Yin Yoga: Stretch the Mindful Way

This is a well planned and easy to access introduction to the yin yoga method. The author, Kassandra Reinhardt, regularly publishes yin, hatha and other styles of yoga videos on her Youtube channel "Yoga with Kassandra." I regularly enjoy Kassandra's practices, particularly her yin classes, and was excited to learn she had written this book. It does not disappoint.The book begins with an introduction to the yin yoga method and helpful summaries of the chakra and meridian systems. I was happy to see these sections because two of the primary purposes of yin yoga are to open, cleanse and balance the chakras and meridians. There is a helpful color coded chakra chart with brief descriptions, recommended asana, and the associated bija (chanted sound) for each chakra. (My only quibble with the book is that I wish the print were a little darker against the colored background of the chart.) The section on meridians features a series of pastel tinted blocks with a graphic image and brief summary for each of the 12 meridians.Wrapping up the introductory section are chapters offering three yogic breathing techniques, descriptions of the props you will need, tips on how to practice with the book, and meditation. Photographs are provided for the breathing techniques and props.The primary tutorial sections of the book, Yin Asanas and Yin Sequences, are neatly laid out. Each asana is accompanied by a photograph and summary of the pose's benefits. Methods for making each pose easier are offered and some have tips for making a pose harder. In the Kindle version, each asana is linked both to the table of contents and to the sequences. I particularly like this digital feature; it is so helpful while following a sequence to be able to click on a pose and flip back to its particulars.A sampling of the nineteen sequences include pre-workout stretch, beginner sequence, improving digestion, upper back and lower back tension relief, and sciatica relief.No yoga manual is complete without illustrations, and the photographs in this book are praiseworthy. Each photo is bright and clear in an outdoor setting. Poses are demonstrated on the sand, on a boardwalk, and on what appears to be a deck with the sun setting behind mountains. Photos of each phase of a pose are provided, along with the alternative version(s).I highly recommend this book for yin beginners and seasoned practitioners both. Well done Kassandra and thank you for this guidebook.

I’ve bought multiple yin yoga books, but this is by far the best. The poses are detailed with pictures and descriptions in the earlier part of the book. The end of the book has 20 sequences which are the icing on the cake for me - it’s all well and good to know the poses, but I never know what order to do them in to alleviate the specific pain I’m working against.

I’m a newer Yin teacher and this book has been my bible. I love the step by step on how to arrive at the pose.

Yin Yoga is a beautifully laid out book. Wonderful pictures and detailed information. Sadly, it appears the book wasn't printed with the Kindle in mind. Portions of the print are VERY THIN and quite small-Making it impossible to read if your eyesight is less than perfect. Hopefully, if at all possible, these areas will be edited and updated for Kindle users.

Love this book. Great diagrams - very concise!

Kassandra Reinhardt has an excellent YouTube channel I’ve been following for a couple of years, so when I heard she was releasing a book on Yin yoga, I ordered it immediately.The great thing about this book is that it is so easy to follow. Like all books published by DK, it’s visuals are outstanding, so all of the yin poses are beautifully photographed and explained by Kassandra.My favorite part is being able to turn to the back to find a sequence I would like to follow. You are given a routine for an area you’d like to work on (low back pain for me) and are given a sequence of poses across a two-page spread. Then you turn to the page of the pose for another two-page spread that you follow for 3–5 minutes.I find it hard to do a faster type of yoga (e.g. Hatha or Vinyasa) with a book because the transitions are so fast. But with a slow, meditative yoga like yin, it’s so easy to use this book.If you do Yin yoga videos with Kassandra, you will find many poses you’ve probably never done online. So I would recommend this book to further your toolbox of poses. I just ordered a second copy for one of my yoga teachers.As a man who practices yoga, I do appreciate seeing a male model as well :)Thank you, Kassandra, and congratulations on becoming an author. You deserve every success!

I've checked this Yin Yoga book out from the library twice. I love it so much that I decided to buy my own. I also found the author online and she has a few FREE 30-day yoga practices. I like having the book so that I can reference sequences for specific areas of the body and hold certain poses for longer periods. The photos are beautiful. The author seems very experienced. Thank you!

This book has wonderful photos and descriptions that couldn't be better for learning yin yoga poses. I do restorative yoga almost daily, which I was able to learn on my own through this great guide. When I'm with a yoga instructor, I see proof that the book taught me to do the poses correctly. What a great choice if you want to gently improve your strength and flexibility. Great for all ages, but wonderful for those over age 50, 60 or 70.