I'm excited to add a new class to the weekly studio/zoom schedule: Monday evenings 5.30-6.45pm will now be Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra. I'm looking forward to sharing this very different style of yoga with you. Here is some information about what to expect from a Yin Yoga class. 

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin yoga is the perfect compliment to a busy work and/or family life, vinyasa flow practice, and other activities such as walking, running, weightlifting, CrossFit or working out at the gym.

Yin yoga is a passive approach to yoga where most of the poses are practiced sitting on the floor, kneeling or laying down. Poses are held for 3 - 5 minutes (or sometimes longer) followed by a 'rebound posture' in which the yogi rests comfortably for about a minute to experience the sensations that arise as a result of releasing the pose.

Yin yoga offers deep access to areas of the body that are not usually reached with typical vinyasa practices or fitness activities, and being a more meditative form of yoga the benefits affect both body and mind.

I won't lie to you yogis, the act of holding postures for an extended time can cause discomfort, often more in the mind than in the body! As long as there is no physical pain, we're encouraged to breathe through the discomfort, allowing frustration or boredom or whatever arises to be as it is without adding layers of story and narrative, and letting it subside in its own time. This practice on your mat can improve your focus, inner dialogue and inner strength and as a result help to work through difficult situations that may arise in daily life.

There are many potential benefits of a regular yin practice which can include (and are not limited to)
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Passive lengthening of muscles through gentle stressing of the fascia in the body
- Reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
- Improved circulation.
- Improved lubrication/hydration of tissues (allows joints to move and fascia to slide more easily)
- Regulation of energy in the body
- Calming & balancing for the mind.
- Improved emotional balance.
- Improved memory & attention