Yin Yoga Helps Flexibility

Yin Yoga may help improve flexibility by targeting tendons and ligaments in the joints and spine. In this type of yoga practice, poses are held for extended periods of time -- about 3 to 5 minutes. Muscles are not engaged.

I have noticed tightness in my shins and ankles that is very stressful in a few of the poses. Cramping of those muscles often occurs hours after I have stopped the practice. The use of a heating pad helps relax the muscles and improves flexibility. Continuing the practice, being careful to not overdo,  has helped me bring more flexibility into those muscles and connective tissues.

I started doing Yin Yoga in the fall of 2011 and find it is amazingly relaxing, in spite of some discomfort -- not pain -- while holding poses. It keeps me in the moment and challenges me to stay focused on the breaths I take. It has given me more flexibility -- something I seem to be losing as I age.

For a description of Yin Yoga and its origins see the article in Wikipedia.

For a heating pad that is portable and safe, check out Maine Warmers’ large variety of microwave heat packs to help improve flexibility. The Full Back Warmer covers a large area and can be helpful for all kinds of cramps or stiffness. Their Whale Warmer is unique and whimsical – a great gift for a yogie -- and it covers a large area of the back or even the legs. All of these products have removable, washable covers for easy laundering. They are filled with whole corn and do not have any added perfumes.