What is Yin Yoga?

Written By Larissa Rzemienski

What is Yin Yoga and Why is it Good for You?

Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga where postures are held for longer periods, typically 3 to 5 minutes and sometimes even longer. It involves passive stretching of the muscles and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. This practice focuses on relaxation and restoring the body's natural range of motion.

Yin yoga differs from dynamic yoga styles such as Ashtanga and Vinyasa, which are more focused on building strength and flexibility. Instead, yin yoga targets the deeper layers of the body such as the joints, bones, and ligaments. It promotes flexibility, mobility, and circulation in these areas, helping to release tension and tightness that may have developed over time.

Here are some reasons why yin yoga is beneficial for you:

1. Increases Flexibility: Yin yoga poses target the connective tissues that are harder to stretch and are often neglected in other forms of exercise. With consistent practice, these tissues will become more pliable, increasing your overall flexibility.

2. Relieves Stress: Yin yoga is known for its calming, meditative effects. Holding poses for several minutes gives you time to focus on your breath and quiet your mind. This can help alleviate stress and anxiety, and leave you feeling more relaxed.

3. Improves Joint Health: By placing moderate stress on the joints, yin yoga helps increase circulation to them and stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates them. This can help reduce joint pain and improve joint health.

4. Balances Energy Flow: In traditional Chinese medicine, the body has a network of energy channels called meridians. Yin yoga


Larissa Rzemienski

Larissa Rzemienski began her yoga journey to heal following the loss of her spouse at a young age. As she dove deeper into her yoga practice, she decided to embark on the journey to become a certified yoga teacher. In 2015 she completed her 200-hour teacher training through LifePower in Tempe, Arizona. In 2019, she completed her 300-hour teacher training through Urban Yoga in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, Larissa has certifications in Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Restorative Yoga, and as a Sound Practitioner. Larissa has also led several yoga teacher training programs for 200 and 300 hour students.

Larissa creates yoga offerings, yoga sequences, and classes that are unique and specialized for all her clients. She weaves in creativity through all her classes and loves learning more about yoga philosophy and yoga sutras. Larissa has served as the local lululemon store ambassador for the past several years and has offered large community events and in-store events for the lululemon community.

Outside of teaching yoga, Larissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Guidance Counselor for Grades K-12. She is a telehealth counselor and teaches college courses in counseling and mental health. Larissa has a Master of Counseling degree, M.B.A. in Marketing, and Ed.S. in Leadership.

Larissa also serves as a Wish Granter for Make a Wish Arizona.

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