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Asana Categories

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Yoga Techniques & Fitness Yoga Techniques and Fitness

Overview

In this lesson, we present the major categories of asana, exploring how poses are organized by their primary actions and effects on the body.

Objective

Become familiar with the different types of poses—forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions, balances, and standing poses—and understand their unique benefits and applications.

What You'll Get

You'll get a practical map of how poses work and why sequencing matters. Each category offers distinct physical, energetic, and mental effects, from the grounding quality of forward bends to the invigorating nature of backbends. For your own practice, this knowledge helps you make intentional choices about what your body needs on any given day. For teachers, therapists, and trainers, it's a foundational tool for designing balanced, effective sequences and adapting practice to individual needs.

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