What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a calm, passive, and gentle style of yoga where the asanas (postures) are mainly performed while lying down or sitting and are held for three to five minutes. This allows you to thoroughly stretch your connective tissues and achieve a peaceful mind. Since not everyone is physically and anatomically built the same, asanas can be assisted with yoga blocks, pillows, and blankets.

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Yin Yoga provides a balance to the active, dynamic, and physically demanding styles of yoga. Typically, poses in Yin Yoga are performed with little to no muscle exertion. Instead, all non-essential muscles are completely relaxed, creating space for a calm, meditative state. A Yin Yoga lesson lasts 75 minutes and includes forward bends, mild backbends, hip openers, and twists, practiced in a comfortable room temperature. Conscious breathing is at the heart of the yoga pose.

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It's all about the essence of letting go, surrendering, and "sinking in". This passive style of yoga gives you a sensation of breadth and space within your body. By slowly and consciously holding positions, energy flow within the body is improved, and blockages can be released. Physically, deep-seated tensions in the fascial tissue can be relieved. Yin Yoga offers not only physical benefits but also promotes inner peace, patience, and a deeper awareness of one's body and mind. Its meditative nature provides regeneration on all levels through its slow pace.

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This style of yoga is beginner-friendly and fundamentally suitable for everyone. It's a relaxing style that might seem easy from the outside but can be quite challenging. Those with a packed schedule, a hectic daily routine, or muscular tension can find the necessary balance through regular Yin Yoga practice.

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What are the benefits of Yin Yoga?

Given our fast-paced lives often dominated by stress and most sports characterized by tension, according to Indian philosophy, Yang energy is more prevalent for many people. Yin Yoga aims to balance the opposing forces of Yin and Yang – both physically and mentally.

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On a physical level, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are thoroughly stretched. Holding the asanas for extended periods also impacts deep connective tissues, releasing and "tearing apart" stuck fascia. Fascia refers to the connective tissue that envelops all muscles, bones, and organs like a large net, internally holding the body together. Thus, Yin Yoga helps against muscular tension and results in greater freedom of movement, more supple joints, and more flexible connective tissue and muscles.

Due to its passive and relaxing nature, Yin Yoga offers a range of positive effects:

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• Relief from tension

• Improved flexibility and mobility

• Enhancement of inner peace, strength, and balance

• Stretching and strengthening of connective tissues, ligaments, and fascia

• Cultivates a deeper awareness of the body and the present moment

• Regular practice can increase flexibility and release tensions

• Provides a balance to often dynamic and power-oriented yoga styles and sports.

 

Yin Yoga is also highly recommended for older individuals and for rehabilitation after illnesses and accidents.

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What should you bring?

A yoga mat, a yoga towel, and something to drink. Since we practice at a comfortable room temperature, wear something loose and comfortable for maximum comfort. Yoga blocks, Pranayama cushions, meditation cushions, and blankets are available for free in the studio. Refer to the schedule for more details.