Yin, held in the quiet

Yin is the practice of staying put. You settle into a small number of floor-based shapes and hold each one for a long time, two to five minutes, sometimes a little more. The muscles let go and the stretch reaches the deep tissue underneath, the fascia and the connective tissue around the joints that faster classes never quite touch. Three minutes can feel like a long time, in the best way.

There is no flow here and nothing to rush towards. You hold, you breathe, you notice. Props are with you throughout, so a bolster or a block carries the weight while you do as little as possible. It is quieter than most classes, and honestly quieter than most days.

This one suits anyone who arrives wound up, who sits at a desk, or who simply wants the opposite of a workout. It pairs beautifully with stronger practices like Vinyasa or Hot 26, and it asks nothing in the way of flexibility to begin. All levels are welcome, complete beginners included.

Expect to slow right down. You will spend most of the class on the floor, easing in and out of shapes with plenty of time between them. Wear something warm and soft, since you cool as you settle, and bring a layer for the final rest. Mats and props are free to borrow at the studio, so there is nothing you need to buy first. Come as you are, water to hand, and let the room do the rest.

Yin is taught by Willow Hayes at our Santa Cruz studio, in the Main Room. All levels welcome.

Level · All levels · Studios · Santa Cruz · Duration · 75 minutes

For the next sitting and to reserve your spot, head to the schedule and book. Spaces are limited and the quiet classes fill quickly.