Yin vs. gentle yoga

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga offers incredible mental and emotional health benefits. It works deep into the body with passive, longer held poses, targeting the connective tissues - ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascia networks.

Yin sessions consist of a series of long-held, passive floor poses. The poses are held for up to five minutes, sometimes longer. During the asanas, muscles are relaxed to avoid muscle spasm, which could result from engaging muscles for long periods.

Benefits of a regular practice

  • Increases circulation and improves flexibility

  • Calms and balances the mind and body

  • Reduces stress and anxiety 

  • Releases fascia

  • Encourages deeper relaxation

  • Improves joint mobility

  • Brings balance to the organs through meridian stimulation

Four main principles to remember when practicing Yin yoga:

  1. Find an appropriate edge: Move slowly and gently into the pose, and look for an appropriate amount of intensity, never stretch so far as to cause pain.

  2. Stillness: consciously try to release into the pose, and to remain still, without shifting position.

  3. Hold the position: begin by holding for 1-3 minutes gradually progressing to 5 minutes or more.

  4. Come out of the pose gently and slowly.


What’s the difference?

gentle Yoga

Like it’s name suggests, this is a gentler style of hatha yoga practice. It is performed at a slower pace, with less intense positions.

Modifications are done to help people of all fitness levels enjoy the benefits of yoga without putting themselves at risk for injury. There is a stronger emphasis on stretching, seated poses and low-impact movements during a gentle yoga session.

Gentle yoga can be practiced by just about anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. It is especially great for people with injuries, pain, mobility or health issues.

Benefits of gentle yoga

Gentle yoga, with its emphasis on breathing and quiet reflection, allows us to come away feeling flexible in our bodies, relaxed in our minds, and calmed in our nervous systems. This results in a number of rewards; both mental and physiological, as well as spiritual rejuvenation.

Who is gentle yoga for?

  • Beginners who want an easy and slow class to start

  • People with reduced levels of fitness, strength, mobility or flexibility

  • Seniors

  • Students with chronic health issues or injuries

  • Pregnant women

  • Overweight students

  • Patients recovering from surgery or chemotherapy

  • Anyone who wants to experience a slow, mindful and meditative practice

*information sourced from yogabasics.com & ekhartyoga.com