Facilitated by Cherie Community Yoga Initiative

Yin yoga is a gentle, slow-paced asana practice where postures are held for extended periods of time. Three-minute holds are not uncommon, and some yin yoga practitioners average fifteen minutes per pose. Most yin yoga poses are seated or supine, and engage the lower half of the body, opening and releasing tension the lumber spine, pelvis, hips, hamstrings, and thighs. Posture engaging the upper body are less common, however shoulder openers can be adapted for yin asana practice.

The sustained traction of yin yoga reaches deep connective tissue, stretching and stimulating fascia, tendons, and ligaments – especially when muscles are not engaged. With muscles relaxed, the connective tissues around joints can be accessed without interference at a deeper level, allowing them to be remodeled and revitalized.

Because muscles are relaxed in yin yoga, it’s important to use supports like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and straps to protect joints, ligaments, and tendons from overstretching. The supports allow the body to surrender to gravity without causing any injury or pain.