Yin Yoga: The slow, spacious practice your busy body has been asking for

What is Yin (in 30 seconds)?

Yin reduces big muscular effort so the deeper layers—fascia and other connective tissues—can respond to gentle, sustained load. Rather than chasing range, we find an honest edge, breathe, and let time do the work. It’s more listening than doing.

The principles we use

• Find your edge: Clear sensation, never pain (think 6/10).
• Stillness: Once supported, we settle; adjust only for safety and comfort.
• Time: We hold for about 2–5 minutes (beginners start shorter).
• Rebound: After each pose we rest briefly and notice the “echo” in the body—temperature, tingling, mood, the length of the exhale. Sensation should not be sharp, burning or nervy. If it is, we ease back, prop more, or choose another option.

When Yin fits best (not just evenings)

Traditionally, Yin balances a very yang day and works well when the body is cool (not freshly heated). You’ll find different benefits at different times:

• Morning: Quiet, reflective feel; we keep holds conservative as tissues “wake up”.
• Afternoon reset: Unhook shoulders and hips after desk time; steady the breath before the school run or commute.
• Evening wind-down: A glide-path into sleep—great when the mind is busy.
• Recovery days: Sits well a few hours after training or on rest days to complement strength, running or vinyasa.

(We avoid Yin immediately before explosive or maximal efforts—give yourself a few hours’ buffer if you’re sprinting or lifting heavy.)

Why anyone can practice Yin

• Calms a busy mind; lengthens the exhale.
• Gentle mobility gains without tugging or forcing.
• Better body awareness and kinder self-talk.
• Desk-life antidote: hips, hamstrings and upper back finally exhale.
• Complements stronger styles—Yin balances strength rather than replacing it.

Common misconceptions (quick truths)

• “It’s just stretching.” Yin targets connective tissues with time and support.

• “It’s only for flexible people.” Props and options make it accessible for every body.

• “It’s the same as Restorative.” They’re cousins, not twins: Restorative aims for total support with minimal stretch; Yin includes a mild, sustainable stretch.

What we actually do in a Yin session

Expect a small number of shapes, lots of props, and clear options. You’ll often meet:

• Butterfly —knees supported, soft neck.
• Caterpillar —bend the knees; rest on a bolster if helpful.
• Sphinx—elbows slightly forward, jaw relaxed.
• Sleeping Swan —well-propped for comfort.
• A gentle twist and reclined rest—to integrate before you leave.

We keep the vibe cosy and unhurried. Close your eyes if you like, or keep a soft gaze. There’s no performing—just honest, supported practice.

A simple 10-minute home taster

• Butterfly 2–3 mins → Caterpillar 2–3 mins → Sphinx 2 mins → Supine twist 1–2 mins each side → Reclined rest 1–2 mins.

Come up slowly, sip some water, take a short walk and notice what’s changed.

Join our bi-weekly Yin at the Allotments (South London)

We’re running Yin every other Monday at 7pm at Rosendale Allotments—always a small-group, designed as an evening reset and perfect for beginners. We also host occasional weekend morning pop-ups for a softer start to the day (keep an eye on the schedule). Evening sessions scheduled to run until 1 December 2025

• Where: Rosendale Allotments 
• Who: Absolute beginners welcome
• Group size: Small—advance booking required
• Booking: Via my website. 

Curious but not sure? Questions welcome before you book. Then come experience how less doing can create more ease in your body—and a longer, softer exhale to carry into the rest of your week.