Yoga: Our Yoga class will guide the student through a well-rounded flow-style class (vinyasa), concentrating on the breath during and between each asana.  Classes may contain one or more peak poses designed to challenge both intermediate and advanced students.  Students can expect a pre-practice meditation to center the mind and focus the attention for their yoga practice. 

Yin Yoga is Now Being Offered at Golden Rule School of Karate!

 

What is Yin Yoga?  The origin of the term Yin Yoga is relatively new but derives itself from ancient Indian and Chinese beliefs in medicine and energy pathways in the body.  Yin Yoga comes from Kung-Fu master Paulie Zink, who demonstrates amazing flexibility.  Yoga and Chi Kung were incorporated into Zink’s training as a supplement to his broader training in martial arts and Kung-Fu.  Through the synergy of Yoga and Chi Kung came ‘Taoist Yoga’ which Zink began teaching and practicing.  Postures done on the floor were considered ‘yin’ poses while standing poses were considered ‘yang’.  In the late 1980’s Zink had a student Paul Grilley that became interested in the floor poses.  Grilley started teaching the ‘yin’ style poses and over time he and one other student, Sarah Powers, coined the term Yin Yoga. 

 

In Yin Yoga classes, floor poses are held for 5 to 10 minutes, much different from the traditional ashtanga and vinyasa flow yoga, also offered at our studio.  These poses focus on opening and stretching the connective tissue in the body, including tendons, ligaments and the fascia of the body, or the fibrous materials that binds the whole body together.  In yin Yoga, the targeted muscles are relaxed, while the focus on the connective tissue allows it to become longer and more elastic.  The opening of these connective tissues yields an increase is flexibility and motion.  Yin Yoga also opens energy channels in the body called meridians, which can help reduce stress and anxiety and release trapped emotions and stagnant energy.  Below is a summary of the physical, physiological and mental benefits.