Course Overview — 40 Hour Training — Musculoskeletal System for Yoga

THE SPINE AND TORSO
Movements that involve the spine play a fundamental role in yoga. Bending, stretching, tilting and rotating movements of the spine can be facilitated or limited, involving one or more vertebrae at different points. During the course, we organize the information about the body's movements in a gradual way, engaging in analysis of the different phenomena of importance in terms of each specific movement.

THE UPPER TORSO AND LIMBS
--- SHOULDER GIRDLE: ELBOWS, WRISTS, HANDS
The shoulder area is one of the most mobile in the body. However, its movement may often become limited in range. This part introduces certain features of shoulder anatomy which are useful to know for yoga postures, as well as certain common pathologies and their effects on mobility. Some time will be used for analysis to examine the connections of these structures with the bones and elbow joints (pronosupination), the wrist and the hand (extrinsic muscles).

THE LOWER TORSO AND LIMBS
--- THE HIP
This is a key joint used to perform many asanas and transitions. The wellbeing of the neighbouring parts, knee and lumbar spine in particular depends on the ease and freedom of movement of the hip. In this section, we explore the factors that can help ease movement of the hip, and how they can provide benefits when practicing yoga.

--- THE KNEE
Moving between the needs of the hip and the foot, which connects the lower limb with the ground, the knee, an intermediate joint on the lower limb, is sometimes "taken hostage" when performing yoga postures. This part of the course evaluates the factors that can put the knee at risk or protect it during yoga practice, as well as examining practical implications

--- THE ANKLE AND FOOT
- Tripod Support. We examine and describe the ankle and foot, along with their structures and roles, and above all, the way they work in the two most commonplace situations that arise when performing asanas in yoga practice.
- We take a look at seated postures, which require great flexibility, and how to perform them without improperly stretching the ligaments. This part also covers standing postures which require stable support through the "tripod" of the foot
 

METHODOLOGY:
The working method created by Blandine Calais-Germain (Montessori alumni) is multi-sensorial and has been experimented and taught in the Anatomy of movement® school for already forty years. A lot of importance is given to the practice, and each course builds a pedagogy that is specific to each theme explored.

Participants are guided in a path to assimilate anatomy contents in a multi-sensorial and fun way with body routines and exercises. During the workshop the anatomy textual references are explored through practical exercises of recognition with anatomical models, selective coloring, palpation of anatomical references, drawings, observation of anatomical illustrations or illustrations of the corresponding movements.

The study of the contents is based on numerous experiences in relation to the analysis of some yoga postures. In the Wellco Yoga Anatomy® training program, the practical experiences are also designed for didactical purpose, specific goals, and focused on the actual application of anatomy during a yoga class.
Taking into account the summary aspect of the program, some postures and transitions will be used to introduce information of a more universal nature

about the anatomy, the analysis of the movements, and the personalized adaptations of other asanas.

This course is based on the following books from Blandine Calais-Germain:
'Anatomy for movement, Introduction to the analysis of body techniques - Volume 1'
'Anatomy for Yoga, Muscles and yoga'
In case of owning one or the other, it is advised, although it is not

essential, to bring them to the course. Some copies of these and

other Blandine Calais-Germain books will be available for sale

during the course (at Sala Wellco).

PEDAGOGICAL MEANS OF THE WELLCO YOGA ANATOMY® CYCLE:
• Anatomical models (* FOR SOME PARTS OF THE BODY)
• Access to anatomy atlas or anatomy posters.
• Installation of certain anatomy elements in the models.
• Selective coloring of anatomical drawings.
• Wall images that show regions, movements or postures.
• Thematic presentations in PowerPoint, app, videos or printed articles by Blandine Calais-Germain and their team of teachers when available.
• Practice in group of two or three people supervised by the teacher, with correction among students.

THEMATIC MANUAL THAT CONTAINS:
• Course program
• Drawings to consult, complete or color.
• Original texts of Anatomy for the Movement® to deepen specific topics.