| Don't let the name fool you. Yin yoga by name may | | | | are properly aligned. In addition, this strengthens the |
| appear to be a less strenuous form of yoga, and in | | | | joints by creating space that allow for better and safer |
| comparison to styles such as ashtanga or bikram | | | | range of motion. This reduces the risk of potential |
| yoga, it is. But nevertheless, it is very challenging in its | | | | injury that exercises focusing on muscular contraction |
| own way. This does not require the muscular | | | | can cause. When the joints have accumulated tension, |
| endurance that ashtanga and bikram, rather it requires | | | | the risk for injury is high if it is not addressed. Yin yoga |
| being able to hold certain positions for at least 3-5 | | | | can pay a huge part in releasing joint tension and |
| minutes at a time. Some may hold positions for up to | | | | opening the body. |
| 20 minutes. Sounds easy, but it is far more challenging | | | | When Should You Practice Yin Yoga? |
| than it seems. | | | | Ideally, the greatest benefits of Yin yoga are reaped |
| What is Yin Yoga? | | | | when the muscles are not warm. The perfect time |
| If you were to think of the more "power" styles of | | | | would be just upon waking. The reason being is that |
| yoga, such as ashtanga, as "yang" yoga, the term "yin" | | | | warm muscles will take the impact of the stretching |
| yoga makes perfect sense for what it concentrates | | | | away from the connective tissues, which is what you |
| on. Yang yoga's primary focus is muscle lengthening | | | | want to be working. You may also incorporate a Yin |
| and muscle contraction. The emphasis is on the | | | | yoga session right before a regular exercise session |
| muscle itself. Yin yoga focuses on working the | | | | or before a Yang yoga session. For women, the time |
| connective tissues, such as the ligaments and tendons. | | | | of menses is also a great time to incorporate a Yin |
| More specifically, the ligaments and tendons of the | | | | yoga session, as it is said to help conserve necessary |
| pelvis, hip and lower back area are worked. | | | | energies. |
| Why Should You Practice Yin Yoga? | | | | Incorporating a yoga practice in which the focus is on |
| During a yang practice, or even regular exercise such | | | | strengthening and opening the joints and connective |
| as jogging or resistance training, we are engaging our | | | | tissues is very important in reducing the risk of injury. It |
| muscles in repetitive movements. This repetition breaks | | | | is also important to ensure bone health as our bodies |
| the muscle fibers down in order to build back up. This | | | | age. Most exercise programs focus on working the |
| scenario is ideal for toning the muscles to give them | | | | muscles, but making sure the other tissues are worked |
| definition. However, this is just part of the puzzle. | | | | simultaneously ensures you get a well-balanced, highly |
| Making sure the tissues that connect the muscle to the | | | | beneficial work out. This balance will keep our bodies |
| bone are healthy and malleable is extremely important. | | | | healthy for years to come. |
| These positions help to ensure the connective tissues | | | | |