PAPER 2026 EXAM
◉ The primary goal of practicing Asana in yoga philosophy is:
Answer: Preparing the body for meditation
◉ The 4-7-8 breathing technique is particularly useful for: Answer:
Reducing stress and anxiety
◉ Which muscle group is primarily responsible for hip flexion
during seated forward folds? Answer: Hip flexors
◉ What is a key benefit of backbends in yoga? Answer: Encouraging
spinal decompression and chest expansion
◉ In Ustrasana (Camel Pose), which alignment cue is not
appropriate? Answer: Let the head drop back fully without control
◉ In Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog), what is an
important alignment cue for the wrists?
Keep wrists slightly behind the shoulders
Stack wrists directly under the shoulders
,Rest forearms on the mat
Keep fingers pointing towards the back Answer: Stack wrists
directly under the shoulders
◉ Explain the difference between spinal flexion and spinal
extension. Answer: Flexion is forward bending of the spine,
decreasing the angle between vertebrae. Extension is backward
bending, increasing the angle.
◉ What is the primary action of the hamstrings during a forward
fold like Paschimottanasana? Answer: The hamstrings stretch as the
pelvis tilts forward over the femur.
◉ Why is engaging the quadriceps important in seated forward
folds? Answer: Engaging the quads helps release the hamstrings and
prevent knee hyperextension
◉ A student with tight hamstrings struggles in seated forward folds
and rounds their lower back. What are two alignment cues or
modifications you would offer? Answer: Possible answers: Use a
strap, bend the knees slightly, focus on tilting the pelvis forward,
engage the core, sit on a block or bolster, etc.
◉ The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body,
connecting the ______ to the ______. Answer: Hip and Knee
,◉ Which of the following is true about Kapalabhati Pranayama?
Answer: It is also known as Skull Shining Breath
◉ What is the suggested amount of time for Savasana if you are
teaching a 60-minute sequence Answer: 5-7 minutes
◉ List 4 poses you can do to warm up to teach the following peak
pose:Natarajsaana Answer: cow, bridge, warrior 2, triangle
◉ What is the primary purpose of sequencing in a yoga class?
Answer: To guide students safely and intentionally through a
practice
◉ The pelvic floor is made up of: Answer: Layers of muscles that are
hammocked at the bottom of the pelvis
◉ The muscular energy of the legs in backbends helps to: Answer:
Create stability and protect joints
◉ During Sirsasana (Headstand), proper alignment should
prioritize: Answer: Core and shoulder engagement
, ◉ In sequencing, what does it mean to build your class around a
"peak pose", and why is this useful? Answer: It means to build a
sequence of poses that will warm up the body and prepare the
student to get into the designated peak pose. This type of
sequencing is useful because it builds on itself, and prepares the
class of all levels to attempt the posture safely.
◉ What are the five movements of the should joint? Answer:
extension, flexion, abduction, adduction, rotation
◉ Identify two safety considerations when teaching inversions such
as Sirsasana or Ardha Pincha Mayurasana. Answer: 1) shoulder-
elbow platform 2) core engagement
◉ Describe in your own words the meaning of what Samskaras are
Answer: Samskaras are emotional impressions that develop through
past experiences, thoughts, and emotions. They're like grooves on
the mind that become our tendencies and habits. It's important to be
aware of them, so that we can be mindful and have more agency
about our patterns and how we show up in life.
◉ What is the main purpose of Pratyahara in yoga? Answer:
Withdrawing from external distractions and turning awareness
inward