Yin Yoga · Nervous-system · Stress · Hips

5 Essential Yin Yoga Poses for Relaxation & Inner Calm — Yin Yoga class, 41 minutes

5 Essential Yin Yoga Poses for Relaxation & Inner Calm

40 min Beginner Nervous-systemStressHips Feb 2024
Watch the full class on YouTube
Save this class

Before you go

Two hours to completely switch off

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe any time. I'll only send Yin.

What this Yin class is

This is a calm, unhurried Yin Yoga practice built around five of the most relaxing poses, held for a few minutes each. You’ll begin lying down in Sphinx and Crocodile to soothe the back and settle the breath, melt into Child’s Pose, then open the hips through Swan, Sleeping Swan and Shoelace with a gentle twist and side bend on both sides. It all closes with a long, restful Corpse Pose so you can soak up a real sense of inner calm.

Who this class is for

This is a beginner-friendly class and a beautiful choice if you’re feeling stressed, wired or simply in need of a reset. You don’t need any experience or flexibility to enjoy it — just a willingness to slow down. It’s a wonderful practice for the end of a busy day.

What you need

No props are needed — only your mat and a little quiet space. If you’d like extra softness, a cushion or blanket under your knees, hips or forehead is always welcome. Every pose has a gentler option and a deeper option, so you can meet your body exactly where it is today.

How Yin Yoga works — three simple cues

What you'll practice

Welcome
Breath
Calming breathing
Spine
Sphinx · 5 min
Rest
Crocodile · 1 min
Rest
Child's Pose · 2 min
Windshield Wipers
Closing

Tap a time to jump to that moment on YouTube · tap a pose to open its page.

A gift from me

Two hours to completely switch off

✦ A members-only class — free for you

Enjoyed this class? I'll send you my free two-hour Yin, restorative and Yoga Nidra retreat — two slow hours to properly switch off, yours to keep. Just pop your email in.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe any time. I'll only send Yin.

Common questions

Do I need any props for this class?

No props are needed at all. Everything is done on the mat with your own body, so you can simply press play and follow along. If you like, keep a cushion or blanket nearby for extra comfort under your knees or forehead.

Is this suitable if I'm a complete beginner or not very flexible?

Absolutely. This is a beginner-friendly class and flexibility isn't required. Every pose has a gentler option and a slightly deeper one, so you choose what feels right. Come to about 60–80% of your capacity — a real stretch, never a strain.

What's the best time of day to practice this?

It's lovely any time you want to slow down, but it's especially soothing in the evening to help you unwind before bed. The whole class is designed to calm your mind and relax your body, so give yourself permission to move slowly and rest.

More like this

Or browse every class in the library.

A gentle reminder: Yin asks you to respect your limits, not override them. Come out of any pose that feels like pain rather than sensation, ease off if your hands tingle or a knee complains, and take your time coming out of the long holds — the body feels tender for a moment, and that passes. This practice is about taking good care of your body, never pushing it.