Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga as exercise, with asanas (postures) that are held for longer periods of time.
For beginners, asanas may be held from 45 seconds to two minutes; more advanced practitioners may stay in one asana for five minutes or more.
Yin Yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fasciae, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.
Yin Yoga is not restorative yoga. Like all yoga practices, if the tissues you are targeting for exercise are damaged in some way, please give yourself a chance to heal before resuming your regular practice.
SWAN POSE
This pose opens and stretches the hips and improves body balance.
Begin in Downward Facing Dog.
Slightly bend one of your knees and bring it near the hips while keeping the other leg in lengthened position.
Put your hands below the shoulders and make sure the body weight is evenly distributed to both the palms.
Pushing the other thigh into the mat, inhale deeply and lift the body towards the sky.
Come into the Swan pose by balancing the weight of the body on both of the palms.
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, Member of Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Member of European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), DNAFit® Certified Trainer, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
Model: Fenia Vracha, Yoga & Pilates Instructor, AthensTrainers® Associate
Photos: Dionysis Tsipiras
Source: Body Magazine, issue 54