115: Who is Yin Yoga NOT For?

Any potent practice carries the potential for adverse effects, and yoga – while comparatively gentle – is no exception.

Yin yoga seems to generate especially polarized views, so today hosts Tiffany and Rachel unpack its common cautions and contraindications.

Listen in as we explore who Yin yoga is best for versus who might invest their time elsewhere, and share our tips on how we can all approach this nourishing practice to minimize risks and maximize benefits.

“Yin is not going to replace movement practices.” – Tiffany Cruikshank

“There is this inherently nourishing and challenging aspect of deliberate stillness and quiet and its something that a lot of us lack in modern life.” – Rachel Land

Show Notes:

• Polarized views of Yin yoga [3:33]
• Yin and hypermobility [6:09]
• Approaching Yin when you don’t need more range of motion [10:17]
• Yin during pregnancy [16:00]
• Yin during spinal injury: disc injury, osteoporosis [17:17]
• Yin for older populations: osteoarthritis, joint replacement [25:34]
• Ongoing themes: more isn’t better, take an individual approach [32:43]
• Yin for sedentary people & desk workers [36:01]
• Yin for athletes [38:25]
• Recap: It’s about HOW you approach Yin yoga [45:57]
• Tips for Yin yoga teachers [48:51]
• Final takeaways & resources [52:09]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Yin & Meditation Teacher Training In-Person in Colorado October 13-20, 2024
• Yin & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training Online
• YMO Balanced Function for Flexible Folks Series
• YMO Tutorial: Practicing with Osteoporosis

“It comes back to: what is your purpose?” – Tiffany Cruikshank