Yin Yoga is a very slow form of Hatha Yoga, which is what you tend to think of as ‘normal yoga’. Yin was introduced to the West by Paulie Zink in the 1970s. The style was then modified by Paul Grilley and more latterly by Sarah Powers.
The pace of Yin is a lot slower than other styles of yoga, typically holding poses for between 2 to 5 minutes at a time. This leads to the misconception that Yin Yoga is easy – it’s really not! For almost everyone, it’s a real physical and mental challenge to sit still for 3 minutes and hold a pose or stretch at the same time!
Yin Yoga still uses a combination of breathing and movement and focuses on the connective tissues of the body, such as tendons, ligaments and fascia found deep in the soft tissues. These tissues can get tight and stiff as we age, and our muscles get tight if we focus solely on ‘Yang’ exercise which moves the muscles rhythmically and repetitively, creating a restricted body.
Benefits of a regular practice
- Increases circulation and improves muscle flexibility
- Calms and balances the mind and body
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Releases fascia
- Encourages deeper relaxation
- Improves joint mobility
- Brings balance to the organs through meridian stimulation
In the physical sense, Yang activities would include exercises like running, cycling or more vigorous yoga styles, whereas Yin activities would be much slower and calming. The practice of Yin Yoga seeks to counterbalance the challenges of an active lifestyle, calm the brain and release tension and energy blockages within the body. And not only do you improve your muscle flexibility, but you will also improve your joint mobility.
So, if you need a bit of stretchy de-stress in your life, from Sept, Ad Astra is bringing Yin Yoga classes to you! Once a month, we will be offering a small face to face class in Carterton, West Oxfordshire, plus online via Zoom.
Be there. Your future self will thank you for it.
Book your Yin Yoga class on the bookings page, or message me via the Facebook page with any questions.
Yin Yoga is a very slow form of Hatha Yoga, which is what you tend to think of as ‘normal yoga’. Yin was introduced to the West by Paulie Zink in the 1970s. The style was then modified by Paul Grilley and more latterly by Sarah Powers.
The pace of Yin is a lot slower than other styles of yoga, typically holding poses for between 2 to 5 minutes at a time. This leads to the misconception that Yin Yoga is easy – it’s really not! For almost everyone, it’s a real physical and mental challenge to sit still for 3 minutes and hold a pose or stretch at the same time!
Yin Yoga still uses a combination of breathing and movement and focuses on the connective tissues of the body, such as tendons, ligaments and fascia found deep in the soft tissues. These tissues can get tight and stiff as we age, and our muscles get tight if we focus solely on ‘Yang’ exercise which moves the muscles rhythmically and repetitively, creating a restricted body.
Benefits of a regular practice
- Increases circulation and improves muscle flexibility
- Calms and balances the mind and body
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Releases fascia
- Encourages deeper relaxation
- Improves joint mobility
- Brings balance to the organs through meridian stimulation
In the physical sense, Yang activities would include exercises like running, cycling or more vigorous yoga styles, whereas Yin activities would be much slower and calming. The practice of Yin Yoga seeks to counterbalance the challenges of an active lifestyle, calm the brain and release tension and energy blockages within the body. And not only do you improve your muscle flexibility, but you will also improve your joint mobility.
So, if you need a bit of stretchy de-stress in your life, from Sept, Ad Astra is bringing Yin Yoga classes to you! Once a month, we will be offering a small face to face class in Carterton, West Oxfordshire, plus online via Zoom.
Be there. Your future self will thank you for it.
Book your Yin Yoga class on the bookings page, or message me via the Facebook page with any questions.