What will I learn?

Here are the top 5 key points of the course:

The pelvis as the origin of movement: You will learn that the pelvis, not the vertebral column, is the engine of movement. This understanding helps you align your body better and avoid lower back strain.

The importance of preserving natural curves: You will discover how maintaining the natural curves of your spine prevents unnecessary stress and pain, especially in the lumbar region.

Balancing stability and mobility: You will understand how to balance stability and mobility in the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex, allowing you to move with less pain and more control.

Functional relationships in the lower back: You will gain insight into the interconnected relationships between your lumbar spine, sacrum, pelvis, and hip joints, learning how movement in one area affects the others.

The role of emotional and psychological factors in pain: You will explore how emotional stress and psychological factors can contribute to lower back pain, adopting a holistic approach to healing.

Did you know certain yoga cues can actually cause lower back pain?

A lot of this course is about un-learning. If you don't, you risk:

Persistent pain in yoga practice: Without proper guidance, you risk ongoing discomfort in your lower back, hips, and pelvis during and after yoga.

Misaligned movement in poses: Cues like tucking the tailbone in standing poses or backbends create strain and injury.

Weak core stability: The core stabilizes the relationship between the pelvis and rib cage, vital for movement, posture, breath, and even vagus nerve tone, which impacts stress and overall well-being. Training your core is essential for both injury prevention and maintaining physical and emotional health.

Future joint or disc problems: Misalignment increases the risk of developing or exacerbating issues like disc bulges or sciatica.

Ph.D., Physical Therapist Judith Hanson Lasater

Judith Hanson Lasater has taught yoga since 1971. She holds a doctorate in East-West psychology and is a physical therapist. Dr. Lasater is the president emeritus of the California Yoga Teachers Association and is one of the founders of Yoga Journal magazine. She trains yoga teachers in asana, kinesiology, yoga therapeutics, and the Yoga Sutras. She is a pioneer in the teaching and practice of Restorative yoga. Dr. Lasater is the author of eleven books on yoga.

Certified Yoga Therapist Mary Richards

Mary Richards began practicing yoga in 1992, and teaching in 2002. A Phi Beta Kappa, she holds a Master's of Science in Yoga Therapy and a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs. Mary is passionate about sharing her experience in yoga therapeutics and other healing modalities to help others cope with -- and ideally, prevent -- injury. Her first book, Teach People, Not Poses, was published by Shambhala in 2023. She has two grown children and lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, dog, and Penelope, the cat.

Yoga Content Creator Lizzie Lasater

Lizzie Lasater began teaching Vinyasa Yoga in 2005, before earning a Masters in Architecture from Columbia University.

She lives in Salzburg with her partner and twin boys where she produces online yoga courses, leads retreats, writes a free Sunday self-care newsletter, and designs spirit jewelry.

What is the structure of the course?

This course is structured over 7 weeks. Each week contains principles, practice, and integration videos. 


  • Session 1: Introduction
    with Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD

  • Session 2: Hip Joints
    with Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD

  • Session 3: Lumbar Region
    with Mary Richards, MS

  • Session 4: Sacroiliac Joint
    with Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD

  • Session 5: Pelvis and Pelvic Floor
    with Mary Richards, MS

  • Session 6: Therapeutics
    with Mary Richards, MS

  • Session 7: Questions and Answers
    with Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD

Is this course for me?

Are you longing for enrichment, understanding, and relief for your own body on and off the mat?

This course is for you.


Are you a yoga teacher who worries about adapting yoga for students with low back, pelvic and hip issues?

This course is for you.


Have you taken our course Experiential Anatomy but are eager to learn more about the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex?

This course is for you.


Are you new to our work but curious to dive more deeply into movement literacy?

This course is for you.


Course curriculum

    1. Welcome.

    2. Week 1: Class

    3. Week 1: Class Notes

    4. Week 1: Anatomy

    5. Week 1: Anatomy Notes

    6. Week 1: Therapeutics

    7. Week 1: Homework

    8. Week 1: Reading

    1. Week 2: Class

    2. Week 2: Class Notes

    3. Week 2: Anatomy

    4. Week 2: Anatomy Notes

    5. Week 2: Somatic Strength

    6. Week 2: Somatic Strength PDF

    7. Week 2: Therapeutics

    8. Week 2: Homework

    9. Week 2: Reading

    1. Week 3: Class

    2. Week 3: Class Notes

    3. Week 3: Anatomy

    4. Week 3: Anatomy Notes

    5. Week 3: Somatic Strength

    6. Week 3: Somatic Strength PDF

    7. Week 3: Therapeutics

    8. Week 3: Homework

    9. Week 3: Reading

    1. Week 4: Class

    2. Week 4: Class Notes

    3. Week 4: Anatomy

    4. Week 4: Anatomy Notes

    5. Week 4: Somatic Strength

    6. Week 4: Somatic Strength PDF

    7. Week 4: Therapeutics

    8. Week 4: Homework

    9. Week 4: Reading

    1. Week 5: Class

    2. Week 5: Class Notes

    3. Week 5: Anatomy

    4. Week 5: Anatomy Notes

    5. Week 5: Somatic Strength

    6. Week 5: Somatic Strength PDF

    7. Week 5: Therapeutics

    8. Week 5: Homework

    9. Week 5: Reading

    1. Week 6: Class

    2. Week 6: Class Notes

    3. Week 6: Anatomy

    4. Week 6: Anatomy Notes

    5. Week 6: Homework

    6. Week 6: Reading

About this course

  • $450.00
  • 53 lessons

This is a self-paced course

The advantage of digital learning is that you can go at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home. 


You will have access to the course for three years from the day you enroll. That way you can relax and feel spacious with the self-paced material.





"Transformative" is what students say:

  • "The best course you've done to date—outstanding as always! Mary’s drawings, Lizzie’s demonstrations, and Judith’s meditations were fantastic.”

  • "I’m truly grateful for this invaluable course. The teachings have become part of my daily rituals, and the format, with 3 years of access, is exceptional."

  • "For the first time, I fully understood the nature of my pelvic fractures from 20 years ago and incorporated back-bending into my yoga practice without pain. The teachers, Judith, Mary, and Lizzie, are outstanding."

  • "This course transformed how I practice and teach; my students love developing awareness of what their bodies want and need. I’ve noticed a difference in my strength—physically and mentally."

  • "Despite a broken foot, I discovered so much from practicing correct alignment in a chair. Being able to revisit the course for 3 years is a blessing!"

What books do I need?

In this course we reference and assign reading from the following books. Thank you for ordering via our affiliate links:

FAQ

  • What is your refund policy?

    We offer a 95% refund policy. Just email us within one week of enrolling, and we can reverse the charge (minus third party credit card fees) back onto your credit card. No questions asked.

  • When does my access expire?

    3 years. So you can exhale and take your time with the material.

  • I'm not a yoga teacher, can I still take this course?

    Yes! This course is mostly experiential, so it's perfect for serious students or teachers to deepen their own practice.

  • Can I receive Yoga Alliance credit?

    Yes! We are a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. At the end of the course you will receive a certificate of completion for 30 non-contact hours. After that, you can request continuing education credit from Yoga Alliance or an equivalent organization.

  • Do I need any additional materials?

    We suggest the following props: 1 sticky mat, 2 bolsters, 1 eye cover, 2 blocks, and 6 firm blankets

  • I have a different question. Who can I contact?

    We are happy to answer your enrollment questions. Please email Sarah for Lasater.Yoga here: [email protected]

Start your journey today!

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