Yin Yoga · Reference

Poses

the shapes behind the classes — cues, benefits and cautions for each

Yin Yoga works deep — into the connective tissue, joints and fascia — by holding simple, floor-based shapes for several minutes at a time. This is a plain-language reference to the poses I use in my classes: what each one targets, how long to hold it, which props help, and what to take care with. Open any pose to read it, set the built-in hold timer, or jump to the classes it appears in.

Target areas
Level
Child's Pose

Child's Pose

Lower backHipsSpine Beginner
Reclined Twist

Reclined Twist

SpineLower backHips Beginner
Corpse

Corpse

Spine Beginner
Butterfly

Butterfly

Groin & inner thighHipsLower back Beginner
Melting Heart

Melting Heart

ShouldersChestSpine Beginner
Sphinx

Sphinx

Lower backSpine Beginner
Caterpillar

Caterpillar

SpineHamstringsLower back Beginner
Shoelace

Shoelace

HipsGlutesLower back Intermediate
Sleeping Swan

Sleeping Swan

HipsHip flexorsQuads Intermediate
Dragon

Dragon

HipsHip flexorsGroin & inner thigh Intermediate
Dangling

Dangling

SpineHamstringsLower back Beginner
Supported Fish

Supported Fish

ChestShouldersNeck Beginner
Happy Baby

Happy Baby

Groin & inner thighHipsLower back Beginner
Dragonfly

Dragonfly

HamstringsGroin & inner thighLower back Intermediate
Banana

Banana

SpineIT bandHips Beginner
Squat

Squat

HipsGroin & inner thighCalves & feet Intermediate
Half Butterfly

Half Butterfly

SpineLower backHamstrings Beginner
Reclined Swan

Reclined Swan

HipsGlutesLower back Beginner
Seal

Seal

Lower backSpine Intermediate
Eagle

Eagle

ShouldersHips Beginner
Cat Pulling Its Tail

Cat Pulling Its Tail

SpineLower backHips Intermediate
Crocodile

Crocodile

Lower backSpine Beginner
Saddle

Saddle

QuadsHip flexorsLower back Advanced
Broken Wing

Broken Wing

ChestShoulders Intermediate
Supported Bridge

Supported Bridge

Lower backChestSpine Beginner
Thread the Needle

Thread the Needle

ShouldersNeckSpine Beginner
Cow-Face

Cow-Face

ShouldersHipsChest Intermediate
Knees-to-Chest Pose

Knees-to-Chest Pose

Lower backHips Beginner
Seated Twist

Seated Twist

SpineShouldersNeck Beginner
Toe Squat

Toe Squat

Calves & feet Intermediate
Easy Pose

Easy Pose

HipsSpine Beginner
Frog

Frog

HipsGroin & inner thighLower back Beginner
Ankle Stretch

Ankle Stretch

Calves & feet Intermediate
Bow Tie

Bow Tie

ShouldersChest Intermediate
Deer

Deer

HipsGroin & inner thighLower back Beginner
Puppy Pose

Puppy Pose

ShouldersChestSpine Beginner
Folded Half Shoelace

Folded Half Shoelace

HipsGlutesHamstrings Beginner
Swan

Swan

HipsHip flexorsQuads Intermediate
Legs Up the Wall

Legs Up the Wall

HamstringsLower back Beginner
Twisted Dragon

Twisted Dragon

HipsHip flexorsGroin & inner thigh Intermediate
Reclined Hamstring Stretch

Reclined Hamstring Stretch

HamstringsCalves & feetLower back Beginner
Camel

Camel

ChestShouldersQuads Intermediate
Constructive Rest

Constructive Rest

Lower backHip flexors Beginner
Reclined Dragon

Reclined Dragon

Hip flexorsQuadsLower back Beginner
Supported Fish with Butterfly Legs

Supported Fish with Butterfly Legs

ChestShouldersGroin & inner thigh Beginner

When you'd rather be led

The poses above are the reference. To practise them, follow a guided routine with a hold timer, or press play on a full class for the part of you that needs it:

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