Yin yoga is a slower, quieter form of yoga. Poses are held longer (sometimes up to five minutes each), and focus on the connective tissue--ligaments, tendons and fascia--around the joints. The intention is to increase blood flow and circulation in the joints, thus increasing flexibility and range of motion. Also, by embracing stillness, yogis learn to cultivate an “inner witness”, that is, the ability to observe what arises within without feeling the need to fix it, reject it, judge it or deny it. More flexible body, more flexible mind!
By Kate Duyn on Apr 26, 2022
By request, a yin/restorative practice for days (or evenings) when you really need to chill. Tons of hip, hamstring and quadriceps opening, but also love for your shoulders and upper back. It can't all be yang, yogis! Gotta stay balanced. Enjoy!
By Jamie Monte on Mar 23, 2022
Spring is a time to thrive. Yoga can help us be fully present and engaged as we shift seasons and are open to new perspectives. How we move, how we breathe, and what we eat can help us embrace this transitional time of year. This practice is about lightening up and clearing out. The liver and gallbladder are the organs that support the cleansing process. Lemon essential oil is a cleansing oil. Peak poses - Bananasana, figure 4.
By Jamie Monte on Feb 7, 2022
A yin practice to revitalize. Winter-inspired. In this practice, we will work with the superficial back line of fascia where the kidney and urinary bladder meridians flow. Backbends increase energy and energy reserves. Forward bends help restore energetic reserves, calm the fear response and other habitual reactions. For this practice, you will need a blanket, bolster, strap, 2 blocks, and a wall. Peak poses - Toe squat, reclined hand to big toe pose.
By Jamie Monte on Jan 30, 2022
In the yin practice, we want to feel something - not too much and not too little. Comfortably uncomfortable in most poses. We are looking to create healthy stress on the deep tissues in the body -the yin tissues. They respond and become more resilient with this type of training rather than with movement which is what our muscles or yang tissues need. Props can help us relax and tell our nervous system we are safe. Bolster, blankets, blocks, strap, chair, wall. Get creative with your props at home - use a tie from your robe as a strap, stiff couch cushion, or pillow as a bolster. Use books for blocks!
By Jamie Monte on Jan 13, 2022
This morning practice will help you get up on the best side of the bed. On a physical level, yin yoga is most effective when our muscles are cold so we can reach the deeper layers of the body. Coupled with mindfulness, and guided Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing, this is a great way to start your day and set yourself up for more ease in your physical body and clarity in your mind.
By Jamie Monte on Jan 1, 2022
Yin yoga offers the opportunity to find a profound release of tension in the deeper lying tissues in the body and can significantly increase your range of motion. In this class, Jamie introduces you to the 3 principles, the tattvas, and some of the beauty and benefits of the yin practice. As you practice please remain passive, relaxed, take your time. Before you begin, create a calming environment whatever that means for you. Perhaps you want to light a candle? You will need a blanket and a bolster (a couch pillow will work as long as it's firm). Your body and your nervous system will thank you for slowing down and opening deeply. Enjoy, yogis!
By Joe Love on Jan 10, 2021
A light-hearted, rejuvenating yin flow incorporating stationary Qi Gong and standing balance exercises followed by sun salutations combining Tai Chi movements. In this class, Joe takes you through a balanced subtle body moving meditation while also exploring the healing, purifying nature of pranayama and sound. Here the softness is the strength. Perfect class on its own or as a restorative class on a rest day in between physically demanding flow classes.
By Joe Love on Dec 21, 2020
A light-hearted, rejuvenating yin flow incorporating stationary Qi Gong and standing balance exercises followed by sun salutations combining Tai Chi movements. In each, Joe takes you through a balanced subtle body moving meditation while also exploring the healing, purifying nature of pranayama, meditation, sound and kriya (purifying) techniques. Here the softness is the strength. Perfect class on its own or as a restorative class on a rest day in between physically demanding flow classes.
By Ally Hamilton on Oct 31, 2019
If you're looking for yin, look no further. Feel free to do this as a stand-alone practice at the end of your day (or after you've been moving around for awhile, it's not a practice for when your muscles are "cold"!), anytime you want to truly calm your nervous system and open your hips deeply, or pair it with a butt-whooper like these guys did. We start with a long hold in bound angle pose, move into long holds in head-to-knee forward bend, marichyasana variations, half frog pose, half lotus, and double pigeon. Breathe deeply as we move from one long hold to the next, and help your body release tension as we quiet the mind and soothe the soul.
By Ally Hamilton on Apr 26, 2017
Want to get right to it? Me, too. Get into your hips and hamstrings from all possible directions as you breathe deeply. If you want to really chill but also deeply open, this is for you. Perfect for before bed, days when you have little to no energy, times you're fighting insomnia, getting over a cold, or just want to open your hips like never before.
