8 REASONS TO LOVE YIN YOGA
Most of the yoga you see in this country is what might be referred to as a “yang” style practice. Both the Original Hot Yoga series and Vinyasa Flow (both of which we offer) are forms of “yang” yoga, and there’s certainly a place for them! But here at bodē nyc we’ve got a soft spot for Yin as well. And we’re going to convince you to add it to your regular weekly practice.
Below are 8 reasons why we think you’ll LOVE Yin Yoga!
1. Yin targets different areas
The biggest difference between “yin” and “yang” practices are the areas that get targeted. Yang yogas (like the 26+2 Series) target your muscles, while Yin Yoga focuses in on the body’s connective tissue. A yin practice can put you in touch with your fascial body — a network of fluid, that when tended-to can stay supple and improve energy flows throughout the entire body.
2. Yin forces you to slow down
In Yin Yoga practitioners are invited to hold poses for a very long time (sometimes as much as five minutes). The goal is to release your muscles and let gravity do the work. For New Yorkers on the go, this class offers the perfect excuse to ease up off the gas.
3. Yin is thousands of years old
The practice of yin yoga is based on ancient Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles which suggest there are pathways of Qi (energy) that run through our bodies. By stretching and deepening into poses, we’re opening up any blockages and releasing that energy to flow freely.
4. Yin can be more meditative.
Studies have found that yin yoga can have a significant, positive impact on lowering stress and anxiety. The slower pace and deep breathing that you get in a restorative yoga class like Yin helps trigger the parasympathetic nervous system from the very first pose.
5. Yin has many health benefits.
Yin yoga helps lengthen the connective tissue in your body, which increases flexibility. The practice has also been known to increase blood flow and improve circulation. Finally — as you find with any meditation — stress and anxiety dissipate. (That post-class calm is real!)
6. Yin requires little space and no experience.
Many of the classes we offer require space and/or heat, plus a bit of know-how. Yin however, requires little-to-no space and absolutely no previous experience. Carve out a bit of space on your living room floor and you’ll be ready to go. Since we offer Yin via Live Stream, you also get the benefit of practicing in the comfort of your own home.
7. Yin invites you to reconnect with your breath.
Yes, all yoga requires a connection to the breath, but none quite like Yin. The depth of postures and length of each hold requires special attention to the natural cadence of your inhale and exhale.
8. Yin promotes detachment.
This can be viewed as a spiritual aspect of the practice, or merely a skill worth cultivating. Adam Brady writes, “You receive the greatest benefits from your practice not through forcing yourself into a pose, but by releasing and surrendering to it. This mentality helps to cultivate acceptance of your body and its inherent limitations. Further, it strengthens your ability to let go of preconceived notions of your body and how you think it should look or feel, both in and out of a pose.”
bodē nyc currently offers Yin Yoga twice a week on our Live Stream platform. All-Access members get unlimited Live Stream classes, but others can simply purchase a package and book a class by clicking the link below.
Wednesdays @ 7:00pm
~ Chrystine Cooper ~
Sundays @ 5:00pm
~ Barb Leese ~