Is Yin Yoga For Beginners?

Yin Yoga

In yin yoga, poses are held for longer than in other styles of the practice (two to five minutes). This is because poses are mostly seated or reclined in this style of practice. As the body holds each shape, it marinates in the pose and allowing the connective tissues to release their tension. This tension often reflects emotional holdings as well. This is why yin yoga can be so cathartic and healing.

Because of the intense sensations that can be experienced in yin poses, it is important to listen to your body and only hold the shapes for as long as feels good. If a pose is uncomfortable, move out of the pose or use a prop to help support you in the shape.

Yin YTT Online is a deeply relaxing practice and can offer a space to cultivate compassion and love for yourself on a deeper level. It can also be physically challenging. When we are not used to working the muscles and jacking up the heart rate, it can feel painful to hold the shapes for so long. The key is to learn how to trust and surrender to the discomfort, letting go of the need to move away from the discomfort and instead creating an opportunity to let the body open.

Is Yin Yoga For Beginners?

Because yin is a slow-paced yoga practice that is passive and non-heated, many people can start a yin class regardless of their fitness level or experience with yoga. It’s recommended that beginners take a yin class with an experienced instructor to help guide them through the poses. In an in-person training, the teacher can provide more personalized recommendations and feedback specific to your body, she says.

In addition to guiding you through the poses, an experienced yin yoga teacher can teach you how to work with props and other tools that can make the practice more accessible for beginners. This can include things like using a blanket roll, blocks and other props to increase the length of time in each pose while still maintaining healthy stress on the body.

Because of its focus on stretching the connective tissue, yin yoga is not appropriate for everyone. Those with certain medical conditions should avoid yin yoga, especially those who have joint hypermobility or pre-existing injuries. Anyone who is pregnant should also consult a doctor before introducing any new exercise into their routine.