Less active style targets connective tissues

A8

Vitality
Jason MacLean

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When something becomes a bit too routine it is best to change it up. This is what led me to the discovery of Yin Yoga with Paul Grilley. Previous to this experience, my yoga practice mostly consisted of Power Yoga (also known as Ashtanga Yoga), which is more dynamic or Yang to put it into context.
At first I was a little resistant to Yin Yoga because it seemed too slow. I later realized that it had the same goals and objectives as any other school of yoga; however, it directed the stimulation normally created in postures deeper than the muscular tissues. Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in more active styles of yoga.
Suitable for almost all levels of students, Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles.
Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. We can remain in the postures anywhere from one to 20 minutes! Yin and yang tissues respond quite differently to being exercised. You need to experience this to really know what Yin Yoga is all about. After you have experienced it, even just once, you will feel like you have rediscovered yoga.
There are three important things to consider before beginning a Yin Yoga Practice:
1. Come to Your Appropriate Edge
The intention with this principle is to make sure that when you come into postures you do so with respect for your body in a non-aggressive and sensitive way.
2. Be Still and Allow Muscles to Be Soft
Yin Yoga focuses on stretching and lubricating the joints and connective tissue. In order to benefit and stretch the joints, your muscles must be soft. Once you have found your pose, relax and allow gravity to help you go deeper rather than using your muscles to push yourself further.
3. Hold Each Shape for a Period of Time
By holding postures for a longer period of time, chi is coaxed deeper into the body and the organs, which can have a profound healing effect. Once you have set yourself up in the posture, it is time to focus on the breath.
If you are curious and would like to try a Yin Yoga Class, feel free to join us Thursday nights at 8:15 p.m. at our Rothesay studio.
Namaste, J

Jason MacLean is a yoga instructor and owner of the Yoga Outlet on Germain Street in Saint John and Hampton Road in Rothesay. He has been practising yoga for a decade and can be reached at jmaclean@yogaoutlet.ca.