Unlike dynamic yoga styles, yin invites you to soften into supported poses for several minutes, allowing your body's connective tissues (tendons, ligaments and fascia) to release tension, enhancing mobility and flexibility. For support during the holds, the use of meditative and breath techniques help calm the mind and build resilience.
Ultimately, Yin yoga invites us to slow down, focus and really pay attention to our body. Yin is a functional practice; meaning the goal is to feel sensation in the target area rather than "look" a certain way.
I'm a Yin Yoga teacher and Yoga Nidra guide based in Nelson. As a mama to a rambunctious toddler, I know firsthand how rare deep rest can be, and how much we need it. In my classes I aim to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for the kind of restoration we don't find nearly enough time for in daily life.
My love of yin yoga began during pregnancy when I discovered how easy and restorative it felt, yet how seductively challenging it became. Since completing my 250-hour Vinyasa Teacher Training in 2020, I've specialized in Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Prenatal Yoga and Restorative Yoga. I’m drawn to practices that invite us to slow down and turn inward, rooted in both Taoist and yogic wisdom.
Greater body awareness
Support overall joint health
Enhance joint range of motion
Support the health and elasticity of our connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia)
Reduce stress and anxiety by calming the fight-or-flight response
Connect our physical body to our mental and emotional bodies
Balance yin and yang energies within our bodies
Build emotional awareness
Release our emotions and stagnant energy that's trapped and being held in the body
Engage the parasympathetic (aka rest-and-digest) nervous system.
"I regularly attend this class and I love how relaxed and accomplished I feel afterwards. Adrianne is a great instructor and I like how the class caters to all levels."
- Jackie D.
"Needless to say I was pretty nervous walking into my first class but oh my gosh what a beautiful space and Adrianne is amazing...her classes are slow and delicious...it doesn't matter what level you are practicing at she encourages us to concentrate on our own mat..there's no pretense no pressure just wonderful stretches and perfect relaxation."
- Nadine F.
"I had never done yoga before, and I absolutely loved it. Adrianne is an amazing yoga instructor who gave clear instructions and made the atmosphere a warm and inviting place to be. I highly recommend going to her classes."
- Steph K.
During class expect long holds of passive stretches supported with lot's of props, blended with sound healing, meditation and breath. Soothing music will help you relax and you will have the option to enhance your personal practice using aromatherapy.
Suitable for both beginners and established practitioners! See class prices and package deals on booking page.
Is yin yoga good for beginners?
Yin yoga is a beautiful practice for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. I'll give you several options for a posture and you choose which one you would like, depending on how you feel in your body and mind in the moment. If you feel like you need more nurturing or support, choose more props. If you'd like more of a challenge, opt for less. We have a wide range of ages and mobility levels in class, so you choose your practice. If you ever need help with adjustments, please ask, that's what I'm here for :).
How is Yin Yoga different from other Yoga styles?
There are LOTS of different ways to practice yoga. The asana's or postures are only a small part of what yoga is. Yoga is a rich practice full of philosophy, breath work (pranayama) and meditation practices (just to scratch the surface). In saying this, common forms of yoga include Hatha or Vinyasa, which involve a sequence of postures that flow into each other. This is typically what you'll get if you search yoga class on YouTube.
Yin yoga is a little bit different than what you may be used to. It's a very slow practice where we hold a posture, or asana, for 3 to 7 minutes. But don't worry I won't have you in plank pose for 3 minutes. The goal of yin yoga is to relax the body and focus on the breath to quiet the mind. We use props to support us in the posture so we can work with gravity to release rather than build tension and strength. Yin yoga focuses on enhancing mobility in the fascia, tendons and ligaments, which need a slow practice so they can slowly release.
From a philosophical perspective, Yin yoga draws on Indian Yogic Philosophy and Chinese Taoism.
Is it painful?
You choose your variation. If you want something more restorative, choose more props. If you're working on enhancing mobility some discomfort is normal and natural as you stretch and release the body. This is one part that drew me into yin yoga as it helped me build resilience for some discomfort in the longer poses while I was pregnant.
However, we never want pain. If something is painful please ease out or ask for help to adjust. If you experience shooting pain then you're triggering a nerve rather than connective tissue, please move. I'm a yoga teacher, not a doctor. You know your body best and what feels right. Everything I bring to you in class is an offering and you always have the choice to do something different. If you have any health challenges or injuries and feel comfortable to tell me about them I can offer adjustment suggestions or alternate postures that may be more suited to you. If you have concerns please speak to your doctor first.
Do I need to book and how much does it cost?
Yes, bookings are essential as spaces are limited and I need to know how many people to set the class up for in advance.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
INTRO OFFER: 4 Classes for $40 (Valid 3 Months)
Regulars: Koha pricing $10-$20 per class, pay-what-you-want.
One-off drop-in class, tiered pay-what-you-can pricing $20 recommended
Prefer to pay with cash or bank transfer? Select pay later and ask me for details or pay at the start of class.
Do I need to bring a yoga mat or props?
Just bring yourself! The studio is equipped with all the equipment you'll need: mats, blocks, bolsters, straps and blankets. If you want to use your own mat or have specific props you like in your practice you're welcome to bring them, but you don't need your own equipment to join.
What should I wear?
Any comfortable clothing that allows for free movement. Due to the slow nature of yin yoga you may find your body cools so it's a good idea to wear something warm or have a couple of layers you can take off or put on as needed.
Is yin yoga for everyone?
Yin yoga is beginner-friendly and safe for most people.
However, if you have medically diagnosed hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), yin yoga should be avoided.
Other considerations:
If you are pregnant in your first trimester, it's generally not recommended to start any new activities during this time.
If you are pregnant in your second or third trimester, provided your doctor and midwife are happy for you to start new activities again, yin yoga is typically considered fine. Personally, I found it highly beneficial during my pregnancy. Please let me know if you're pregnant so I can give appropriate adjustments where needed.
If you are postpartum, it's generally advised to wait until after you've finished breastfeeding, as you still have relaxin in your body, which increases the size and elasticity of connective tissues, ligaments and muscles.
