Yin is from China. It balances the meridians, or energy channels. A Yin class usually consists of a series of long-held, passive floor poses that mainly work the lower part of the body - the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine. These areas are especially rich in connective tissues. The poses are held for up to five minutes, sometimes longer.
Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body -the tendons, fascia, and ligaments - with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.
A more meditative approach to yoga, yin aims at cultivating awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality. Yin and Yang are opposites. Yang is more intensive energy and would include Hot Yoga and Pilates classes, while a Yin class provides an opportunity to tune into our quieter, Yin energy.
Yin yoga is now being taught across Europe, due in large part to the teaching activities of Yin yoga teachers and developers Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers, whose intention for Yin was as a complement to more active forms of yoga and exercise.
Original Hot Yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates students will benefit from Yin as the 'slow, slow, slow' to your 'go, go, go! You can settle down with nice comforting props and close your eyes and find time to be perfectly still.
Rachel teaches our online Yin class on a Saturday morning straight after Hot 60. Please book into class before 8.30am to be included in the email containing the Zoom link for both classes, or do it the night before.