Here’s Why You Should Practice Yin Yoga

How sitting still for a long time can benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally

Kaitlyn Varin
3 min readApr 4, 2024
Photo by Надя Кисільова on Unsplash

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down” — Lily Tomlin

Yin is a style of Hatha yoga with asanas (postures or poses) that are held for longer periods of time.

Practitioners may stay in one asana for three minutes working their way up to longer holds of five or more minutes. Physically, yin targets the connective tissues, such as the fascia, that aren’t normally exercised in a more active — or yang — style of asana practice. Mentally and emotionally, yin has restorative benefits, focusing on slowing down and bringing awareness to the sensations in the body.

Here are the reasons why you should practice yin:

  • You’re active — the faster the activity the better
  • You have a busy mind, you’re Type A
  • You work at a desk

You’re Active — the faster the activity the better

We aim for balance in our everyday lives and should do the same with physical activity.

People who do more active or yang styles of exercise, which focus on building muscle, cardiovascular fitness, and generating…

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Kaitlyn Varin

Kaitlyn is a yogi, yoga teacher, runner, writer, and book worm. She writes about health and wellness, self-improvement, food, books, and life.