Yin Yoga

There are hundreds of yoga systems, but yin yoga, the first level of Taoist yoga, is one of the few systems that emphasize strengthening and elongating connective tissue, rather than muscles. In Chinese, things categorized as “yin” are gentle and slow-moving, and yin yoga is no exception. Poses are held for at least three-five minutes, and sometimes as long as twenty minutes. When poses are held for such long durations, the muscles are fully stretched, putting stress on the ligaments and joints surrounding them. Over time, the stress causes the tissues to lengthen, decreasing the risk of both skeletal and muscular injuries and increasing flexibility.

Yin yoga is ideal for those who work at desk jobs, as it supports and opens the hip and lower back muscles. The typical 90 minute yin yoga class contains around twelve-thirteen postures, each held for about five minutes with one minute rests between postures. Many of the poses look similar to those practiced in Hatha yoga, but in yin yoga, the muscles relax while the tissues do the work. Generally, yin yoga classes are held during the cooler parts of the day—early morning or at night—to keep the body stiff and thus more susceptible to stress.