Many of us are hopelessly out of touch with our bodies and minds. There’s so much coming in, we often aren’t sure what’s actually going on. Yin Yoga is a solution. Of course, all yoga brings you into your mind and body, but Yin Yoga takes you deeper, honing in on connective tissues, joints and ligaments as a compliment to the muscle centred Yang yoga.
So, what distinctive traits set Yin Yoga apart from the general yoga practice and make it worth trying?
1) Helps You Achieve Physical Goals
Since Yin Yoga emphasizes poses that clear the body’s myofascial meridians, it also balances our systems and internal organs. What does this mean? Your body is running on a more in-tune system, ready to meet challenges, ready to build muscle, lose fat or just have more energy.
2) Reduces Pain
Healthier joints are more emotive joints. Many forms of exercise neglect the joints and while all yoga forms better the body, not one will give your joints as much love as Yin.
3) Enforces Patience
Yes, all yoga encourages the now and being present, but Yin is the best for leading you to and through challenges in slow-mo. For the monkey minds among us, this is a challenge. Seemingly simple poses are held for long periods of time, and this willingness to sit and breathe and release – mentally and physically – is like no other kind of yoga.
Listen: no form of exercise is ‘the’ answer, but a Yin practice is part of the answer for total body health, so make the investment in yourself, pick out some quality women’s gym wear and hit the mat.
