Bedtime Hip Yin

What this Yin class is

A gentle half-hour of Yin to close the day and open the hips. We stay with just a handful of deep shapes — Dragon, Sleeping Swan and Shoelace, with a soft twist — holding each for a few minutes on one side before repeating on the other. It’s the tension you gather through a long day of sitting and standing, released slowly so your body can settle toward sleep. Do it in dim light, right before bed. Come as you are — every pose has a gentler option and a deeper one, and you choose what feels right tonight.

Who this class is for

Anyone whose hips feel tight and who wants to unwind before sleep — whether you’re new to Yin or already have a practice. If you’ve been on your feet or at a desk all day and you feel wound up or restless at night, this class meets you where you are. New to these shapes? Read the pose notes below first, then follow along at your own pace.

What you need

Just your mat, and somewhere warm and quiet where you can be still. If you have a couple of yoga blocks, keep them nearby — they’re lovely for resting your hands or forearms in Dragon, or for sitting on in Shoelace. A cushion or pillow is handy too, for a little extra support under a hip. None of it is essential, so use what you have. Press pause any time you need to.

How Yin Yoga works — three simple cues

• Find your edge. Come to about 60–80% — a real stretch, but never forcing or straining. Softer is perfect before bed.
• Hold for time. Stay a few minutes and let the shape do the work. Come out sooner if you need to.
• Be still. Settle body and mind, rest your attention on your breath, and come out slowly when it’s time.

FAQ

Q: I have tight hips — can I still do this class? A: Yes, this class is made for tight hips, and it’s all-levels. Every pose has a gentler option: rest your hands or forearms on yoga blocks in Dragon, come into a half-shoelace by straightening the bottom leg, and slip a block or cushion under a hip in Sleeping Swan for support. Find your edge at about 60–80% and let the shape do the work.

Q: Do I need yoga blocks for this class? A: No. Blocks and a cushion are optional supports — handy for resting your hands in Dragon or sitting up taller in Shoelace — but the class works perfectly well with just your mat. Use whatever you have to hand.

Q: How long is each pose held? A: Each shape is held for around four minutes per side (Shoelace is about three minutes, with an optional twist for the final minute), so you get a long, slow stretch on both sides. The hold times are only suggestions — always listen to your body and come out of a pose sooner if you need to.