#yin-yoga

#yin-yoga

If tight hips plague you, yin yoga could be the solution you've been needing. Everyday habits-sitting at a desk, driving, or even subjecting your body to chronic stress-can leave your hips feeling stiff and sore. Yin yoga's extended holds target the deep fascia and connective tissues that contribute to this tightness. Working with it can help you experience immediate release as well as enhanced flexibility.

The first time I tried Toe Squat was during an online yin yoga class. The instructor sat back on his heels in what I first thought was Thunderbolt (Vajrasana), but unlike that classic pose, his toes were curled under him so that his weight was on the balls of his feet and toes. He set a timer for three minutes, cautioning that it might be uncomfortable.

Bring your knees wide (option to go as wide as the yoga mat) Bring your big toes to touch Extend your arms forward Allow your forehead to rest on the mat or a block Invite your breath to deepen For a side body stretch, walk your hands to the right, placing the left palm on top of the right if that feels accessible Breathe into the space between your ribs Mantra/Cue: "With every exhale, soften the weight of your body toward the earth."

A quick practice is sort of antithetical to yin yoga. It's defined by extended holds that not only target your physical tension but boost your mental resilience. Yin yoga asks that you go to your edge, recognize it, and stay there. It's all about slow stretches and stillness that, ultimately, help you sit more comfortably with discomfort. But let's be real. We live in an aggressively busy society, which is probably why shorter sequences with these longer holds resonate with readers.

The thing is, recognizing these spirals for what they are is the first step in pressing pause on whatever you're doing - seriously, put DOWN the phone - and explore your options to connect with calm.