This yin yoga class for the upper body is fully targeted on releasing tension and stiffness in your upper body. Today’s class will focus on your neck, shoulders, arms, and upper back. It is common for us to hold onto tension in these areas of the upper body. If we do not practice yoga to relieve these areas of tension, we can experience a lot of pain. This restorative yoga practice uses yin yoga poses to release upper body soreness and stiffness in the physical body. You will also be able to release emotional and mental stress that you may be holding deep within. We will move gently and slowly through each yoga posture, then we will hold selected asanas for two and half minutes to encourage a deep myofascial release.
Remember, breathing is a very important factor in any yin yoga class. Throughout this entire practice, make sure you’re taking deep breaths in and long, slow exhales out. Bring oxygen to your muscles, organs, and mind. Re-energize your nervous system, and let go of stress and tension. Become fully present in each moment of each posture. With each exhale, let go of the past.
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga is a style of yoga practice that targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice.
Suitable for almost all levels, this type of yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) 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.
Yin yoga has many amazing benefits, but below are some of the key benefits you may begin to feel after a regular yin practice.
- Stillness: calms and balances the mind and body
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Increased circulation
- Improved flexibility
- Fascial release
Enjoy and let go of all that no longer serves you.