I’m excited to have my friend and longtime acquaintance Vinay Jesta back on the podcast to get nerdy about Yin Yoga. My own experience with Yin has been pretty limited, so I wanted to understand what Yin Yoga actually is, how it fits into the broader yoga tradition, and how it differs from restorative yoga. We talk about the role of sensation, stillness, props, connective tissue, and finding an appropriate edge without pushing too far. Vinay also explains how Yin can support slowing down, mindfulness, and balance in a world that often pulls us toward constant activity.
We also explore the meridian system and its relationship to Yin Yoga, including how Traditional Chinese Medicine influences different approaches to the practice. We talk about the psychological and emotional aspects of long holds, how Yin can become an introspective practice, and why it’s more than simply passive stretching. Vinay shares how teachers can work with different students, including those who are hypermobile, injured, or pregnant, and why Yin may need to be balanced with more Yang-oriented practices.
Finally, we discuss common misconceptions about Yin Yoga, what teachers may get wrong, whether music belongs in a Yin class, and what to consider when practicing from online videos. Vinay also shares what to look for when choosing a Yin Yoga training, including a balance of anatomy, compressions, skeletal variations, and energetic approaches such as the meridian system.
Vinay Jesta is an internationally acclaimed Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer with over a decade experience in Training yoga teachers. Originally from India, Vinay was introduced to yoga from an early age through pranayama, meditation, and traditional yoga practices. His teaching journey has taken him across India, Europe, and around the world, where he leads Yoga Teacher Trainings, workshops, and retreats.
Vinay’s passion lies in alignment-based Vinyasa Yoga, Classical Hatha Yoga, and Yin Yoga. Known for his natural, inclusive, and engaging teaching style, Vinay believes that yoga is for everyone and aims to inspire people to integrate yoga into their everyday lives.