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.
SQUARE POSE
Please note that this is NOT a half-lotus position.
Come to a seated position on the ground, legs extended, as in the Staff Pose. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Pull the lower ankle under its opposite knee, lining up the shins to be parallel to one another.
If your upper knee is not resting on your foot, you may place a small cushion or blanket under your upper thigh, or under your hips.
Rest the forearms on a bolster or a block if they are away from the floor.
Release the top leg first, then unfold your legs and lay back in Savasana.
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,