Many of us are are accustomed to Bikram or Vinyasa Practices where the focus is on flow and building power and strength. A little less known form of Yoga is Yin, the following is just a brief introduction of what it is and why it is worth incorporating it in your practice.
What is Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a restorative practice incorporating long holds, typically 3-5 minutes per hold. It is slower and targets deep connective tissues like your fascia ligaments and joints. It teaches you to breathe through discomfort as you surrender deep into various poses.
Why it is Worth Trying Yin Yoga
1. Lengthens deep connective tissue - we're all guilty of sitting down for long periods of time behind a desk or on the couch. We're often in cramped and constrictive positions which lead to habitual bad posture and sometimes back pain. Nourish your body with Yin Yoga which thoroughly stretches your muscles, tissues and ligaments. The aim is to lengthen parts of the body like your hip flexors which can do wonders.
2. Reduces stress levels - as good as Yin Yoga is for your body, it is also a meditative and restorative practice. With longer 3-5 minute holds, you can focus on your breath as you surrender into your poses. Especially after a stressful day at work, there is nothing better than the stillness you feel after Yin.
3. Because sometimes you're too exhausted for a 75 minute flow class - we've all felt it...you've just finished work and its late but you promised yourself to do a class before heading home. Although a Vinyasa class might be just what you need to sweat it all out, sometimes you just don't have the energy. Yin could be your alternative next time you feel this way. It's slower and less intense but it still gives you the same post class re-invigoration as Vinyasa does.