It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga

{"slug":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love.  Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday,  January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip  and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2.  Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward.  Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t!  \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n⁠\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n⁠\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl9p94kd7jqju0bk8jd63p38z","slug":"get-together-goa-2022","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"MyYogaTeacher Get Together in Goa – 2022","createdAt":"2022-10-26T06:24:30.993627+00:00","coverUrl":"mir0nb2aj5flsxgq1poi.jpg","content":{"text":"WOW, Goa with our teachers, staff, and a few members was SO MUCH FUN!!\\n\n\\nPeople have been reaching out for pics and stories, so I thought I'd share \\nthe highlights here\\n. Also, you can follow us \\non\\n Facebook\\n or \\nInstagram\\n, we have more great pictures and short videos\\n there.\\nDecompressing from Travel - Massage & Sound Healing\n\\n\\n\\n\n\\nAfter planes and taxis to Goa, we were all ready to start relaxing and enjoying ourselves. We arrived to a host of masseurs giving us foot and shoulder massages. After that, \\nRohan\\n and \\nStuti\\n led us in a BEAUTIFUL sound healing ceremony. It \\nmelted away any tensions\\n from the travels and started the MyYogaTeacher Get-Together on the right foot!\\n\\nWelcome Ceremony\\n\\n\\n\\nJitendra, CEO of MyYogaTeacher, welcomed everyone and shared the vision of our community – \\nmaking the world healthier and happier\\n. Every yoga session led by a teacher, every yoga session joined by a community member, brings more consciousness, peace, joy and health into the world.\\n\\nDrum Circle on the Beach\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nShivayogi\\n and his talented friends facilitated a drum circle. We were all given djembe drums and many of us \\nspent the night drumming in (astonishingly) synchronous rhythm\\n, while others danced to the beat. Most people described it as a magical night.\\n\\nTai Chi to Start 2nd Day\\n\\n\\n\\nThe next morning, we woke up early and tired from the drum party that went late into the night. Kannan led us in a grounding and energizing Tai Chi session on the beach. We learned to \\nstay rooted and firm in the earth, while fluid and supple in our movement\\n. It woke us up and gave us a collective energy that took us laughing and chatting all the way through breakfast.\n\nOh, and breakfast at the resort was AMAZING!\\n\\nWater Sports & Pool Time\\n\\n\\n\\nThe afternoon was full of banana boat rides, parasailing, speed boating, and hanging out by the pool. It was a blast!\\n\\nAward Ceremony\\n\\n\\n\\nMy personal favorite part of the MyYogaTeacher Get-Together in Goa was the award ceremony. \n\\nWe recognized so many teachers and staff members individually - for all their \\ndedication and passion to making MyYogaTeacher the beautiful community of yogis that we've become\\n. Every single person, member, staff, and teacher has \\nmade MyYogaTeacher a place of healing, connection, joy, and collective evolution\\n. We are all so proud of what we're doing here together!\n\\nAfter recognizing teachers for milestones like 3,000 hours of teaching on the platform, giving out \"Buddha Award\" for employee of the year, and singing happy birthday to TWO of the event participants...\\n\\nWE DANCED\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe band played all the Bollywood hits from the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. I didn't fully understand it, I'm told it was nostalgic. But what I did see was an \\nentire room full of people swept up in a dancing frenzy\\n full of energy and joy. Everyone, and I mean E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E., even me, grooved on the dance floor, \\nsmiling, laughing, and jumping with infectious joy\\n. It was incredible! \\n\\nMorning Meditation\\n\\n\\n\\nAfter another late night of celebration - a beachside meditation led by \\nSandeep\\n was \\nthe perfect way to start the day\\n. Finding presence as the waves gently rumbled on the shore, we began our final day in Goa together.\\n\\nGoodbye Goa… for Now\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd finally, we said goodbye. Words and pictures can't capture this special experience, and don't do it justice. \n\\nI want to thank each and every teacher, member, and staff\\n who joined the event and made it the magical experience it was. I want to thank every one of us for being there in spirit and making MyYogaTeacher the incredible community of yogis that it has become.\\n\\nI hope you join us next year. The time and place isn't set yet. But we'll try to organize it with plenty of time for you to make travel plans. (COVID, rains in Bangalore, and other random events caused us to plan this event last minute).\\n\\nYou're invited to our next MyYogaTeacher Get-Together in India! (time and place TBD)."}},{"id":"ckl2uxydcc02m0969wfq920ht","slug":"power-yoga-session","author":{"name":"Monica","teacherMytSlug":"monica-1","pictureUrl":"Monica-1.jpg"},"title":"Power Yoga: A 45-Minute Session to Strengthen Body and Mind","createdAt":"2021-02-12T22:23:36.267485+00:00","coverUrl":"power_yoga__ckl2uxydcc02m0969wfq920ht.png","content":{"text":"Power yoga is the term generally used to describe a high-energy, fitness-based approach to vinyasa. It was modeled on the Ashtanga yoga method and you'll typically see Ashtanga-style features like sun salutations show up in power yoga classes.\\n\\nHere, I'm going to share a 45-minute power yoga workout that you can do from the comfort of your home. I know you're going to love it and, if you do, be sure to join me in my next live power yoga class on \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nPower Yoga Workout\\nStart by sitting comfortably in a cross-legged position. Roll your shoulders back and bring both hands into Gayan mudra with your index fingers to your thumbs. Place the backs of your hands on your knees with your palms turned up. Close your eyes.\\n\\nFocus on taking long and deep inhalations and exhalations. As you inhale, fill your abdomen, letting it expand. On the exhale, press the air out, your abdomen sinking in.\\n\\nMinimize any effort from your body. Let go of any thoughts coming into your mind. Just feel the current state of your body and your mind.\\n\\nGently join your palms at your heart center. We're going to do one round of chanting \\nom\\n. Inhale deeply, exhale, letting \\nom\\n fill the space in you and around you.\\n\\nRub your palms together and make a cup shape with your hands, placing them over your eyes. Blink open your eyes and gaze at your palms. \\nNamaste\\n.\\n\\nWe begin today's practice standing for the Sivananda style of Surya Namaskara.\\n\\nSequence One\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, rolling your shoulders back and joining your feet together. Tuck your tailbone in. On the inhale, take your arms from the front, tighten your hips and thighs, and lift your chest up, keeping your elbows straight. On the exhale, fold forward completely.\\n\\nOn your next inhale, step your right foot back, keeping your knee up. Hold for a breath before stepping your left foot back, coming into a high plank. On the exhale, press your knees, chest, and chin down to the ground. Inhale and point your toes, pressing into your palms. Lift your chest up and on the exhale, tuck your toes and bring your hips up.\\n\\nInhale, stepping your right foot to the front of your mat in between palms. Sink your right hip down and look front. Exhale bringing your left foot front and fold forward.\\n\\nInhale, take your arms from the front, bringing your chest up. Tighten your hips and thighs and arch your back into a slight backbend. Exhale, folding forward. Repeat this sequence on the left side before repeating the entire sequence (both right and left) four more times.\\n\\nSequence Two\\nTake a few breaths in forward fold. Inhale, with your palms just in front of your knees, your fingertips facing down. Lift your chest and lengthen your spine, keeping your back flat. Exhale, folding forward.\\n\\nInhale, bending your knees, and take the hips back. Stretch your arms from the side, sitting down into chair pose. Exhale, extending your arms from the side and fold forward completely.\\n\\nInhale, placing either your fingertips down on the mat or your palms just below your knees. Lengthen your spine, keeping your spine straight and your neck neutral. Exhale, soften your knees, and place your palms down on the mat, jumping back to Chaturanga.\\n\\nInhale, point your toes, roll shoulders, and bring your chest up to up dog. Exhale, tucking your toes, and bringing your hips up into downward dog.\\n\\nInhale, bringing your right leg up to the ceiling. Exhale and bring your right foot to the front of your mat, between your palms.\\n\\nInhale, sweeping your arms up, and lengthening your spine into Warrior I. Exhale and place your fingertips down on the mat. Walk your fingertips back and sit down, keeping your left knee pointing up to the ceiling.\\n\\nInhale your arms up and, on the exhale, fold forward over your right leg. On the next inhale, sweep your arms up again, keeping your left knee facing up to the ceiling. Exhale and press your palms into the mat. Move forward into a lunge position, dragging your right heel to the front of the mat.\\n\\nInhale your left arm up to the ceiling and, on the exhale, bring your left elbow to the outside of your right knee, pressing your palms together and opening your chest. Settle into the twist. On the exhale, release your palms down to the ground.\\n\\nInhale, bringing your right knee to your right armpit. Exhale, bringing your right knee to your left armpit. Inhale, take your right leg up to the ceiling and exhale to Chaturanga. Inhale to Urdhva Mukha, up dog. Exhale to downward dog. On the next inhale, repeat the sequence, starting with the left leg.\\n\\nSequence Three\\nInhale and bring your elbows down to the mat into dolphin pose. Interlace your fingers, straighten your knees, and walk toes to the front slightly. Move your body forward, taking your chin ahead of your interlaced fingers. Exhale and bring your body back to dolphin pose. Repeat this back and forth 9 more times, taking your chin to the mat in front of your interlaced fingers each time if you're able.\\n\\nSequence Four\\nInhale, bring your elbows up off of the mat, and exhale into downward dog. Inhale, right leg to the ceiling and exhale, placing your right foot up between your palms. Inhale your arms up to Warrior I. On the exhale, place your fingertips down to the mat.\\n\\nInhale, walking your fingertips back, and sitting on your left leg, keeping your right leg stretched out in front of you. Inhale your arms up and exhale, folding forward over your right leg. Inhale, bringing your arms up and, on the exhale, walk your palms forward, dragging your right heel to the front of your mat.\\n\\nOn the inhale, bring your left arm up, and exhale the left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Press your palms together and twist. Inhale, pressing your palms into the mat, and bring your right knee to your right armpit. Exhale, bringing your right knee to your left armpit.\\n\\nInhale and take your right leg up to the ceiling. Exhale to Chaturanga, inhale to up dog. Exhale to downward dog. Repeat the sequence starting with your left leg.\\n\\nSequence Five\\nIn this sequence, we'll be doing 10 rounds of Hindi pushups. If this is too challenging, use the version from Sequence Three (using dolphin pose). We'll start in downward dog.\\n\\nInhale, taking your shoulders and the crown of the head down towards the floor. Lift into up dog, pressing your palms into the ground, and bring your chest down. Come back into downward dog.\\n\\nThe movement should be initiated from the crown of your head. We aren't moving into Chaturanga but are instead doing a pushup with a dip. Repeat 9 more times.\\n\\nSequence Six\\nFrom downward dog, inhale, raising your right leg up to the ceiling. On the exhale, bring your right foot to the front of your mat, coming into Warrior I. Stay in Warrior I for 5 breaths.\\n\\nRelease your palms down to the ground and walk your hands back to sit on your left leg. Inhale your arms up and, on the exhale, bend forward over your right leg. Hold this position for 5 breaths.\\n\\nInhale, bringing your arms back up. On the exhale, walk your hands forward, dragging the right heel to the front and coming into a lunge position. Inhale, lifting your left arm up. On the exhale, place your left elbow to the outside of your right knee, pressing your palms together and twisting. Hold the twist for 5 breaths.\\n\\nInhale and place your palms down to the ground. Bring your right knee to your right armpit and hold for 5 breaths. Exhale, bringing your right knee to your left armpit, holding for 5 breaths. Inhale, taking your right leg up to the ceiling, and exhale to Chaturanga. Inhale to up dog, exhale to downward dog. Repeat the sequence starting with your left leg.\\n\\nSequence Seven\\nIn this sequence, we'll continue to work on building your shoulder strength with shoulder dips.\\n\\nFrom downward dog, walk your feet in slightly, shortening the distance between your feet and hands. Bring the crown of your head toward your hands as though you're coming into a tripod headstand. Then, push back to downward dog. Repeat 9 more times.\\n\\nSequence Eight\\nWalk your feet back to a standard downward dog position. Inhale, bending your knees, and look at the space between your palms. Jump your feet forward to meet your hands, keeping your back flat. Exhale, folding forward completely.\\n\\nOn the inhale, bend your knees, sitting down into chair pose. Sweep the arms up, and stretch the right leg out in front of you for a single-leg chair pose. Hold this position for 10 counts before folding forward on an exhale. Inhale, lifting your chest up and keeping your back flat. Exhale and jump your feet back to Chaturanga. Inhale to up dog. Exhale to downward dog. Inhale, taking your right leg up to the ceiling and, on the exhale, bring your right foot to the front of your mat, in between your hands. Sweep your arms up.\\n\\nFrom here, we're going to move into dynamic kicks, a martial arts-inspired move. To do these kicks, you'll bring your right leg forward in a straight line, sweep it as high as it can comfortably go. Don't bend your knee. Instead, keep your leg straight and swing from the hip. Do 10 kicks on the right side, keeping your lunge shallow between kicks if you'd like. After the 10th rep, rest in half-split pose, or Ardha Hanumanasana, before coming back to Warrior I.\\n\\nNext, we'll work on a combination between dynamic kicks and side lunge pose, or Skandasana. Starting from Warrior I, swing your right leg forward and, as it returns toward the ground, let its momentum pull you into Skandasana, with your palms together at your heart. Use your core to bring your body back to Warrior I. Repeat 9 more times.\\n\\nRelax in Skandasana for 10 counts.\\n\\nInhale to Warrior I. Exhale and place your palms down on the ground. Inhale your right leg to the ceiling. Exhale to Chaturanga. Inhale, coming into up dog. Exhale to downward dog. Inhale, bringing your left leg up to the ceiling. On the exhale, bring your left foot to the front of your mat, between your hands. Inhale your arms up into Warrior I.\\n\\nLet's repeat the dynamic kicks on the left side for 10 reps, ending in Warrior I before taking a break in spit-lunge pose. After that, we'll once again do 10 reps of our kick-side lunge combination (on the left side this time) before relaxing in Skandasana for 10 counts.\\n\\nInhale to Warrior I. Exhale, taking your palms down to the floor. Inhale your right leg up to the ceiling and exhale to Chaturanga. Inhale to up dog. Exhale to downward dog.\\n\\nOn the next inhale, bend your knees, look at the space between your palms, and jump your feet forward to meet your hands, keeping your back flat. Exhale and fold forward completely. Inhale, bending your knees, and sit down into chair pose. We're moving into single-leg chair with the left leg forward this time. Take the arms up, and stretch the left leg out in front of you, hold for 10 counts then exhale and fold forward. Separate your feet and squat down into Malasana. Breathe in and out completely for several breaths.\\n\\nSequence Nine\\nFrom Malasana, roll yourself back onto your buttocks and come into high boat pose. Hold for 10 counts.\\nCross your legs and roll forward until your palms are pressed into your mat. Jump your feet back into a plank. Release your knees to the floor, coming into a tabletop position. From here, tuck your toes and lift your knees an inch or so off the mat.\\n\\nKeeping your knees off the floor, walk forward for 4 steps, moving your right palm and left knee together and your left palm and right knee together, walk backward for 4 steps. Repeat 9 more times.\\n\\nNext, bring your right knee underneath you and your left arm back, turning your body so your stomach is facing the ceiling, lifting your hips up for reverse tabletop. Reverse this movement to come back to all-fours and repeat on the other side by bringing the left knee underneath you and your right arm back. Repeat on both sides 9 more times.\\n\\nCome back to high boat, lifting your legs up, and breathe in high boat for 10 counts.\\n\\nCross your legs and roll forward until your palms are pressed into your mat. Jump your feet back into a plank.\\n\\nLift your hips up into downward dog. Inhale, raising your right leg to the ceiling. Open your hips, bend your knee, and let your right foot fall back behind you. Follow through with your body to sit down (for more challenge, don't rest your hip on the ground). On the next inhale, bring your right leg back into the air before bringing your right knee towards your left side (moving your leg underneath your body) and kick your foot out in front of you.\\n\\nInhale to bring your right leg back up, completing the sequence 10 times. After the last rep, exhale into Chaturanga then inhale to up dog. Exhale to downward dog.\\n\\nInhale, bend your knees, and jump your feet forward, sitting back into your last high boat. Hold high boat pose for 10 counts.\\n\\nRoll forward, pressing your palms into the floor, and jump back into plank. Bring your hips up to downward dog. \\nRepeat the previous combination starting with your left leg. After returning to downward dog for the last time, relax into child's pose. Breathe in child's pose for several counts.\\n\\nSequence Ten\\nFinish up your power yoga practice working on your inversions. If you're not comfortable with inversions, focus on perfecting your shoulder stand, plow pose, and fish pose.\n⁠Dont forget to check out our \\n30 Min Power Rise & Shine\\n Group Class!"}},{"id":"ckyxpcp4wm10x0d26pz3qteep","slug":"yoga-teacher-taining-for-everyone","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"6 Things That a Yoga Teacher Training Course Will Do for You – Even If You Don’t Want to Teach","createdAt":"2022-01-28T01:04:08.583471+00:00","coverUrl":"amrbzvz8deegkjnh7v7y.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’re reading this right now, you probably are at least \\nthinking\\n about how a yoga teacher training course can benefit you. You’re curious.\\nEver heard that quote, “Those who can’t do, teach”? Yeah, us too. And when it comes to yoga, that quote couldn’t be more wrong.\\nFirst of all, we haven’t met a yoga teacher yet that can’t do yoga. Can they do every single yoga pose ever created? No, of course not. Not many (if anyone) can. But, for the most part, they’re very capable of practicing yoga.\\nHowever, that doesn’t mean you \\nhave\\n to teach just because you get certified as a yoga teacher!\\nYogis take a yoga teacher \\ntraining\\n course for many reasons that we’re about to discuss, but so many more yogis choose not to take one because they don’t want to teach.\\nAnd we’re here to let you know that a high-quality, comprehensive yoga teacher training course is an amazing experience for all yoga practitioners, whether they’re brand new to the practice or have been practicing yoga for many years.\\nIf you’re interested in learning more about MyYogaTeacher’s Teacher Training Courses, we’d love to have you! \\nCheck it out here!\\n\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial \\n\\nBefore saying yay or nay to a yoga TTC like the one MyYogaTeacher offers, consider these 6 benefits…that have \\nnothing\\n to do with teaching!\\n\\n\n1. Yoga teacher training helps you deepen your practice\\nWant more out of your yoga practice? More than what you’re able to get from a one hour class however many times a week?\\nMaybe you want to learn about the physiology of yoga, how it biologically affects your body. Maybe you want to become more focused, self aware, and mindful of your alignment and how your body feels during your yoga practice. It could be that you need more help with breathwork or want to explore various types of meditation to complement your yoga practice.\\nDuring a yoga teacher training course, your instructor (or \\ninstructors\\n) will have the opportunity to give you very specific feedback on how you are performing asanas, how various poses benefit your body, and you’ll certainly learn different types of breathing techniques and meditation variations.\\nLearning the principles behind good alignment, breath work, and meditation will help you in many different ways in daily life.\\nBetter posture, less stress and anxiety, reduced back and joint pain due to better alignment. All of these are benefits of deepening your yoga practice through the participation in a yoga teacher training course!\\n\\n\\n2. A yoga teacher training course will boost your confidence\\nWho \\ndoesn’t\\n want to be more confident? \\nEmbarking on a journey of yoga teacher training will help you discover strengths you didn’t know you had, improve weaknesses (whether physical, mental, or emotional), and help you  develop a better sense of self, of who you are.\\nYou will overcome the stresses and insecurities that invariably accompany the pursuit of any type of challenge or obstacle. And participating in a constant physical practice will help you to see exactly how strong you really are!\\nWe’re not gonna lie. A yoga teacher training course really is challenging. But your yoga teacher and the community of other students you’re taking the course with will be the support you need to move through, over, and around those challenges and grow as a human and a yogi!\\n\\n\\n3. Yoga teacher training helps develop your sense of compassion\\nWe all have moments when we’re uncompassionate. When we are inconvenienced by someone else’s struggles or mistakes. We’re often irritated by slow drivers or when our food order is wrong. Some people are just so consumed with their own lives that they don’t have the emotional room or energy to be compassionate towards others.\\nIn a yoga teacher training course, you’ll explore and practice the concepts of \\nmetta\\n, or lovingkindness, and \\nashima\\n, evoking feelings of compassion. Many times, we are uncompassionate towards others because we are unable to show compassion for ourselves.\\nYou will learn how to show compassion and love towards friends, family, even strangers. But most importantly, you will learn how to show compassion for \\nyourself\\n.\\n\\n\\n4. A yoga teacher training course will teach you selfcare\\nOne of the primary things missing in the lives of many people the world over, but especially Americans, is selfcare. While studies show that self care practices have increased during the pandemic times, it is not nearly enough to keep our busy lives balanced.\\nAnd who’s to say the increase will last after all the pandemic chaos is over?\\nA yoga teacher training course emphasizes the necessity for regular selfcare. Selfcare shouldn’t be something special you only do once a week on the weekend. It should be something you incorporate as a part of your daily life.\\nYou can not pour from an empty cup. Selfcare promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of regular self care practices.\\n\\n\\n5. Yoga teacher training courses teach self-awareness\\nIn my opinion, gaining self-awareness is one of the most beneficial aspects of taking a yoga teacher training course. Why?\\nWe are often so busy, we have no time to reflect on our day or our life, who we are at a base level as a human being. Instead, we are parents, partners, spouses, friends, children, co-workers. We are defined by what we \\ndo\\n instead of \\nwho we are\\n.\\nIncorporating new habits, experiences, knowledge, and activities into our lives is how we grow. Becoming aware of ourselves as individuals, apart from our roles and relationships, is how we become better in everything we do, every aspect of our lives.\\nIn a yoga teacher training program, you will not only learn the tools and techniques to discover your self-awareness, but you will be taught how to continue on afterwards.\\n\\n\\n6. You will learn how to let things go in a yoga teacher training program\\nOne of the fundamental concepts of yoga is letting go that which no longer serves you. But so often, we don’t. \\nWe carry grudges, stay angry, avoid confrontation. We harbor hate and envy and so much negative energy that it just consumes us. But it doesn’t serve us well. In a yoga teacher training program, you will focus on letting go of all the things that do not help you grow or make you happy.\\nYou will learn how to assess the thoughts, feelings, people, things, jobs, roles, and responsibilities in your life and decide if those things are helping you or hurting you. And with the tools from a yoga teacher training course, you’ll be empowered to remove what no longer serves you.\\nHere are MyYogaTeacher, we are passionate about helping people become the most radiant, beautiful, healthy  people we know they are. Humans and humanity are amazing. Our yoga teachers recognize that and strive to provide expert guidance, love, and support that all their students need.\\nWith MyYogaTeacher 100% of your TTC is live. And you'll get access to incredible teachers with rare levels of experience and yoga education. Rohan himself has taught 17 in-person TTCs, 6 online TTCs, and managed 13 other TTCs!\\n \\nWe're not like those self-paced courses you'll find on the internet.\\n With a TTC from MyYogaTeacher, you're not paying for a series of videos \\n(that you can watch or not)\\n, a few live Q&A sessions \\n(that you can attend or not)\\n, and booklets or packets \\n(you can read or not)\\n.\\nWith our \\nYoga Alliance certified\\n TTC, you'll get:\\n ✔️ 100% live instruction\\n✔️ A group chat with your teachers and classmates\\n✔️ A 150-page e-book\\n✔️ Recordings of each of your classes\\n✔️ A community setting that keeps you motivated and energized\\n When you enroll in our Yoga Training Course, you’re not just saying yes to being a yoga instructor. Because some of you may not have that goal.\\n \\nYou’re saying yes to \\nYOU\\n.\\n \\nGet more info or sign up here!\\n\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"clabcglv4n3fc0ais6yxjyhtq","slug":"yoga-before-and-after-workout","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga Before and After Workout: When is yoga best for you and your body?","createdAt":"2022-11-10T17:28:47.493944+00:00","coverUrl":"dirnebto7s5zxueovsfw.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga has so many benefits for the body on its own. But if you’re trying to kick your routine into high gear, consider adding yoga onto your other workouts for an extra bang for your buck. If you’re new to yoga and wondering how adding it into your workout routine can benefit you, no worries! We’re here to help! We'll help you figure out where to schedule yoga into your routine.\\n\\nBenefits of Adding Yoga to your Workout:\\n\\n1. Flexibility\\nIf flexibility is one of your fitness goals, yoga is a great way to achieve more physical flexibility. It’s also great to take the place of your stretching routine pre or post workout. Yoga can increase range of motion and help in muscle recovery. \\n\\n2. Conditioning\\nLove HIIT? Yoga is a great way to step up your fitness intensity by helping you condition your body with more stamina and longer breathing patterns for increased cardio abilities. It’s also proven to increase coordination. \n\\n3. Strength\\nLove to go to the gym for cardio but hate to hit the weight rack? No worries, yoga can take the place of strength training by just using your body weight. Through repetition yoga builds muscle and endurance for strength. No weights required!\\n\\n4. Mental Clarity\\nFor most people, working out is a great way to increase endorphins and reduce stress. However, if your workout leaves you too tightly wound or doesn’t do the job of lifting your mental load, a slow flow can help bring you down and help you rebalance. \n⁠\n\\nWhy You Should do Yoga Before Workout? (Pre Workout) \\nIf you’re strength training, or going for an easy walk on your rest day, yoga is great for before your workout. Do you like to get up with the sun and start your day with a workout? Well, starting your day with yoga will bring you clarity and get your body ready to move. \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is a great place to start your practice and your day. Even if it's gross outside you can still get your practice in. You can pull up our app on your phone or our website right on your computer for 24/7 access to live classes with expert Indian instructors.\\n\\nYou can also use yoga as your warm up! If you’re just waking up or it’s a cold weather season, yoga will help you keep your muscles strong and flexible. If you’re going to the gym for targeted strength training, it can help you focus on balance and alignment to keep your body in check through your workout. Yoga will help you stay balanced and avoid injury by increasing mobility in the body. And finally, Yoga puts your mental health in check. Adding in a moving meditation or some breath work before your workout will keep your body calm, help you align with your goals and avoid the flight or fight symptoms that can come on during an intense or tough workout. \n⁠\\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice Before Your Workout:\n⁠\\n1. Child's Pose\\nThis pose will help you open your hips and reduce injury on core or leg days.\\n\\n\\n2. Cat Cow Pose\\nMoving through your spine slowly with these stretches will help increase mobility in the back. \\n\\n\\n3. Downward Dog Pose\\nPushing up into a downdog to start your day will stretch your entire lower body from your toes to your hips.\\n\\n\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\\nFolding forward increases the blood flow in the body and helps us maintain spine and core stability. \\n\\n\\n5. Mountain Pose\\nThis pose helps us to establish alignment and increase body awareness before a workout! \\n\\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try Before your Workout \\n\\nRise and shine 30 min flow\\n : Start your day with this quick flow. This class is meant to increase your physical fitness and help build your stamina so you can workout longer!\\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n : Gain mental clarity at the beginning of your workout with this traditional hatha flow. \\n\\nSlow Flow Vinyasa\\n : Start your day slow and steady for your mind and body. The slow pace of this class allows us to connect with our bodies and minds as we focus on our breath and alignment. This class helps to build strength, improve flexibility and stability. \n\\nWhy you should do yoga post workout ?\\nIf your workout is more high energy like kickboxing, zumba, cycling etc, yoga after may be best for bringing your body back to homeostasis. Yoga naturally brings down heart rate and reduces stress on the body and mind . You can use Yoga as a cool down or stretching portion of your workout to bring muscles into recovery while extending your burn a little longer. Are you a nighttime warrior? If you tend to work out at night, ending your routine with yoga will help you get a better night’s sleep. \\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice After your Workout:\\n\\n1. Wide Leg Forward Fold Pose\\nWide leg forward fold releases our lower back. Reaching down towards the floor will give our calves a much needed stretch post workout!\\n\\n\\n2. Pigeon Pose\\nThis pose will help to open tight and tired hips and hamstrings. \\n\\n\\n3. Bound Angle Pose\\nThis hip opener stretches your adductors and quadriceps. Try this pose after a run or cardio workout. \\n\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\nThis pose provides a full body stretch from your head to your heels! \\n\\n\\n5. Happy Baby Pose\\nThis pose helps to alleviate or avoid lower back pain post workout. It can also reduce any stress or anxiety caused by your workout. \\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try After your Workout\\n\\nBreath and Flow\\n : This full body flow will help stretch and rejuvenate your muscles as well as relax your mind with meditation and pranayama techniques. \\n\\nYoga Fusion for Joints\\n : This conditioning class combines light weights and foam roller stretches for an active recovery post workout. \\n\\nBreath and Meditation\\n : Join this class to slow down the body and refocus your breathing. Ideal for end of the day or transitions. \\n\\nNo matter what time of day you choose to workout, adding yoga 2 to 3 times a week will extend the life of your routine and help you maintain a positive outlook on your fitness goals. You can add yoga to your workout anytime with us here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n by creating an account, logging in and joining us for class! "}},{"id":"cla8lbvafc0i70ak9u3yp18ji","slug":"yin-yoga-for-arthritis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yin Yoga for Arthritis: 10 poses to ease your pain","createdAt":"2022-11-08T19:13:44.482852+00:00","coverUrl":"ipqjb5ugsgcaxzssgbhi.jpg","content":{"text":"When your body is achy and it feels hard to mobilize, you may be suffering from arthritis. This very common inflammation of the joints affects 24% of adults. In a 2019 study on inflammation biomarkers, Research for nursing found that yoga is great for pain intervention, saying “yoga may be particularly effective in reducing inflammation because, unlike exercise or stress reduction alone, yoga has components of both relaxation techniques and exercise.” Yoga can help to ease your pain and help you to go about your day good as new. \\n\\nCommon causes of Arthritis\\nThe most common causes for arthritis are age, genetics, weight gain and previous injury. Even though it can be long lasting, arthritis is treatable with movement therapies like yoga and meditation and lucky for us, Yin combines both!  Building a yoga practice into your routine can alleviate joint pain as well as  improve flexibility and joint function. Yoga can also help you manage the stress caused by pain which will result in better days and less sleepless nights. \\n\n\\nTypes of Arthritis\\nThere are three common types of arthritis. \\n1. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of arthritis and is known as “wear and tear” on the joints. It most frequently occurs in the hips, hands and knees. \\n2. Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is autoimmune disorder and creates inflammation in the hands and feet. \\n3. Fibromyalgia which causes pain all over the body and fatigue. All three of these can be eased by  a yin-yoga practice. \\n\n\\nWhy Yin Yoga for Arthritis?\\nYin yoga is a style of movement based in Chinese medicine. Yin’s specific goal is to rebalance the body and mind. It’s not simply a practice for strength or flexibility but a practice where movement is the medicine. Unlike any other yoga or workout class, yin goes deeper to connect under your skin to your ligaments, deep tissue and bones.\\n\n\\nBuilding your yin-yoga practice online with us at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is also beneficial because even on days when the pain seems too intense, you don’t need to leave your home to get to your practice. You can pull up our live classes 24/7 with expert Indian instructors who are ready to help you move through your pain.  Our classes are there everyday to help you manage your pain and get in your practice! We make yoga accessible for everyone. A slow yin practice is a great place to start! Yin can relieve pain by reducing physical and mental stress and pressure off the body. Let’s start by finding some moves to get you going! \\n\\n10 Ying Yoga Poses to Ease Your Arthritis Pain\\nWhen practicing these yin yoga poses, it’s best to hold each stretch for 30 seconds to two minutes. These stretches will help bring flexibility into your joints! \\n\\n1. Wide Knee Child’s Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\n⁠This pose is great for lower back pain and your hip flexors. Also great for pain in the sciatic nerve. \n⁠\\n2. Thunderbolt Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nThis pose improves blood circulation and posture easing pain in the spine. \n⁠\\n3. Cobra Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nThis pose opens the lungs while stretching the spine and shoulders. This will help you open your chest. \n⁠\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nFolding the body down is known to calm the mind and lower blood pressure. Come to this pose when you feel anxious or stressed and need to slow down. \n⁠\\n5. Side Angle Bend Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nSide angle opens the side body and takes pressure off your hips.\n⁠\\n6. Chair Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nChair pose makes your legs stronger, giving you more stability in the knees and more flexibility in the ankles. \n⁠\\n7. Pigeon Pose\n⁠\\n\\n⁠\\nThis pose supports flexibility and mobility in the hip joint. If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis, this pose will help target your lower back and hips. \n⁠\\n8. Bridge Pose\n⁠\\n\\n⁠\n⁠This powerhouse pose will improve blood circulation and ease stress while also stretching your neck, chest and hamstrings. Come to this pose when you feel stiff. Move through it slowly. \\n\\n9. Wind Reliever Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\n⁠This pose stabilizes your center of gravity, your pelvis. It also guards you muscles and eases pain along the spine. \\n\\n10. Savasana Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\n⁠Finally, Savasana is so important in your practice. This corpse pose slows down your nervous system while you focus on your breath. It calms the mind and reduces fatigue and anxiety. This is a great place to start or end your yoga practice. \\n\\nOther ways to relieve arthritis pain\\nWant to try other holistic ways to ease your pain? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top five things to add into your routine to feel like your best self!\\nAdd color to your diet! It’s so important to “eat the rainbow” eating lots of fruits and veggies gives you a vitamin boost and helps to naturally fight inflammation. \\nChange up the temp. Adding a hot or cold compress to the affected area is a quick fix when you’re feeling pain. Try a heating pad or an ice pack if you’re short on time. If you have time to relax, try soaking in a warm bath!\\nAdd herbs. Turmeric and ginger can help fight pain and inflammation in the body. Add these herbs to your meals or try ginger tea at night to wake up pain free.\\nAdd more self care to your routine. Book a deep tissue massage or a sauna session so you can relax your body and mind.\\nPractice mindfulness. A meditation practice pairs great with a new yoga practice! You can meditate on your own or get started with us in meditation class! \n\\nTry these classes to get started! \\n\\nStretch and Breath with Shrutika\\n. This class will increase range of motion, control and flexibility in the joints.\\n\\nTotal Body Yin\\n. This slow restorative practice will stretch deep into your joints and facia. This is a great practice to end your day with. \\n\\nYoga for Back Health.\\n This mostly seated class will help you work through any back pain while strengthening your spine and surrounding muscles. \\nIf you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, join us for a practice at \\nMyYogaTeacher.\\n\\nOur expert yoga therapist will help you move through your pain or start a mindfulness practice so you can get back to feeling healthy and pain free! Our 2-Week Free Trial - includes 14 days of unlimited group classes plus 2 complimentary 1-on-1 sessions, that’s a $102 value - for free!\\nThere’s a plan for every yogi! Begin your journey with us today."}},{"id":"cl31z7b95pf2h0ck3sna7w2xg","slug":"yoga-for-women-over-50","author":{"name":"Vineeta","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Yoga Poses for Older Women: Yoga for Women Over 50","createdAt":"2022-05-11T19:29:46.900088+00:00","coverUrl":"shfqitaozmzufddc6ift.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga is for every body. And that’s just one of the wonderful things about it! Another wonderful thing is there are\\n specific\\n yoga poses for women, men, children, disabled people, seniors. \\nA yoga practice can be tailored to meet the varying and specific individual needs of a person or of a collective group of people. Here, I’ll be addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of women over the age of 50 with yoga poses that are particularly beneficial to them.\\nHi! My name is Vaneeta! I teach a\\n Yoga for Women\\n group class at MyYogaTeacher. Women are the source of life and energy on the planet. And a woman advances through many phases of life from motherhood to \\nmenopause\\n. Women who are entering the stage of life that is after menopause have specific needs that can be addressed with yoga!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nI hope you’ll try some of these yoga poses for women over 50 and then join my class on MyYogaTeacher for more!\\nOne key to doing yoga at an older age is using props that help you remain stable, safe, and aligned. I recommend using blocks and/or a chair along with your mat.\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Cat and Cow Pose\\nCat and Cow pose is great for anyone at any age, but it’s a great way for women to begin warming up their back and abdominal muscles in a way that is gradual and stable. Supporting your weight on all fours is also a great way to keep arm and chest muscles (that maybe don’t get used as much as we age) strong and conditioned. Women over 50 tend to start experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in their backs, so cat and cow pose is perfect for helping with those issues as well!\\nAdditionally, because cat and cow pose is designed to sync with  your breath, it is a great way to cleanse emotionally. Since changes in your body can cause emotional distress, particularly in older women, this yoga pose helps women release those emotions before moving forward with more challenging poses.\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog\\nOtherwise known as “Down Dog,” this yoga pose is great for older women because it:\\nStretches out the calves, hamstrings, and back \\nBuilds strength in the arms and chest \\nIncreases flexibility in the shoulders\\nBoosts circulation of oxygen and nutrients to otherwise contracting muscles\\nShoulder joints tend to wear out as women age, which makes them susceptible to injuring their shoulders. Building strength in the arms and chest helps protect those increasingly fragile shoulder joints. \\nEmotionally, down dog instills a sense of empowerment and increases feelings of confidence and accomplishment, two things women over 50 tend to struggle with when they notice the changes in their bodies.\\nAdditionally, once a women passes through menopause, muscles tend to tighten and contract due to reduction in hormones and hormone production. Downward facing dog is a perfect yoga pose for women over 50 because it keeps their leg and back muscles lengthened and promotes good circulation!\\n\\n\n3. Modified Cobbler’s Pose\\nAs women age, it is common for them to encounter knee problems and knee pain, making some yoga poses difficult. However, many yoga poses that increase flexibility and circulation to the hip flexors and hip joints require bent knees. \\nPerforming cobbler’s pose on a block or bolster where your hips are higher than your knees helps decrease the pressure on your knees while still reaping the gentle benefits of hip stretching. You may also choose to put blocks underneath your knees or move your feet further away from your body so that the angle of bend in your knees isn’t as sharp.\\nEither way, this pose is proof that yoga for women over 50 is doable, even if you’re experiencing physical challenges and physiological changes.\\n\\n\n4. Modified Tree Pose\\nBalancing postures are a common theme in many forms of yoga. They help yogis learn how to focus better, increase concentration, and (importantly for older women) strengthen the tiny muscles in our feet and ankles.\\nOlder women may begin to experience balance issues as they age. This is common and normal!\\nThe more you work to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, the less likely you will be to lose your balance! Additionally, yoga for women helps you navigate the mental changes you may experience by helping with memory, focus, and concentration.\\nUse a chair, wall, or other stable object if needed. You may also place your non-standing foot on your calf or even at your ankle until you are comfortable moving it further up.\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\nEveryone loves child’s pose! It’s a great stretch for your back, arms, neck, and even hips and glutes. Older women may want to rest their forehead on a block and/or place a blanket underneath their hips to alleviate any discomfort.\\nTaking some much needed time in child’s pose allows women to reflect on how their body feels and release any negative thoughts about the changes that may be occurring in their body as they age.\\nI would love to have you join us in the Yoga for \\nSenior\\n class, where I not only teach a yoga class specifically catered to women’s needs but talk about common issues women face as they transition into and out of different phases of life! also Check out our latest \\nWellness\\n class for seniors!\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nNamaste!"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9","slug":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","author":{"name":"Nikita","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga","createdAt":"2021-04-02T17:00:26.971968+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-11T13:55:43.463553+00:00","coverUrl":"find-balance-yin-yang-yoga_770x513_.jpeg","seoDescription":"You've heard of yin and yang. But have you heard of yin yang yoga? Explore what it is here and then try it out for yourself!","content":{"text":"Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.\\n\\nOr poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).\\n\\nThe concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. \\n\\nFor instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.\\n\\nThe word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.\\n\\nIt makes sense to offer a \\nYin and Yang Yoga class\\n! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.\\n\\nYou can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. \\nGrab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!\\n\\n\\nLet’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” \\n\\nYin yoga\\n\\nDid you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!\\n\\nYin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.\\n\\nHigh cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.\\n\\nIn addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity \\nhere in this blog post\\n by another expert yogi, Annelise!\\n\\nHere are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:\\n\\nImproves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)\\nIncreases circulation \\nImproves joint mobility\\nBalances internal organs and improves chi\\nCalms the mind\\n\\nAnd it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.\\n\\nWithin the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.\\n\\nBut just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.\\n\\nAnd that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!\\n\\n\\nThe yang\\n\\nYang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.\\n\\nHatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. \\n\\nAs a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!\\n\\n\\nYou can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.\\n\\nEven in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.\\n\\nYou see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.\\n\\n\\nWhy yin and yang are equally important\\n\\nWhat happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?\\n\\nWhat would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.\\n\\nThe yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\\nWhen there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.\\n\\nFor example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!\\n\\nWhen there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.\\n\\nThis is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!\\n\\n\\nIf you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my \\nYin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! \\n\\n\\nNot a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! \\nYou can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.\\n No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.\\n","html":"<p>Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.</p><p></p><p>Or poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).</p><p></p><p>The concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. </p><p></p><p>For instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.</p><p></p><p>The word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.</p><p></p><p>It makes sense to offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class</a>! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>You can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Grab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!</a></p><p></p><p>Let’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” </p><p></p><h2>Yin yoga</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!</p><p></p><p>Yin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.</p><p></p><p>High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.</p><p></p><p>In addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\">here in this blog post</a> by another expert yogi, Annelise!</p><p></p><p>Here are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)</div></li><li><div>Increases circulation </div></li><li><div>Improves joint mobility</div></li><li><div>Balances internal organs and improves chi</div></li><li><div>Calms the mind</div></li></ul><p></p><p>And it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.</p><p></p><p>Within the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.</p><p></p><p>But just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.</p><p></p><p>And that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>The yang</h2><p></p><p>Yang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.</p><p></p><p>Hatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. </p><p></p><p>As a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!</p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.</p><p></p><p>Even in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.</p><p></p><p>You see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Why yin and yang are equally important</h2><p></p><p>What happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?</p><p></p><p>What would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.</p><p></p><p>The yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!</p><p></p><p>When there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.</p><p></p><p>For example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!</p><p></p><p>When there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.</p><p></p><p>This is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! </a></p><p></p><p>Not a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">You can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.</a> No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.</p><p></p><p>Or poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).</p><p></p><p>The concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. </p><p></p><p>For instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.</p><p></p><p>The word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.</p><p></p><p>It makes sense to offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class</a>! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>You can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=d1cd73ed-cb2c-45cb-a5c1-c9f8757d39c9\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga&entity_slug=what-is-yin-yang-yoga&page_or_popup=/articles/what-is-yin-yang-yoga&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"d1cd73ed-cb2c-45cb-a5c1-c9f8757d39c9\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga\"\n            data-slug=\"what-is-yin-yang-yoga\"\n            <u>Grab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!</a></u>        \n            </a></p><p></p><p>Let’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” </p><p></p><h2>Yin yoga</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!</p><p></p><p>Yin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.</p><p></p><p>High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.</p><p></p><p>In addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\">here in this blog post</a> by another expert yogi, Annelise!</p><p></p><p>Here are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)</div></li><li><div>Increases circulation </div></li><li><div>Improves joint mobility</div></li><li><div>Balances internal organs and improves chi</div></li><li><div>Calms the mind</div></li></ul><p></p><p>And it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.</p><p></p><p>Within the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.</p><p></p><p>But just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.</p><p></p><p>And that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>The yang</h2><p></p><p>Yang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.</p><p></p><p>Hatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. </p><p></p><p>As a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!</p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.</p><p></p><p>Even in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.</p><p></p><p>You see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Why yin and yang are equally important</h2><p></p><p>What happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?</p><p></p><p>What would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.</p><p></p><p>The yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!</p><p></p><p>When there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.</p><p></p><p>For example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!</p><p></p><p>When there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.</p><p></p><p>This is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! </a></p><p></p><p>Not a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=922c8f56-58b6-407b-81c9-d1857479af42\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga&entity_slug=what-is-yin-yang-yoga&page_or_popup=/articles/what-is-yin-yang-yoga&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"922c8f56-58b6-407b-81c9-d1857479af42\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga\"\n            data-slug=\"what-is-yin-yang-yoga\"\n            <u>You can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.</a></u>        \n            </a> No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-yin-yang-yoga","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students &amp; 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip &amp; Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckn0jz3m8i6360c81zge64am9","slug":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","author":{"name":"Nikita","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga","createdAt":"2021-04-02T17:00:26.971968+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-04-11T13:55:43.463553+00:00","coverUrl":"find-balance-yin-yang-yoga_770x513_.jpeg","seoDescription":"You've heard of yin and yang. But have you heard of yin yang yoga? Explore what it is here and then try it out for yourself!","content":{"text":"Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.\\n\\nOr poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).\\n\\nThe concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. \\n\\nFor instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.\\n\\nThe word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.\\n\\nIt makes sense to offer a \\nYin and Yang Yoga class\\n! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.\\n\\nYou can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. \\nGrab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!\\n\\n\\nLet’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” \\n\\nYin yoga\\n\\nDid you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!\\n\\nYin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.\\n\\nHigh cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.\\n\\nIn addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity \\nhere in this blog post\\n by another expert yogi, Annelise!\\n\\nHere are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:\\n\\nImproves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)\\nIncreases circulation \\nImproves joint mobility\\nBalances internal organs and improves chi\\nCalms the mind\\n\\nAnd it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.\\n\\nWithin the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.\\n\\nBut just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.\\n\\nAnd that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!\\n\\n\\nThe yang\\n\\nYang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.\\n\\nHatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. \\n\\nAs a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!\\n\\n\\nYou can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.\\n\\nEven in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.\\n\\nYou see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.\\n\\n\\nWhy yin and yang are equally important\\n\\nWhat happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?\\n\\nWhat would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.\\n\\nThe yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\\nWhen there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.\\n\\nFor example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!\\n\\nWhen there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.\\n\\nThis is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!\\n\\n\\nIf you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my \\nYin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! \\n\\n\\nNot a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! \\nYou can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.\\n No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.\\n","html":"<p>Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.</p><p></p><p>Or poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).</p><p></p><p>The concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. </p><p></p><p>For instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.</p><p></p><p>The word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.</p><p></p><p>It makes sense to offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class</a>! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>You can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Grab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!</a></p><p></p><p>Let’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” </p><p></p><h2>Yin yoga</h2><p></p><p>Did you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!</p><p></p><p>Yin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.</p><p></p><p>High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.</p><p></p><p>In addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yin-yoga-for-immunity\">here in this blog post</a> by another expert yogi, Annelise!</p><p></p><p>Here are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)</div></li><li><div>Increases circulation </div></li><li><div>Improves joint mobility</div></li><li><div>Balances internal organs and improves chi</div></li><li><div>Calms the mind</div></li></ul><p></p><p>And it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.</p><p></p><p>Within the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.</p><p></p><p>But just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.</p><p></p><p>And that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!</p><p></p><p></p><h2>The yang</h2><p></p><p>Yang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.</p><p></p><p>Hatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. </p><p></p><p>As a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!</p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.</p><p></p><p>Even in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.</p><p></p><p>You see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>Why yin and yang are equally important</h2><p></p><p>What happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?</p><p></p><p>What would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.</p><p></p><p>The yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!</p><p></p><p>When there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.</p><p></p><p>For example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!</p><p></p><p>When there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.</p><p></p><p>This is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yin-yang-flow-by-nikita\">Yin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! </a></p><p></p><p>Not a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">You can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.</a> No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"05e5e53a-8653-4c29-872d-8032bd6acc3f","student_uuid":"6ea535b8-e859-4928-9126-a1091b887db7","teacher_uuid":"d015bbad-08ac-4b49-b2cb-bba9849f2ddc","teacher_name":"Swathi K S","teacher_first_name":"Swathi","teacher_slug":"swathi-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1658808119/teacher/photos/j8qvf6onfjv1yxcqdnl8.jpg","group_session_name":"Restorative Yoga- For Deep Relaxation","group_session_description":"Restorative yoga allows the body to slow down & relax with 4-6 poses/asanas per session, each pose is held for longer duration.\nThis Practice will help to relieve chronic stress, improve sleep, improve digestion, balance your Blood Pressure, reduce muscle tension & general fatigue.\nThe session will provide you time & space to \"Just be\", giving the body a chance to heal & the mind to settle.\n\nActive relaxation & conscious withdrawal from the senses will move your awareness inward & help you be more  mindful in Life.\nWe will be using chair , bolster, pillows, blankets, blocks & eye bags for grounding, breathing & supported poses.","duration":60,"epoch_time":1674869400000,"local_session_time":"Fri, Jan 27th, 5:30 PM PST","no_of_participants":6,"group_session_limit":200,"time":"5:30 PM","target_audience":"All Levels","student_created_date":"","student_created_day":"","last_attended_time":"","start_date_std":"2023-01-27","class_page_uuid":"753facca-3faa-4543-8a1b-987fd4a96fd6","class_type_uuid":"855214e4-eb3a-41ee-a95a-6bbcb83ac053","allow_booking_by_everyone":0,"featured_in_recommended":0,"teacher_recommendation_score":0,"reco_key":"","reco_val":"","self_booked":0,"group_session_student_uuid":"","banner":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/f_auto,q_70,w_792,h_420,g_auto,c_fill/v1635831192/workshops/xcrmtzfmr3fwlaw8hkzm.png","bootcamp_workshop_uuid":"","bootcamp_workshop_slug":"","goals":["Heal from a medical condition like pain or injury","Ease stress and boost mental health","Sleep better"],"health_keywords":[],"show_book_button":1,"non_member_participants":1,"max_non_member_participants":75,"is_premium_group_session":0,"session_type":"GROUP_SESSION","class_page_slug":"restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-by-swathi","class_page_name":"Restorative Yoga- For Deep Relaxation","hide_from_newbie_trial":0,"hide_from_beginner_trial":0,"recommended_for":"","available_slots":{"day_full":"Friday & Monday","day":"Fri & Mon","days":["Fri","Mon"],"days_full":["Friday","Monday"],"slots":[{"uuid":"05e5e53a-8653-4c29-872d-8032bd6acc3f","duration":60,"epoch_time":1674869400000,"epoch_end_time":1674873000000,"title":"Today, 5:30 - 6:30 PM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"a05d07ee-7eb1-4467-8b9b-2e51ff635824","duration":60,"epoch_time":1675128600000,"epoch_end_time":1675132200000,"title":"Mon, 30th Jan, 5:30 - 6:30 PM","self_booked":0}],"session_time":"5:30 - 6:30 PM"},"in_pref_time":0},{"session_uuid":"4f4348b5-4e3f-4183-b883-5ee1fd03bf04","student_uuid":"04f2f4f2-f580-42f3-98fd-dc8581fd5363","teacher_uuid":"9baef6d5-26f6-494d-9be0-11d4eba4cb02","teacher_name":"Shikha Sood","teacher_first_name":"Shikha","teacher_slug":"shikha-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1592996958/teacher/photos/siqyumjrhufzdwx1gvcl.jpg","group_session_name":"Hatha Yoga","group_session_description":"Hatha translates to Sun Moon (Ha = sun; Tha = Moon) and each class is designed to evoke an integration of opposites. 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