit:ÌýDhanurasana hails from theÌýSanskrit word, Dhanu, which means “bow.” It also refers to the asana meaning “pose.”

English: Bow pose,ÌýbecauseÌýthe shape you make in the pose resembles an archer’s bow. Your arms are the bowstring and your trunk is the frame.

Benefits:ÌýAn intense backbend that also opens your chest, strengthens the back, and stretches the body. This pose also helps stimulate your organs.

Cobra pose

Sanskrit:ÌýBhujangasanaÌýemerges from the word, bhujanga, in Sanskrit, which means “cobra”

English:Ìýcobra pose . . .Ìýduring this pose your form resembles the raised head of a cobra

Benefits: it helps open your heart and strengthens the spine, but it also stimulates abdominal organsÌýand has been said to soothe sciatica

Corpse pose

Sanskrit:ÌýsavasanaÌýcomes from the word, sava, which means “corpse.”ÌýIt can also be referred to as mrtasanaÌýwhich translates to “death.”

English:Ìýcorpse pose . . .Ìýthis one requires a lot of concentration and meditation to be as still and silent as, well, a corpse

Benefits:Ìýnot only does this pose help relax the entire body, but it can help you sleep and relieve stress

Happy baby pose

Sanskrit: ananda balasana fromÌýananda which means “blissful” and bala or “baby”

English:Ìýhappy baby pose,Ìýbecause babies perfected this fun and happy roll-around move

Benefits: besides feeling awesome on your back, this pose also helps stretch your inner groin

Downward dog

Sanskrit:Ìýadho mukha svanasanaÌý=ÌýadhoÌý(downward), mukhaÌý(face), and svanaÌý(dog)

English:Ìýdownward dog, because the pose resembles how a dog looks while stretching

Benefits:Ìýanything from energizing the entire body to helping reduce high blood pressure

Half moon pose

Sanskrit:ÌýArdha chandrasanaÌýemerges from ardha meaning “half” and candra or “a shining moon in the sky”

English: half moon pose,Ìýbecause as youÌýbalance on one leg and arm your body resembles a half moon

Benefits: you’ll stretch out your shoulders and chest in this pose along with strengthening your buttocks and thighs

Fish pose

Sanskrit: matsyasana which is derived from the word, matsya,Ìýmeaning “fish”

English:Ìýfish pose,Ìýbecause if you tried it in the water (lying on your back with your chest held up and the top of your head touching the water), you’d float in the water like a fish

Benefits: toÌýstretch the muscles around your rib cage, while also strengtheningÌýyour throat muscles and enhancing your posture