"Magen Banwart has created the
anti-Bikram. With Physique
Yin, there are no heat-soaked rooms, no absolute silences and no
torturous
poses. "It is a joint-targeting practice that complements the
muscle-targeting
workouts most of us already do," says the core conditioning buff. The
idea is
that by sitting in poses for three to five minutes, you can rehabilitate
achy
joints and ligaments through a series of deep stretching. But does it
work? One
look at Banwart's packed classes reveals men and women of varying
athletic
builds who brag about improved flexibility and their rejuvenated fitness
routines. In other words? Yes, it works."Yin Yoga is essentially a stretching practice that focuses on increasing your flexibility, cooling the body and calming the mind. Stretches are held for up to five minutes. By holding a pose and relaxing into it, you'll gently tug at the deep, dense connective tissues of the body: tendons, ligaments and cartilage, which are drier and less elastic than muscles and difficult to keep healthy.
This practice elongates the spine and opens the hips, and is very restorative and rehabilitative for the joints and muscles.
Yin Yoga is based on traditional Chinese medicine and the theory that our body’s network of connective tissue corresponds with the meridians (energy channels) of acupuncture. Therefore, strengthening and stretching connective tissue may be critical for your long-term health by keeping these energy channels - and corresponding organs - functioning optimally.
Yin yoga is an excellent complement to other styles of yoga and exercise and is especially good at enhancing your performance in sports such as running, cycling, tennis, golf and skiing. Set to relaxing music, most of the poses are seated and held for 3-5 minutes.
Magen adds her own touches to the practice by leading you through breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation practices while you are in the poses. Often she will read passages from the Tao Te Ching, Rumi or other inspirational texts. And of course there are periods of silence during the stretches.
You will leave class feeling relaxed, yet energized.
This class is appropriate for men and women of all ages and all fitness and flexibility levels.
The Los Angeles Times reports that "yin yoga," the kinder, gentler counterpart of sweat-centric "yang yoga" styles, is on the rise. Ready to hold a pose for 20 minutes? Yin yoga's for you.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-yin-yoga21-2009sep21,0,1292419.story
Yin Class Feedback:
Hi Magen,
I attended your Yin class tonight for the first time since the
beginning of the year! I was so busy at work that I couldn't come and
then I moved to Westchester and was too lazy to come. But last week I
hit a wall when I had such bad sciatic pain in my right leg that I
couldn't walk.
I've definitely been short changing myself by not attending your class.
I absolutely love it. I don't think I can tell you enough how
fabulous you and the class are. Not only do I feel great physically
after class but also emotionally and spiritually.
I just wanted to THANK YOU and let you know that you are appreciated! -J
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