Yin
Yoga
Long, quiet floor holds
Yin is the slowest thing on the timetable and, for a lot of people, the hardest. You take a small number of floor shapes, support them well and stay in each one for three to five minutes without adjusting every few seconds. What changes over that time is not muscular; it is connective tissue, and it does not hurry.
How to practise it well
- Find the edge, not the end. Sixty per cent is plenty.
- Use every prop you can reach.
- Stay still once you have arrived.
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What the long holds do
Muscle responds to load in seconds. Fascia and joint capsule respond to sustained, gentle tension over minutes. Yin is built for the second kind of tissue, which is why the shapes look passive and feel like work anyway. The hips, lower back and shoulders are the usual targets.
The mental half
Staying still is the other practice here. Three minutes is long enough for your mind to get bored, negotiate and eventually settle, and most regulars come as much for that sequence of events as for the stretch.
What the holds do
Connective tissue
Long holds reach what faster movement never touches.
The mental half
Staying still with a busy head is most of the practice.
Props in abundance
Clara props everything so you can settle rather than strain.
Taking less depth than you can
Suitable for complete beginners and often the class that experienced practitioners find they need most. Bring socks and something with sleeves.
What regulars say
Imogen S.
Three minutes in a shape is an extremely long time when you first try it. It is also the only thing that has shifted my hips in a decade. Clara is unhurried and completely unbothered by fidgeting.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Still have a question?
Send us a message and we'll come back to you within one business day.
Do I need experience to start?
No. Every class is taught with options rather than expectations, and our Fundamentals and Gentle sessions assume no prior practice at all. Tell your teacher it's your first time and they will look after you.
What should I bring to my first class?
Comfortable clothes and a water bottle. Mats, blocks, straps and bolsters are all provided, and there are showers and lockers in the changing rooms.
Can I come without a membership?
Yes. Drop-in classes and pay-as-you-go class packs sit alongside our memberships, so you can practise as often or as rarely as suits you.
How early should I arrive?
Fifteen minutes before your first class, and around five for every class after that. It gives you time to check in, settle and set up your mat without rushing.
Can I pause or cancel my membership?
Pause or cancel anytime with 30 days notice. There are no joining fees and no lock-in contracts, and any unused class credits stay on your account.
Do you teach pregnant or injured students?
We do. Several of our teachers are qualified in pre and postnatal practice and in therapeutic yoga. Let us know before class so your teacher can adapt the session for you.
