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