A yoga teacher with over 500 hours of training breaks down the differences between restorative vs yin yoga.

But whats the difference between the two?

Plus, how to choose the style thats right for you.

alt

Yin and restorative styles offer reflection and sukha, but each style is unique.

However, they occupy different positions on that spectrum, adds Land.

Below, Land breaks down your FAQs surrounding these two chill yoga modalities.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

yoga teacher, educator, teacher trainer, and writer based in Queenstown, New Zealand

(So you’re free to unroll your mat and start relaxing… ## Restorative yoga versus yin yoga.

First things first: What is yin yoga?

Although yin is a highly physical practice, it also benefits the mind.

Woman doing hip exercises

In fact, current research shows thatmyofascial interoceptors may stimulate areasof the brain where your emotions live.

So dont be surprised if you start crying in yin yoga… it happens to the best of us.

And what is restorative yoga?

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

Restorative yoga aims to create deep mental and physical relaxation by down-regulating the nervous system, says Land.

(Be it a bear or an hour-long Zoom meeting.)

At first glance, restorative may seem similar to yinbut the twoaredifferent.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

yoga teacher, educator, teacher trainer, and writer based in Queenstown, New Zealand

However, there are caveats.

Restorative yoga, meanwhile, can be practiced regardless of whats going on in your life.

Restorative yoga, in contrast, can offer support for those who feel completely depleted.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

To a casual observer, yin and restorative yoga look similar.

Both emphasize the deliberate practice of stillness as a counterpoint to the activity of daily life.

In fact, many poses appear in both yoga styles.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles

However the aim and internal experience of the two styles are completely different, says Land.

…

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.