Normally you think of exercise as the need to move more, not less, but there are several scenarios in which I will argue that intentional stillness and stretching can actually be just as good for you. Before I dive into what, when, and how to take advantage of stillness for exercise purposes, let's look at who could most benefit...
- Do you participate in regular, moderate to intense exercise (4-6 days a week)?
- Do you repeat the same type of exercise day in, day out?
- Do you participate in heavy lifting or impact workouts?
- Is sitting still difficult or uncomfortable for your body?
- Do you experience stiffness, aches, and pains in your muscles or joints?
- Do you suffer from inflammation in your body?
If your answer is YES to any of the above questions, you can benefit from a Yin Yoga practice. So when do you know it’s time? Well, it's when you have:
- Exercised 4-6 days consistently.
- Repeated the same or similar exercises or movements day in, day out.
- Lifted heavy weights or participated in impact exercise.
- Had difficulty being still.
- Noticed aches, pains, and stiffness in your body.
- Suffered from inflammation.
That’s when!
Finally, how can you do this? Can you find 30-90 minutes out of your day or week? Much like meditation, you can literally do your yin yoga practice as regularly as you are willing to commit to.
“You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes a day — unless you're too busy, then you should sit for an hour.” ...Max Storm, A Life Worth Breathing
Yin is meant to be in a quiet, peaceful environment, so you can do it at home, at the gym, in a class with others, outside, in the park — wherever you feel comfortable. Yin is meant to be a gift to your body. A gift of relaxed state of mind and body.
Listen to your inner voice and do not be afraid to give your Yin Yoga practice a try.
For additional ideas, stay tuned…Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
Health Advisor | Email Casey
