30 Dec Yin Yoga – Q&A With Duncan Peak
Yin yoga is a style of yoga that has been steadily growing in stature and popularity in recent times. If you haven’t been to a Yin yoga class yourself, you don’t know what you are missing out on. Amongst pure bliss and a feeling of complete calmness in body and mind, there are so many other amazing benefits. We have sat down with Power Living‘s Founder and Master Facilitator Duncan Peak to talk about all things Yin, his favourite Yin pose and all the benefits a Yin practice will give you. Plus, more details on our upcoming Yin Teacher Training, that will elevate your skills as a modern yoga teacher. You don’t want to miss these.
Yin Q&A with Duncan Peak
How did you discover your love for Yin? Tell us about your journey.
It was simple; I was looking to increase my anatomy knowledge after studying an advanced diploma in NeuroSpinology. I read an article from Paul Grilley, and he spoke of skeletal compression, connective tissue restricting the range of motion and even body proportions. Having a lot of the knowledge myself, but hadn’t seen many teachers considering the impact of it on posturing.
Once I learnt he was, I went and trained with him for his initial 200hrs and then just felt it was a missing part of my practice which complimented my yang vinyasa and my meditation practice. I knew we needed it in Australian studios.
What is Yin in a nutshell?
Well, that’s a long conversation, but Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers and others are credited to creating the style. It is however similar to the original intentions of Hatha Yoga, poses to meditate in. They added the Chinese medicine element as it’s more comprehensive than what is left of the chakra system and created an accessible style for people that feels right in the body.
A key thing to remember is that Yin isn’t’ about more flexibility; it’s about hydrating fascia and connective tissue. This may result in more range, but it’s a yin approach that addresses physiology in the body not just gross Range of Movement (ROM).
Why is Yin becoming so popular these days?
Accessible, easy to do, effective feelings straight away and a doorway to meditation. It also honours skeletal compression and other common-sense things that maybe some of the modern yoga styles miss.
Is Yin really for everybody?
Yes, but in the right way. Over-passive stretching isn’t healthy for the body, but hydration of facial tissue and relaxation is very healthy for everyone. So it depends on how someone approaches it.
I am not really flexible, can I still do Yin?
Of course, it’s about hydration, not flexibility, but it will help your ROM.
If you could choose: Yin or Vinyasa?
Ha! No, I won’t choose. They are all Hatha yoga as far as I’m concerned, and I do what my body needs each day, a week etc.
What’s the best time of the day to practice Yin?
Anytime. I like it first thing in the morning, and some science backs up this being the best time before the muscles warm up with blood flow.
The most significant benefits of Yin?
- Hydration of tissue and joints.
- Relaxation and a doorway to meditation.
- Easy and accessible.
Are there immediate benefits after practice?
Yes! You will feel fantastic, relaxed, balanced and fluid. Mentally very calm, too.
Why is it so hard to find stillness in Yin? Is there a way to ease into it?
Ease into it by not going deep in poses. In reality, we should be at about 60% of the range, not 80 or 90%, So take it easy, enjoy, use lots of props and relax so the tissue can hydrate.
What is your tip of not falling asleep during a pose?
Stay focused on the breath; try to meditate in each pose. But hey, if you need to sleep, maybe it’s good for you.
What are your tips and tricks to calm my busy, hyperactive mind down during Yin?
Just show up to class, and have no pressure to do anything right or deep. Use propr to make poses easy and reclaim your ability to let go.
What’s your favourite Yin pose?
That would be Saddle pose for the whole front side of the body. Not everyone is ready for this pose or needs a lot of props to be supported, so be careful.
Are you interested in practising Yin Yoga in the studio?
All our studios offer Yin Yoga most nights of the week; often accompanied with live music. Find our Yin Yoga schedule for your local studio here. Timetables
Power Living Yin Yoga Teacher Training
We run two Yin Yoga Trainings a year. A 75hr Online course and a 100hr online and in-person course. Visit our Yin Yoga page to find the next available training.
Yin Yoga Course
Are you joining us for some Yin lovin’, yogis?
Written by Power Living Team
