Yin Yoga Classes at Evolve Yoga Studio
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga class Overview
Simply put Yin Yoga is the balancing practice for your yang style of yoga or it is yoga for the joints, not the muscles.
Yin Yoga, a Bit More Info
Yin yoga is based on the Taoist concepts of yin and yang, opposite and complementary principles in nature. Yin could be described as stable, immobile, feminine, passive, cold, and downward moving. Yang is understood to be changing, mobile, masculine, active, hot, and upward moving. The sun is considered yang, the moon yin. In the body, the relatively stiff connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia) are yin, while the more mobile and pliable muscles and blood are yang. More passive asanas (postures or poses) in yoga are considered yin, whereas the more active, dynamic asanas are yang, because they stimulate the muscles and generate heat.
So then, what is Yin Yoga?
This question is asked a lot by students who have been practicing yoga for a while but have never come across this particular challenging style. Simple answers such as is the balancing practice for your yang style of yoga good for the joints, not the muscles are not overly satisfying. If students haven’t heard of Yin Yoga, they won’t know what a yang style of yoga is. And isn’t all yoga good for the whole body, including our joints? To really answer the question and get to know Yin Yoga requires a fuller explanation. This part of our journey provides a deeper look into Yin Yoga and begins with an explanation of what it is, how it evolved, and its benefits for the whole body mind.
What are the Benefits of Yin Yoga?
- Calming and balancing to the mind and body
- Regulates energy in the body
- Increases mobility in the body, especially the joints and hips
- Lowering of stress levels (no one needs that)
- Greater stamina
- Better lubrication and protection of joints
- More flexibility in joints & connective tissue
- Release of fascia throughout the body
- Help with TMJ and migraines
- Deeper Relaxation
- A great coping for anxiety and stress
- Better ability to sit for meditation
- Ultimately you will have a better Yang practice
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“This yoga studio put me at ease!“
I’m a beginner and felt at ease immediately. Instructors are so nice!! -Lisa
“My aging body definitely feels so much better.“
I always feel centered after attending a class here. My aging body definitely feels so much better. I always appreciate the instructors assistance in helping me through practice that is appropriate for me. – Nancy
“It is my favorite place to be.“
Evolve Yoga has been my new home over the last year. It is my favorite place to be. I love all of the instructors because they are authentic and incredibly gifted in all aspects of yoga. Evolve offers power, yin, vinyasa flow, Ashtanga, beginner, gentle and restorative yoga. I am so grateful for my yoga family.- Deanna
Yin Yoga FAQ's
How many Yin Yoga poses are there?
There are at least 30 yin postures in the Yin yoga practice. There are many variations on the postures and every body is different. Many of the yin postures can be done on a chair or against a wall which may seem like a different posture and account for the higher than expected 30 postures. Every teacher has the opportunity to bring their own creativity into the class and offer variations on the practice of Yin Yoga. Yin yoga postures help students to find deep release in the various postures which are held for various lengths of time.
How many calories does Yin Yoga burn?
Yin yoga is a very gentle version of yoga and the number of calories is much less than in a power, vinyasa or hot yoga class. You may burn between 150 and 300 calories. Yin yoga is the opposite of Yang yoga and calorie burning is not necessarily a benefit of the class. Give yourself the opportunity to stretch and relax in a yin class to get the most from the class.
How often should I do Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga classes can be done every day if you have the time. Most yoga practitioners do yin yoga once or twice a week to balance out the stronger or yang styles of yoga. Learning yin yoga postures is helpful for countering the effects of other types of exercise such as running, biking, swimming and hiking. Give Yin yoga a try to balance an overly busy work or exercise routine.
What are the benefits of Yin Yoga?
The benefits of Yin Yoga are many but just to list a few… Yin yoga involves releasing the deep tissues of the body called connective tissue. Connective tissue is the fabric that holds all the parts of the body in place giving the organs, muscles and tissues their shape and structure. Releasing some of the tensions and scar tissue in a yin yoga class helps the students find greater range of motion in the joints, less tightness in the muscles and relaxation in the mind for better serenity in life overall. Try a yin yoga class to discover these benefits and more for yourself.
What is Hot Yin Yoga?
Hot yin yoga is simply adding heat to the yoga room during the class. Heat in the room accelerates the benefits of a yin yoga experience. In yin yoga the students are holding the postures for between three and five minutes in order for the tension in the tissue to release. Students find relief when the held posture is released and often during the holding time as well. Using heat is one way to deepen the yin yoga practice and experience the benefits quickly.
What are Yin Yoga poses?
There are as many as 30 yin yoga postures. Some of the postures incorporated props such as blankets, straps and blocks to deepen the posture or make it accessible to all students. The yin postures are similar to other yoga styles but are renamed to help the students understand the pose better. Some of the postures in a yin class are butterfly, swan, shoelace and legs up the wall. To really enjoy the experience be open to the slight difference in the names of the poses and enjoy the effects of yin yoga on your body, mind and spirit.
What are Yin Yoga sequences?
Various yin sequences focus on releasing different areas of the body. One sequence is designed for spinal release which focuses on the movement of the spine. Another sequence focuses on the legs and hips, areas where most people are tight and need extra release. A different sequence of yin postures is built around a combination of spine and hip releases. A yin yoga teacher can be creative in putting a sequence together to help students feel the benefits of a yin yoga class.
Who is Yin Yoga for?
Yin yoga is beneficial for everyone. Yoga is for everyone and yin yoga is possibly even more accessible to all because it moves slowly and students are given time to find the best alignment for their body. The use of props such as a chair or wall helps students of all physical ability and experience get the most out of their yin yoga class. Always speak to your yin yoga teacher before class to let them know of any special needs or physical limitations you have so that the teacher can help you get the most from your yin yoga class.
Why practice Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga is the best antidote to an overly yang lifestyle. Today’s lifestyle is full of stress, pressure and movement. Give yourself the opportunity to relax, stretch and let go of the busyness of life and receive the deep release of a yin yoga class. Done on a daily or twice weekly basis, yin yoga will help you balance out your life.
Should I do Yin yoga when pregnant?
Pregnant women can do yin yoga but must get the release from their doctor before starting any exercise routine. Pregnant women release a hormone which may cause them to be overly flexible. Pregnant women should always tell their yoga teacher that they are pregnant so that the yin yoga teacher can help the student get the most out of their yin class while protecting their baby and themselves. Yin yoga is relaxing and pregnant women often feel extra stress or worry about all of the changes that happen in their body during pregnancy and the upcoming responsibility of being a parent. Yin yoga will help relieve stress and help the mom to be to feel more relaxed.
Should I do Yin yoga when sick?
Yin yoga might help you feel better when you are sick. It is always best to consult your doctor before doing any exercise, especially if you are sick. If you are contagious it is best not to take a group yoga class as you do not want to give the virus to the yoga teacher or other students in the class. Always let your yin yoga teacher know if you are ill and that your doctor has given you the ok to take the yin yoga class. A private yin yoga session might be best if you are not feeling well. Ask your yin yoga teacher if he or she will do a private yoga class with you. This private session might help you get better sooner.