What is Yin Yoga At The Studio St Andrews Fife  & 

What is the difference between Yin yoga and other yoga styles?

If you’ve practised yoga before, you might be familiar with the different styles; Ashtanga is built around on a series of postures (asanas) that are repeated, while asanas in a classic Hatha style can be varied and Iyengar will include blocks and belts.

Even if you are new to yoga (and welcome, by the way!) – all of these approaches include variations of standing and seated postures,and are held for a short number of breaths. Some might include pranayama (breathing) exercises, and perhaps some meditation time, and all will bring your mind to focus on the breath. These styles physically focus on stretching muscles, with the aim of improving flexibility and building strength.

Yin yoga is a bit different – in both the class structure and how Yin poses work on your body – and mind!

What happens in the class?

The most striking difference is that Yin yoga poses (asanas) are held for extended periods of time – usually around 5 minutes, so you will only be taking a few poses in class. (Don’t worry – we heat the room up so you don’t get cold).

Most of the poses are on the mat, and use of props is very much encouraged. This is not to make the poses ‘easier’ but to aid in the release of the body so that the muscles relax, and the ‘work’ goes deeper to the connective tissue.

What is connective tissue?

You just said muscles relax!

I know – that does sound a bit odd – but you will hear your teacher say this in class. The purpose of Yin yoga is not to ‘stretch’ or tense the muscles or build strength. Yin yoga poses and the longer holds, with props, work on strengthening all of the deeper tissues that hold ‘everything together’ – and they’re called connective tissues.

The connective tissues do quite a few jobs, and without giving you a science lesson – they include helping to transport oxygen and nutrients and waste, are found in your nervous system, and are the tendons, ligaments and fascia which ‘hold’ the rest of you together – from your eye in its socket to your spinal cord and of course all of your joints and muscles.

When you discover that when we’re talking flexibility, muscles account for around 40% and connective tissue 50% of the ‘resistance’ you encounter when moving into your poses – all of a sudden Yin yoga makes sense – and it is a perfect complement to a regular yoga or pilates class – or to your other sports.

Yin yoga is also very good for cultivating patience and letting go as you breathe and relax into the longer holds!

Is it an easier class?

You might think that a Yin yoga class is easier – but it’s not. It’s also not more difficult. It’s simply ‘different’. For example, in a Yin Sphinx or Cobra, you will be instructed to relax your bottom half, (Hatha yoga will ask you to contract your muscles) while in a seated forward bend, your head could be resting on a large bolster, hands by your sides, and simply bowed rather than close to your feet!

Can anyone practice?

Yes – there are lots of props to help you really get into the poses so anyone can attend.
Can I do this while pregnant?

Please speak to the studio before booking into a Yin class so that we can assess you – and please note that there are pre and post natal classes specifically for you.

We’re here to help

Your view studio teacher will guide you, assist with props so you are as comfortable as you can be, and be on hand to help.

Yin yoga classes at the View Studio St Andrews are on Sundays at 2.00pm – and we’re adding more classes all the time so do connect with us and check back on Facebook or Twitter regularly.

The first class is on Sunday 31st January at 2.00pm

How do I book?

Book here directly via the booking system https://bookwhen.com/theview

or book here if you need more info and this is your first class   https://theviewstudio.co.uk/classes/

Yin yoga the View Studio St Andrews Fife