YMCA Yoga Techniques & Instruction 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which yoga pose is typically contraindicated for students with carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
- Plank Pose (Phalakasana) (Correct answer)
- Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Correct answer: Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
Plank Pose places significant weight-bearing pressure on the wrists, which can aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist conditions.
Question 2: In sequencing a yoga class, the term 'apex pose' refers to:
- The opening meditation pose used to center students
- The most challenging or peak posture the sequence builds toward (Correct answer)
- The final resting pose at the end of class
- A pose performed at the highest elevation of the body
Correct answer: The most challenging or peak posture the sequence builds toward
The apex pose is the peak or goal posture of a class, and all preceding poses are designed to warm up and prepare the body for it.
Question 3: Which cue best helps a student activate the core in Plank Pose?
- Relax the belly toward the floor
- Draw the navel gently toward the spine (Correct answer)
- Breathe into the lower back to expand the torso
- Lock the knees and squeeze the glutes only
Correct answer: Draw the navel gently toward the spine
Drawing the navel toward the spine engages the transverse abdominis, which stabilizes the spine and pelvis in Plank Pose.
Question 4: A yoga instructor notices a student forcing a deep backbend and wincing. The best course of action is to:
- Encourage the student verbally to go deeper since discomfort means progress
- Offer a verbal or hands-on cue to reduce the depth and ask how the student feels (Correct answer)
- Ignore it since the student chose to be in the pose
- Demonstrate an even deeper backbend to motivate the student
Correct answer: Offer a verbal or hands-on cue to reduce the depth and ask how the student feels
A responsible instructor prioritizes student safety by offering a modification and checking in verbally or physically when signs of strain are observed.
Question 5: The Sanskrit term 'asana' most accurately translates to:
- Breath control
- Seat or posture (Correct answer)
- Energy channel
- Ethical discipline
Correct answer: Seat or posture
Asana translates as 'seat' or 'posture' and refers to the physical positions practiced in yoga.
Question 6: When sequencing hip-opening poses in a class, which of the following is the safest order?
- Begin with full Hanumanasana (splits) before any warm-up
- Start with gentle hip circles and low lunges before progressing to deeper poses like Pigeon (Correct answer)
- Open with Yin-style poses and move to dynamic standing poses
- Sequence deep hip stretches immediately after a cardiovascular warm-up is unnecessary
Correct answer: Start with gentle hip circles and low lunges before progressing to deeper poses like Pigeon
Progressive sequencing from gentle mobilization to deeper stretches ensures the hip joint, muscles, and connective tissue are adequately warmed before advanced poses.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the function of 'Bandhas' in yoga practice?
- Relaxation techniques used exclusively in restorative yoga
- Internal energy locks that direct and contain prana within the body (Correct answer)
- A series of flowing movements synchronized with breath
- Sanskrit names for the major muscle groups engaged in yoga poses
Correct answer: Internal energy locks that direct and contain prana within the body
Bandhas are internal muscular locks (Mula, Uddiyana, Jalandhara) that are used to direct and retain prana (vital energy) within the body during practice.
YMCA Yoga Techniques & Instruction 3
Which yoga pose is typically contraindicated for students with carpal tunnel syndrome?