YOGA FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
SPECIALIZATION COURSE
Gain a profound knowledge of the body's mechanics, physiology and bio-mechanics and how to use this knowledge in the yoga practice.
Learn how to prevent injuries in the practice of asana and learn some methods that can help you improve those injuries.
Integrate this knowledge in your self practice or with your students in the yoga classes and use It to refine and adapt the practice to their needs.
Enrich your communication and intervention with your students in the yoga classes.
EMBODIED YOGA ANATOMY CERTIFIED - 100H
YOGA FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY SPECIALIZED COURSE
CERTIFIED BY THE EMBODIED YOGA ANATOMY - 100 HOURS
EIGHT SEMINARS OF THEORY AND PRACTICE OF YOGA FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2026 AT LISBOA YOGA LOFT, PORTUGAL
YOGA FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
Understanding human anatomy and body mechanics is a fundamental component of both yoga practice and teaching. For practitioners and teachers alike, anatomical knowledge serves as an essential tool for developing a safe, effective, and sustainable practice.
One of the primary objectives of this program is to cultivate the ability to adapt yoga practice to the individual structure, condition, and limitations of the body. Anatomy is presented in a clear and concise manner to facilitate its practical application within yoga classes. By studying bodily function in depth and across multiple levels, participants can enhance both their personal practice and their teaching methodology. This anatomical foundation enables a more therapeutic and individualized approach to yoga, supporting the appropriate use of adaptations and modifications across all levels of practice and diverse student conditions.
In addition, this program supports yoga teachers in refining their communication skills and improving the quality of their pedagogical interventions with students.
Function cannot be separated from structure; therefore, the study of human anatomy and physiology is essential.
The course addresses osteology, myology, and arthrology through a regional approach, examining specific areas of the body in relation to corresponding asanas. Participants will explore the factors that limit movement by studying muscular chains, biomechanical relationships, myofascial tensegrity, and joint restrictions. The curriculum also includes an overview of common musculoskeletal pathologies, strategies for injury prevention within yoga practice, and the use of alternative asana variations to accommodate these conditions.
A comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics not only supports the physical dimension of yoga practice (asana), but also contributes to mental, emotional, and energetic well-being. The program further emphasizes the intelligent use of yoga props—including bricks, yoga belts, bolsters, chairs, etc—to enhance practice, support safe alignment, reduce unnecessary strain on vulnerable areas of the body, and encourage a more refined and integrated practice.
This course is designed for yoga practitioners and teachers who seek to deepen their knowledge of Yoga Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics. It does not adhere to or promote any specific yoga tradition or method, and participants from all backgrounds are welcome. The primary aim of the program is to develop functional body awareness and embodied intelligence, enabling students to improve their asana practice while gaining a clear understanding of movement mechanics, mobility, and individual physical limitations.
The course is predominantly practical in nature and is supported by an appropriate theoretical framework. It may be understood as an experiential laboratory for the study of anatomy within the context of yoga.
This course is not a yoga teacher training program; rather, it is a specialized course for practitioners and teachers who wish to advance their studies in Yoga Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics.
PROGRAM
EYA SEMINARS - YFA I
INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY & TO THE PRACTICE
ANKLES, FEET & ARCHES
KNEES
PELVIC GIRDLE & HIPS
SPINE I
SHOULDER GIRDLE
HANDS, WRISTS & FOREARMS
POSTUROLOGY & BODY READING I
Read more about the EYA seminars
OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE
. Gain a profound knowledge of the body's mechanics, physiology and bio-mechanics and how to use this knowledge in the yoga practice.
. Learn how to prevent injuries in the practice of asana and learn some methods that can help you improve those injuries.
. Integrate this knowledge in your self practice or with your students in the yoga classes and use It to refine and adapt the practice to their needs.
. Enrich your communication and intervention with your students in the yoga classes.
SYLLABUS
THEORY
. Concepts of Anatomy
. Osteology
. Myology
. Arthrology
. Mobility axis
. Body-Mechanic relations
. Integrating anatomy in asana
. Relation of the diaphragm with the practice
. Common pathologies
. Preventing injuries in the asana practice
. Relating the anatomy with posture
. Scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis related with the asana practice
. Tensegrity
. Body reading and postural evaluation
PRACTICE
. Muscular evaluation
. Mobility evaluation
. Limitations and constraints in the yoga practice
. Intimate relation of the connective tissue with flexibility
. Asana practice related to the body's anatomy and bio-mechanics
. Corporal awareness
. Applied relation of the diaphragm with the practice
. Working with movement and related muscles
. Palpatory anatomy
. Movements in planes and axis
. Body reading and postural evaluation
. It's expected that the students will keep a regular weekly study and practice during the Course period.
CALENDAR 2026
The Course will run from August to December
First part (four seminars):
AUGUST 11 to 20 (15 and 16 are free days)
Second part (four seminars):
DECEMBER 4 to 14 (8 and 10 are free days)
NOTE: this calendar is for the same Course not two Courses!
SCHEDULE
AUGUST AND DECEMBER 2026
First days of each part (Aug 11 and Dec 4):
14h30 to 17h.
Last days of each part (Aug 20 and Dec 14):
9h30 to 12h30.
Every other days:
9h30 to 12h30 and 14h30 to 17h.
Mornings - Practice around the seminar's theme / observation of the asana's anatomy / alignment and adaptations
Afternoons - Theory around the seminars theme / functional anatomy and bio-mechanics / body reading / palpatory anatomy
. The content of this schedule is liable to changes according to the Course requirements.
APPLICATION
. Candidates will be expected to have a minimum of two years of regular practice before they emerge in this Course.
. This program is aimed for Yoga practitioners and teachers. It's advised to have some basic knowledge of asana practice and be familiar with the names of the poses.
. Be at least 18 years old.
ATTENDANCE
. Students must attend a minimum of 80% of the course either face-to-face or online.
. In the case of the online modality, the student must always have the camera turned on during the practice so the teacher can correct or give directions.
. If students attend less than this minimum or do not meet these requierments they will have to agree with the teacher which modules they must repeat. The school reserves the right to charge additional fees for repeated modules.
PAULO MUIÑOS
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN AND YOGA TEACHER
I’ve recently finished the first edition of this course and my understanding of the human body and its biomechanics has increased exponentially.
I’ve managed to overcome a hip and a shoulder injury with what I’ve learned during the course.
Not to mention that Hugo Abecassis is an outstanding pedagogue and an extremely honest teacher.
I strongly recommend it!
EXAMS AND ASSESSEMENTS
Candidates for the Functional Anatomy in Yoga Course, in order to have the final certification, must complete the following exams and assignments:
. A final written exam, this will be a multiple answers exam.
. An oral exam on Functional Anatomy. The student will give a brief presentation about a chosen joint, explaining the function, movement details and and some inserted muscles.
. Delivery of a final work on functional anatomy in Yoga.
. There will be several homework sheets during the course which also count for evaluation.
. The evaluation is ongoing so the involvement and commitment to study and practice during the course will have a major impact on the assessment.
. Candidates who may fail any of the exams should be encouraged to re-appear for a second assessment.
ACCREDITATION
. This Course has the requirements set by the school Embodied Yoga Anatomy, demonstrating that the course maintains a high standard.
. Our graduates are eligible to announce and use their accreditation as a sign of Yoga Functional Anatomy quality training.
- At the end of the course, the EMBODIED YOGA ANATOMY school delivers a certificate of completion -
This is a continuous study and practice, check our CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE COURSE
. Training and assessments by a qualified Yoga Teacher and Osteopath.
. A manual and other appropriate documentation or teaching material.
. 100h certificate by the EMBODIED YOGA ANATOMY.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE
. Flights, accommodation and food.
READING
Mandatory:
. The Anatomy of Movement - Blandine Calais-Germain
Recommended:
. Anatomy of Hatha Yoga – H. David Coulter
. The key poses of Yoga - Ray Long
. The key muscles of Yoga - Ray Long
. Anatomy Trains - Thomas W. Myers
. Atlas of Human Anatomy - Frank H. Netter or any other Atlas of Anatomy
TEACHER
Hugo Abecassis is a Yoga instructor and a professional Osteopath from Portugal.
He teaches Yoga courses, workshops and anatomy lectures in different countries all over Europe and Asia.
Every year he travels to Asia (mainly India) to continue his exploration, study and practice of Yoga.
Founder of the Embodied Yoga Anatomy and the Yoga Functional Anatomy Course.
Read more about Hugo's bio
WHERE
This Training will be conducted at the beautiful Lisboa Yoga Loft located in Principe Real in the center of Lisbon. It has plenty of art galleries, museums, restaurants and gardens to visit.
It’s an extremely well equipped studio. Very cozy, silent and with an amazing view to the charming Botanic Garden.
Address:
Rua Nova de São Mamede 56, 4th left.
Lisbon - Portugal
PRICES
EARLY BIRD (until February 28) - 2100€ (save 420€)
NORMAL PRICE (Can be payed in two parts) - 2520€
. First payment (until April 30) - 1260€
. Second payment (until July 31) - 1260€
RESERVATION
. Your place will be officially reserved after one of the above payment is completed and the application form submited.
REFUND POLICY
The Course payment will be refunded if:
. The cancellation is made up to 60 days before the Course starts. 20% of the Course's full price will be retained for administrative expenses.
. 30 days before the start of the Course and until the end of this Course, no refund will be guaranteed.
In exceptional cases of a doctors note submitted for medical absence, the refund can be applied towards future classes, workshops or courses.
- Please note that there's a minimum number of students required to proceed with this Course, If that number is not achieved the teacher and school reserves the right to cancel or postpone the Course one month before It starts and refund the students that already applied -
FAQ
Is this course exclusively for yoga teachers?
No. The course is open to both practitioners and teachers, provided that participants have a minimum of two years of regular yoga practice.
Is the course offered online or in person?
The course is offered in both online and in-person formats simultaneously. Participants may choose to attend the course entirely online, entirely in person, or through a combination of both modalities, depending on their availability.
Is it necessary to be an Iyengar practitioner or teacher to attend the course?
No. Although the practical component of the course is primarily based on the Iyengar method and other functional approaches, the course does not adhere to or promote any single yoga tradition or methodology. Practitioners and teachers from all yoga backgrounds are welcome.
The presence of participants from diverse traditions enhances the learning experience by providing a broader range of examples of how yoga postures are performed and adapted.
How can I apply for this course?
To apply, applicants must contact the course via the official email, indicating their intention to enroll. A place in the course is confirmed once the application form has been submitted and the course fee has been paid.
May I attend the course if I have an injury?
Yes, provided that the injury does not prevent the participant from engaging in movement and physical exercise. Certain physical limitations or injuries may be used as practical case studies during the course to explore alternative approaches and pose modifications.
How many levels does the course include?
The course consists of three levels. Each level constitutes an independent course comprising 100 hours of training. Upon completion of each level, participants receive certification for that specific level. Progression to subsequent levels is optional; however, Level II is open only to participants who have completed Level I, and Level III is available only to those who have completed Level II.
What are the EYA seminars?
EYA seminars are educational programs offered by the Embodied Yoga Anatomy School. While many of these seminars are included within the Yoga Functional Anatomy Course, not all are. Each seminar may also be delivered as an independent workshop.
What certification is awarded upon completion of the course?
Upon successful completion of each level, the Embodied Yoga Anatomy School awards a certificate of completion corresponding to the total hours completed: 100 hours for Level I, 200 hours upon completion of Level II, and 300 hours upon completion of Level III.
This course meets the standards established by the Embodied Yoga Anatomy School, ensuring a high level of academic and professional quality. Graduates are entitled to use and publicize their certification as evidence of advanced training in Yoga Functional Anatomy.
CARLA BACELAR
YOGA TEACHER
In my path as a Yoga teacher I dealt with plenty of people with distinctive and demanding physical conditions. I felt It was a responsibility to help them in a professional and serious way.
Without a doubt It was in this Course that I found efective answers.
This knowledge allowed me to feel safer and confident to help my students in a wise and adaptable way.
For some years, I've been dedicating myself to teaching yoga but I see myself essentially as a practitioner, a student at the beginning. It's great to find myself in this condition in this Course.
Hugo is without a doubt one of the best teachers I've come across on this path.
We spend two days exploring the foot and ankle and I'm eagerly waiting the next modules.
I initiated my Yoga path 12 years ago but I always felt and empty knowledge regarding the human body.
Participating in this Course allowed me to see beyond the appearances and gather strategies to develop my performance as a therapist.
I understand the effort and dedication that Hugo had to teach this Knowledge with brilliance and simplicity.