Yin Yoga: The Practice of Doing Less

Yin yoga has become increasingly popular, and it's easy to see why.

In a yoga world that can sometimes feel focused on doing more, improving more and achieving more, Yin offers something quite different: fewer poses, less movement and more time to stay.

That can be particularly appealing when you're living in a city like Madrid, where there is usually plenty going on - work, social plans, dinners, navigating the city and all the things that come with building a life somewhere new.

But doing less doesn't necessarily mean doing nothing.

In fact, one of the interesting things about Yin is that staying still can be surprisingly challenging.

Group practising Yin yoga in a lying butterfly pose in our Madrid class

What is Yin yoga?

Yin is a slower style of yoga where poses are generally held for longer periods of time, often with the support of props and without trying to force the body into a particular shape.

Rather than moving continuously from one pose to the next, you settle into a position and give yourself time to notice what is happening.

That might mean noticing physical sensations, your breath, your thoughts and how you feel in that moment.

The intention isn't to achieve the deepest version of a pose.

It's about finding an appropriate place to be, staying for a while and paying attention.

What is happening physically?

Doing less doesn't mean your body isn't doing anything.

Yin creates a different physical experience from a more active Hatha practice. Rather than repeatedly contracting and moving through the muscles, we spend longer periods in relatively passive positions.

This gives us time to explore sensations in the body and to work with tissues that aren't always the focus of a more dynamic practice.

You may have heard Yin described as a practice that works with the fascia, the network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, organs and other structures throughout the body.

Fascia has important mechanical and sensory roles, and researchers are increasingly interested in how connective tissue responds to movement, loading and stretching. But it's an oversimplification to say that Yin simply "stretches the fascia" or that all of its effects can be explained by fascia.

What we do know is that longer-held positions provide a different physical stimulus from active movement. Regular stretching and movement can influence things like flexibility and range of motion, although the reasons for those changes are more complex than simply lengthening one particular tissue.

And there can also be something valuable about simply spending time paying attention to physical sensation.

Where do you feel tension?

What changes when you stay for another minute?

Does a different prop or position make the experience more comfortable?

Rather than trying to force the body into a particular shape, Yin gives you time to notice and respond.

And that's another reason why "doing less" doesn't necessarily mean doing nothing.

Yin isn't about stretching further

One of the biggest misconceptions about Yin is that it's simply a way of getting a deeper stretch.

Although Yin poses can create strong physical sensations, the aim isn't to push yourself towards your maximum range of movement.

Instead, we might explore a position until we find an appropriate amount of sensation and then stay there.

That requires a different kind of awareness.

We have to notice the difference between a sensation that feels useful to explore and one that tells us to back off.

You have to make adjustments when your body asks for them.

And you have to resist the temptation to compare your shape with someone else's.

There is no particular pose you need to "achieve".

Doing less isn't always easy

We're generally quite good at doing.

We work, exercise, answer messages, make plans, solve problems and fill our time.

Even when we're resting, we can find ourselves scrolling through our phones or thinking about what we need to do next.

Yin creates a different experience.

You find your position. You settle. And then there is very little else to do.

At first, that can feel wonderful.

And then we might notice our mind becoming busy.

We might think about work, a conversation from earlier, something we need to remember or whether we should move out of the pose yet.

That's all part of this practice.

Not because you need to somehow stop thinking, but because you have the opportunity to notice what your mind does when there isn't something else demanding your attention.

What happens when we stop trying to achieve?

This is one of the things I love about Yin.

We're so used to measuring progress: whether I’m stronger, more flexible, doing it “right”, going further than last time.

Yoga can easily become another place where we try to improve ourselves.

Yin yoga offers an opportunity to practise something different.

What if the point isn't always to get somewhere?

What if, for a while, the practice is actually about paying attention to where you already are?

This connects to something much broader in yoga philosophy: the practice isn't only about what we do with our bodies. It is also about how we relate to our experience.

And doing less can give us more space to notice.

Staying with what is

Longer-held poses can also teach us something about our relationship with discomfort.

Not all discomfort means something is wrong. But neither does discomfort automatically mean we should stay.

Yin asks us to pay attention and make a choice.

Can I stay here comfortably enough to explore the experience?

Do I need to change the position?

Would a prop help?

Am I forcing something because I think I should be able to go further?

That kind of discernment is part of the practice.

And it can be useful in our everyday life, outside of yoga classes.

Why Yin can feel so different

If you're used to a more active Hatha class, Yin will feel different at first.

There is less movement. Fewer transitions. More time in each position.

You might even find yourself wondering whether you're "doing enough".

But that's precisely the point.

Yin isn't trying to give you the same experience as a more active practice.

Sometimes we need movement and energy.

Sometimes we need strength and focus.

And sometimes we need to practise staying. You can read more about how to choose between hatha or yin yoga here.

That's why we include Yin Yoga alongside Slow Hatha in our Wednesday classes in Madrid. The two approaches complement each other: we move, explore and build some warmth, and then have time to slow down and stay.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the full 60-minute class is Yin. On the other Wednesdays, the class combines Slow Hatha & Yin.

If you're new to yoga, you don't need to practise every day to benefit from it, consistency matters more than doing a lot at once. I’ve written more in How Often Should You Practise Yoga as a Beginner.

When you're new to Madrid, too

If you've moved to Madrid from another country, your life may look exciting from the outside while still requiring a lot of adjustment.

You're figuring out where to shop, where to exercise, how to meet people, which neighbourhoods feel like home and how to build a routine that actually feels like yours.

An English-speaking yoga class can become part of that routine.

Not just because you can practise in a language that feels more natural, but because you start seeing the same people each week.

You might arrive knowing nobody and, over time, recognise familiar faces. You might chat before class, grab a coffee afterwards or find yourself meeting people outside the studio.

That's one of the things I love about having a yoga community in Madrid: the practice gives you something that is yours, while the people around it can help a new city feel a little more familiar.

If you're new to Madrid and looking for an English-speaking yoga class, you can read more about finding a yoga community in English in Madrid.

Yin at Atiyasana

Our Wednesday evening classes are designed to give you both movement and space to slow down.

Most Wednesdays, Slow Hatha & Yin combines a steady-paced Hatha practice with longer-held Yin poses.

On the first Wednesday of each month, we spend the full 60 minutes practising Yin.

Classes are in English and are open to all levels. You don't need to have done Yin before, and you certainly don't need to be flexible. If you've never been to a yoga class before, you can also read what to expect at your first yoga class.

You just need to be willing to slow down.

Because sometimes doing less is exactly what we need.

Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga Or Meditation? How To Choose the Right Yoga Class in Madrid

If you've ever looked at a yoga timetable and wondered which class to choose, you're not alone.

One of the questions I hear most often from new students is:

"What's the difference between Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Meditation?"

Many people assume yoga is one thing, but classes can feel very different depending on the style, pace and focus.

Some classes are more active and movement-based. Others are slower and designed to help you unwind. Some involve very little movement at all.

The good news is that there isn't a right or wrong choice. It simply depends on what you're looking for right now and what you might like.

Whether you're completely new to yoga or looking for classes in Madrid, here's a simple guide to help you decide.

Hatha Yoga in Central Madrid

What Is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha Yoga is often considered the foundation of many modern yoga styles.

In a typical Hatha class, you'll move through a series of postures while connecting movement with your breath. Classes often include gentle warm-ups, sun salutations, a mixture of standing poses, balance work, gentle strengthening, stretching and relaxation.

In my own classes, Hatha Yoga tends to attract people who spend long hours sitting at desks, feel mentally busy or simply want to move their bodies in a way that feels supportive rather than exhausting. Some classes are a bit faster (like more “vinyasa” style) but others are more classic hatha with steady poses held for 3-5 breaths.

You don't need to be flexible, fit or able to touch your toes, despite what you might see on social media. Yoga isn't a performance. A class is an opportunity to explore how movement, breath and awareness feel in your own body.

Many students tell me they leave feeling both more energised and more grounded than when they arrived.

Hatha Yoga may be a good fit if:

• You're new to yoga

• You want to improve strength, balance and mobility

• You spend a lot of time sitting

• You enjoy movement but don't want an intense workout

• You're looking for a balanced practice

What Is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a much slower style of yoga.

Rather than moving frequently between postures, you'll stay in each pose for several minutes. The focus is on allowing the body to gradually soften and release, working with the connective tissues of the body (often referred to as fascia), rather than stretch deeply through force.

Many people are surprised by Yin Yoga.

From the outside it can look easy because there is less movement. In reality, slowing down and staying still can sometimes feel more challenging than moving. It is like a meditation in different poses.

Yin Yoga can be particularly helpful if you have a busy lifestyle and rarely give yourself permission to pause.

It's also a useful complement to more active forms of exercise such as running, cycling, strength training or dynamic yoga practices and can help to improve flexibility.

You can read more about yin yoga and how it differs from hatha here.

Yin yoga class

Yin Yoga may be a good fit if:

• You often feel stressed or overwhelmed

• Your body feels tight from exercise or desk work

• You struggle to slow down

• You want to improve mobility and flexibility

• You're looking for a calmer slower practice

What About Meditation?

Meditation is often misunderstood.

Many people think meditation means emptying your mind or stopping your thoughts.

In reality, meditation is more about learning how to observe what's happening without immediately reacting to it.

Some days that might mean noticing your breath.

Other days it might mean noticing how busy your mind feels.

I've found that meditation can be one of the most valuable practices people develop: not because it makes life stress-free, but because it helps us respond differently when stress appears. It doesn’t always have to be a sit-down practice; it can also be walking, through yoga poses or any everyday task.

Like any skill, it becomes easier with practice.

Meditation at the start of a yoga class

Meditation may be a good fit if:

• You struggle to switch off mentally

• You experience stress or anxiety

• You want to improve focus and concentration

• You feel constantly busy

• You're curious about mindfulness

Which Yoga Class Is Right for You?

If you're still unsure, here's a simple guide.

Choose Hatha Yoga if:

You want movement, stretching and a well-rounded practice.

Choose Yin Yoga if:

You need to slow down and create space in your week.

Choose Meditation if:

Your biggest challenge can often be what's happening in your mind rather than your body.

Of course, many people enjoy a combination of all three.

In fact, some of the students who attend my classes regularly practise Hatha Yoga for movement and strength, Yin Yoga for recovery and meditation is integrated in our classes for mental clarity.

How often you practise, and how you combine different styles, can depend on your schedule and what you need from your practice. Read more about how often to practise yoga as a beginner.

Do You Need To Be Flexible To Start Yoga?

Absolutely not.

This is probably the biggest myth that prevents people from trying yoga.

Flexibility is not a requirement for yoga.

It's something that may improve over time, just as strength, balance and body awareness can improve over time.

Some of the people who benefit most from yoga are those who arrive feeling stiff, stressed and convinced they're "not a yoga person." You can find more about whether you need to be flexible to start yoga here.

If you're looking for a class to complement a desk-based working routine, I've also written about yoga for desk workers in Madrid and how different styles can help you move beyond your usual positions.

Isn't Yoga More Than Physical Postures?

One thing worth mentioning is that yoga is about much more than stretching or improving flexibility.

While physical postures (asana) are often what bring people to class, traditional yoga also includes breathing practices, meditation and philosophy.

In my classes, we often explore simple themes from yoga philosophy and consider how they apply to everyday life. Sometimes this might be contentment (Santosha), non-harming (Ahimsa) or finding balance rather than always pushing harder. Find out more about why I include yoga philosophy in my classes here.

You don't need to know anything about yoga philosophy to attend a class, but many students find these ideas are what keep them coming back long after they've learned the physical poses.

For me, yoga isn't about performing shapes. It's about learning skills that help us navigate daily life with a little more awareness, balance and ease, and that’s something we regularly explore in our yoga classes in Madrid.

Finding the Right Yoga Class in Madrid

The best yoga class isn't necessarily the most popular, the most advanced or the most challenging.

It's the one that helps you feel better and supports what you need right now. Here’s more on what to expect from your first class.

If you're looking for yoga classes in Madrid, I teach Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Meditation in English in both studio and outdoor settings. Classes are welcoming, accessible and suitable for a range of experience levels. You can read more on the benefits of practising in English here.

The easiest way to find out whether a class is right for you is simply to come and try one.

We meet weekly in studios across central Madrid and in Retiro Park during the warmer months for hatha yoga, yin yoga and meditation. Alongside the yoga itself, many people stay for coffee after class every week, and we also have regular picnics, brunches, socials and annual retreats , making it a great way to meet like-minded people and build community in the city.

If you're looking for yoga classes in Madrid that combine movement, mindfulness and community, I'd love to welcome you to a class.

Beyond the Mat: How Retiro Park Yoga is Building Madrid’s Warmest Expat Community

Moving to Madrid is an incredible adventure, filled with sun-drenched afternoons, coffees outdoors and the thrill of a new culture. But let’s be honest for a moment: it can also be incredibly lonely. Navigating a new city, trying to build a social circle from scratch, and dealing with a language barrier can leave us feeling untethered.

When you are craving genuine connection, loud networking events or crowded bars often feel forced or overwhelming. What if the easiest way to find your people in Spain wasn't at a drinks event, but on a yoga mat under the shade of the trees?

You don't have to navigate life in Madrid alone. Our outdoor yoga and social sessions run weekly in Retiro Park when the weather is good (usually in April, May, June, September and early October).

Classes are taught in English, open to all levels and designed to help you ground and connect.

Yoga in English in Retiro Park

The Science of Moving and Breathing Together

There is a unique magic that happens when we practice yoga in a group. In psychology, there is a concept known as "collective effervescence": the synchronized energy and sense of belonging we feel when we move and breathe in unison with other humans.

When you practice solo at home, you get the physical benefits of yoga. But when you practice in a group, your nervous system co-regulates with the people around you. Your social defenses naturally drop, stress hormones decrease, and a shared sense of safety takes over. By the time Savasana ends, you aren't just relaxed - you feel connected to the collective energy of the space.

You can learn more about the differences between Hatha Yoga, yin yoga and meditation in our guide.

Why the Park Lowers Our Barriers

Studio walls can sometimes feel formal or intimidating, especially if you are new to yoga or new to a city. Moving our practice outside into the heart of Retiro Park changes everything.

Under the trees, surrounded by nature, the pressure evaporates. The casual environment of the park plus the friendly group makes it natural to strike up a conversation while rolling up your mat. You aren’t rushing out the door to catch a metro as you are already in the most beautiful backyard in Madrid, perfectly positioned to slow down and chat.

It’s Never Just About the Yoga

At Atiyasana, the yoga posture sequence is only one part of the experience. The magic continues after we close.

Our weekly sessions are built around community. Nearly every week our classes naturally transition into casual park picnics, coffee chats or weekend plans. We have watched beautiful friendships and travel plans form right here in our group. This isn't just an outdoor class; it’s a weekly sanctuary where you can speak a language you feel comfortable in, share your expat highs and lows, and feel completely understood.

Here’s more on what to expect from your first yoga class.

Ready to Find Your People in Madrid?

Don’t spend another weekend scrolling through meetup groups wondering how to connect. Sign up for class, breathe the fresh park air, and meet a warm, welcoming community of global minds who understand exactly what it’s like to build a life abroad.

If you're new to Madrid, you might also find my guide to finding a yoga community in English useful.

PS if you don’t have a mat you can bring a towel or please message us in advance and we can bring you a spare.

And if you do prefer classes indoors, you can join us our indoor classes and at our dedicated studio space in Ópera when we open.

Benefits of Outdoor Yoga in Retiro Park Madrid

If you’ve ever walked through Parque del Retiro, you’ve probably noticed people practising yoga under the trees, or felt drawn to it yourself.

There’s something about being outdoors that completely changes our experience.

In a busy city like Madrid, where life can feel fast-paced and full, practising yoga outside offers a different kind of pause. One that feels simple, accessible and very powerful.

Outdoor yoga in Retiro Park Madrid

The benefits of practising yoga outdoors

Outdoor yoga isn’t just about changing location. Some of the key benefits include:

1. It helps quiet a busy mind
Being outside naturally draws your attention to nature: to the sounds of birds, the breeze and focusing on the class, can make it easier to step out of overthinking.

2. It supports your nervous system
Fresh air, natural light and green open space can help your body shift into a more relaxed state without forcing it.

3. It feels less pressured than a studio
Without mirrors or walls, there’s less sense of needing to “perform” or get things right.

4. It reconnects you to your body
Uneven ground, changing temperatures and real surroundings bring you back into physical awareness.

5. It creates a sense of space — mentally and physically
Sometimes what we need isn’t more intensity, but more space. Outdoor yoga offers exactly that.

Why Retiro Park is the perfect setting

Parque del Retiro offers a unique balance.

It’s central and accessible, yet full of trees and spaces where you can step away from the pace of the city.

Practising here allows you to:

• feel immersed in nature without leaving Madrid

• reset without needing to travel far

• experience a slower rhythm, even if just for an hour or 75 minutes

It’s this contrast - calm within the city - that makes the experience so impactful.

Is outdoor yoga beginner-friendly?

Yes! Often in a different way to a studio.

While good teaching will always focus on how the practice feels (whether indoors or outdoors), practising in the park can feel more relaxed and less structured.

You might notice:

• people aren’t lined up in perfect rows

• there’s more space around you

• the atmosphere feels more informal and less “observed”

For many people, this takes away some of the pressure and makes it easier to settle into the practice at your own pace.

You don’t need to be flexible or experienced - just open to trying and having a go.

If you're new to yoga, you may also find it helpful to learn the differences between Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga and Meditation in our guide.

A different kind of yoga experience

Practising yoga outdoors brings in elements that a studio simply can’t replicate.

In a studio, everything is contained and predictable (and still great!). In the park, there’s more openness, both physically and mentally.

You might notice:

• moments where your attention drifts and gently comes back

• a sense of space around you, rather than being closely surrounded

• a more natural rhythm to the class

• trees and nature around you

Rather than trying to block everything out, you’re practising within your environment. It can help to bring yoga philosophy to life and I explain why I include yoga philosophy in my classes here.

For many people, this makes the experience feel:

• more grounding

• less pressured

• and easier to return to regularly.

Over time, this often translates beyond the class itself - helping you feel a bit calmer, clearer and more connected in everyday life.

Who this is for

Outdoor yoga in Retiro Park tends to suit people who:

• feel mentally busy or overwhelmed

• want something grounding but still active

• prefer a more personal, less intense environment

• are looking for yoga in English in Madrid

• are looking for a community in Madrid

• love being outside!

It’s especially popular with those who don’t feel drawn to traditional gym or studio settings.

Try outdoor yoga in Retiro Park Madrid

If you’re interested, that’s enough to come and try.

You don’t need to commit to anything long-term - just trying one class can give you a feel for whether it works for you.

If you’d like to join a relaxed, welcoming class in Parque del Retiro, you can find more details here

From there, you’ll be able to view the schedule and book via Momoyoga. Hope to see you soon :)