Search My account

Explore Courses

YogaRenew: Beginner Breathwork Class Online

Course program

Breathing 101 is a self-paced online course from YogaRenew, designed as an introduction to the anatomy of breathing. Taught by yoga anatomy educator Joe Miller, the course breaks down how the respiratory system, diaphragm, and surrounding muscles work, then invites students to explore those concepts through guided practice sessions integrated into their own yoga practice.

This course is open to anyone curious about how breathing works — no prior background in anatomy, science, or yoga is required. It’s particularly useful for yoga teachers seeking continuing education hours and a deeper understanding of respiratory mechanics, but the lessons are written to be accessible to students at every level, including those new to yoga.

The curriculum builds a systematic foundation in the structure and function of the respiratory system. Students learn why the body needs oxygen, how breathing is regulated, and what role the diaphragm and ribcage play in each breath. The course then examines how the muscles of the core — including the pelvic floor and the abdominals — affect breathing patterns, and what diaphragmatic breathing really means in physiological terms.

Alongside the conceptual lessons, three experiential video practice sessions guide students through exploring these mechanisms in their own bodies. Each session uses simple cues to help integrate the anatomical learning into yoga practice or teaching. A yoga mat, blanket, or bolster can be useful but is not required. By the end of the course, students should be able to explain the basics of breathing, identify the major muscles involved, and apply that understanding to their own practice and to how they teach others.

The course is led by Joe Miller, an anatomy and physiology educator who has taught yoga teachers and students around the world for many years. Joe has been particularly focused on breathing since one of his first anatomy courses as a student, and he volunteered as a research subject in a study on the effect of pranayama on the brain.

The course is fully online and self-paced, delivered through video lessons with anatomical illustrations and three video practice sessions. Access is provided through YogaRenew’s Ether subscription, which also includes the school’s wider library of workshops and series. Students can move through the lessons at their own speed and revisit the material as needed while their subscription is active.

The curriculum builds a systematic foundation in the structure and function of the respiratory system. Students learn why the body needs oxygen, how breathing is regulated, and what role the diaphragm and ribcage play in each breath. The course then examines how the muscles of the core — including the pelvic floor and the abdominals — affect breathing patterns, and what diaphragmatic breathing really means in physiological terms.

Alongside the conceptual lessons, three experiential video practice sessions guide students through exploring these mechanisms in their own bodies. Each session uses simple cues to help integrate the anatomical learning into yoga practice or teaching. A yoga mat, blanket, or bolster can be useful but is not required. By the end of the course, students should be able to explain the basics of breathing, identify the major muscles involved, and apply that understanding to their own practice and to how they teach others.

Keep practicing with YogaRenew

All courses

More breathwork courses

More courses