Learn Yoga Anatomy: Anatomy of the Hip

Learn yoga anatomy with me! This lesson is a live excerpt where I teach a part of the anatomy of the hip section from my 200-hour teacher training program. (And if you're an educator you can purchase the student handout, presentation, and trainer notes that I use here to teach this curriculum yourself).

In this lesson, you learn about the anatomy of the hip. A healthy hip is essential to functional movement. Yoga is a very special practice because - unlike our usual movements of walking, sitting, or running - we move the hip in all directions.

We explore the structure of pelvis, investigate the muscles that work on the hip, and feel how these muscles work in asana. Understanding the anatomy of the hip will give you the understanding necessary to teach all yoga poses and yoga flows more safely and effectively and will also set a foundation for understanding sequencing and alignment.

By the end of this lesson, you will:
- Describe the general anatomy of the hip, including boney structure and key muscles
- Demonstrate how the shape of your bones (human variation) will impact the expression of yoga postures
- Cue to counteract bad posture by opening your hip flexors effectively
- Describe how activating your hip stabilizers can support the practice of asana

Want more?

Find me on social media @rachelscottyoga

Live to learn, learn to live. Disclaimer: Yoga is a physical practice and can cause injury. Not all movements/exercises presented here will be suitable for everyone and in no way constitute medical advice. The practitioner assumes all liability for injury, and understands that they practice solely at their own risk

[brittanyjewell]

Is this seriously all free educational content?! Thank you!

[YogawithAliBeale]

It's such a gift you shared this with the world. I wish I had this detail in my training. Even at 500 hours there was a lot missing. But fortunately I can geek out here and just keep the journey going.

[quodlibetful]

I am 81 and still teaching yoga. I have taken many anatomy classes in my life. I only wish I had your class many years ago. It is the best I have had because your presentation makes the anatomy make sense in real life movements. You also give ways to remember the information and then most importantly how to use it. I am enjoying every one of your presentations. Thank you for providing this important information.

[SVTTER]

I seriously love this woman. The way she shares information is effective and entertaining. And I don’t even think she’s trying to be captivating. She just is!

[billystanbridge]

Rachel, you are my go to when I need to clarify any aspect of yoga. Thank you sooo much for giving your time and knowledge to the global yoga community. And thank you for always making us smile with your wit and humour. 🙏

[YasminY]

You make the human body make sense. You have a great gift of teaching! The way you simplify and give detailed examples is brilliant ! And then connect everything together and it just makes sense. Thank you for the time and effort you put in sharing all your videos with the world. You're wonderful !

[lisamonn.]

Thank you so much for this Video! Was really enjoyable to watch and really inspiring for my own teaching 🙏

[pratikjain]

This was such an amazing video. I’m in love with your content. Thank you for all this.

[lilmuva]

I am in a 200 hour YTT program right now and this is useful!! (Also the "sounds like a starbucks drink" comment was hilarious!

[seoulbookclubbarrywelsh]

Thank you so much. I'm doing a ytt just now and these videos really help me study a lot. Thanks again

[takemethemountains]

Thank you🙏🤍 Never thought I'd love anatomy so much. Love the video.

[NhiTran-skut]

I've just found your anatomy videos today. They are fantastic. Thank you so much for generously sharing your valuable knowledge with the world.

[yogagai]

Thanks so much. For great anatomy class !

[irreverentjules-]

Rachael this is such a beautiful visual demonstration of yoga anatomy. I am a long time massage therapist and just finished my Yoga teacher training, and am so delighted to have found you to keep me sharp in both. Thank you, thank you!

[shane-os]

You're a bloody legend and a wealth of knowledge. I love hearing the explanations of certain conditions, weaknesses, why the hip moves in a way because of the muscles. Would love to see strengthening videos from you regarding soreness in certain areas that can be "fixed" by strengthening. i.e your blown out knee - work on your booty! Will look at your other videos. cheers

[FCPCPF]

I am a latecomer to your videos. They are brilliant. I love how you connect the muscles to the issues we have in Asanas . Ex: Why the toes in the lifted leg in Vira 3 are always turned out. 44:52 You are also funny, which makes the sessions light-hearted and so easier to absorb. Much gratitude.

[Boutchou]

My god that was so interesting a well explain with a little bit of humour.

You are a great teacher and i'm greatefull for finding this video before starting my 200HR training. It help a lot

Love from france ❤

[naturalnaibiza]

I just want to say THANK you for this work. In my ypga cours 200 i felt like lack of information about anatomy.Im so happy folowing you!

[gayatris]

what an explanation mam... love u....so interesting to know so many muschles bones helps us to live healthy life...thank u for sharing this video 😍

[inbalefargan]

You teach it in such an interesting and informative AND clear way, thanks so much, never knew anatomy could be fun!!!
You mentioned how the muscles are connected, I used to go hiking a lot, and once I got into yoga I started having pain in my hip/thigh adductors. I wonder if it comes from somewhere else, like what could be tight/weak and cause that...