Yin Yoga

The main yoga classes I teach as well as take are vinyasa/power flow, so I decided to switch gears this past weekend and do a much needed Yin Yoga class. Most vinyasa classes incorporate Yang asanas/poses, which are considered more physical and strength-oriented with a deeper focus on the muscles. Yin complements Yang by focusing on elongating the connective tissues around the joints through extended, slow stretches. To properly do Yin postures, the muscles must be relaxed around the connective tissues you're trying to stretch, so not all yoga poses can be done safely and correctly during a Yin class. Some of the most effective poses that are used include those stretching the hips, pelvis and lower spine.

For example, one of my favorites we did in class was pigeon or sleeping swan. We held each side for around 5 minutes (you can hold up to 10+minutes). I found the most difficult part of holding the stretch for that length of time was letting go or relaxing around the hip joint. Because our hips are known to hold a lot of emotions, there were a few times in this pose where I wanted to laugh because it was so uncomfortable, but I instead focused on my breathing and allowed myself to really melt and release into the stretch. It was truly such a huge release!

Surprisingly, I wasn't able to find a whole lot of Yin classes offered in the LA area (at least on the Westside). However, you can checkout the below web sites, book and DVD for some stretches you can do on your own at home. There's also a more in-depth description of what Yin yoga is all about and how it can benefit and complement your Yang practice.

http://www.yinyoga.com/
http://www.paulgrilley.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Yin-Yoga-Paul-Grilley/dp/1883991439
http://www.amazon.com/Yin-Yoga-Foundations-Quiet-Practice/dp/B000B5871I

Namaste!
Kaleigh