Yin vs Restorative Yoga

If you’ve ever looked at a yoga schedule & seen both Yin Yoga & Restorative Yoga,

you might’ve wondered—aren’t those basically the same thing? After all, they’re both

super slow, use lots of props, and involve lying on the floor a lot, right?

Well, yes… & no.

Yin & Restorative Yoga do look similar on the surface. But once you’ve tried both,

you’ll start to feel the difference in your body & even your mind. So let’s break them

down in a simple way to help you understand what each practice offers—& how to

choose the one that fits your needs best (& that's not to say the answer isn't both!).

What is Yin Yoga?

Yin Yoga is a slow & quiet practice where you hold each shape around 3 to 5 minutes. But don’t let the calm look fool you—Yin can feel intense in a totally different way than something like Vinyasa or Power Yoga. Yin targets your deep connective tissues—like ligaments, fascia, &

joints—especially around the hips, pelvis, & spine. The idea is to gently stress these

areas by holding a pose still for a while, helping to keep them strong & flexible.

In Yin, muscles are mostly relaxed. You don’t try to stretch by using muscle strength.

Instead, you let gravity do the work, slowly opening up tight areas over time. It’s kind of

like working with your body’s “infrastructure,” not just the muscles on top.

Yin Yoga shapes are primarily floor-based & focus on areas that contain a lot of connective tissue, such as the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, & lower spine. Common yin shapes include Dragon, Butterfly, & Caterpillar. Props used include bolsters, blocks, & blankets to support the body during long holds.

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative Yoga- there’s no stretch or discomfort. None. Every shape is meant to feel 100% supported & safe, like you could fall asleep in it (& honestly, sometimes you might). It isn’t trying to “work” the body—it’s trying to nurture it. It helps calm down the fight-or-flight response & move you into a parasympathetic state—aka “rest & digest.” If you’re feeling burned out, anxious, or just drained, Restorative Yoga can feel like a warm, cozy hug for your whole nervous system. The practice typically includes only 4 to 6 poses per session, with an emphasis on creating a nurturing environment through dim lighting, soft music, & cozy props.

Popular restorative shapes include Supported Child's Pose, Legs-up-the-Wall, & Supported Fish. Props used include bolsters, blocks, blankets, & eye pillows to support the body & ensure comfort during long holds.

How are they Alike?

• Both are super slow & gentle

• You’ll stay in each shape for several minutes

• You often use props like bolsters, blankets, & blocks

• They’re mostly done on the floor

• They help you slow down & become more mindful

Because of these similarities, people often confuse the two—or use the names

interchangeably. But even though the setups might look alike, the intention behind

them is very different.

Key Differences

Yin Yoga:

• Works into connective tissue

• Mild stress on the body (in a good way)

• Can feel intense or uncomfortable

• Good for flexibility & joint health

• Often practiced with less props

• Meditative, but slightly active

Restorative Yoga:

• Focuses on total relaxation

• No stress at all on the body

• Should feel completely comfortable

• Good for stress, anxiety, & recovery

• Uses lots of props for support

• Deeply meditative & calming

Physical Benefits

• Yin Yoga, sustained pressure than to repetitive movement. Regular yin practice can improve joint mobility, particularly in the hips & spine, while also stimulating the meridian system according to traditional Chinese medicine principles.

• Restorative Yoga's physical benefits center around stress reduction & healing. The practice lowers cortisol levels, reduces blood pressure, & improves digestion. It's particularly beneficial for those recovering from illness, injury, or emotional trauma, as it provides the deep rest necessary for cellular repair & regeneration.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

Both practices offer profound mental & emotional benefits, though through different pathways.

• Yin Yoga teaches practitioners to sit with discomfort & observe their mental patterns when faced with challenging sensations. This builds emotional resilience & helps develop a healthier relationship with difficult feelings in daily life.

• Restorative Yoga creates space for emotional processing & release. The deep relaxation allows suppressed emotions to surface safely, while the supportive environment helps integrate these experiences. Many practitioners find that Restorative Yoga helps them access creativity & intuition more readily.

Who Should Practice Each Style?

• Yin Yoga appeals to those who want to balance active, yang-style practices like Vinyasa or Power Yoga. It's excellent for athletes, busy professionals, & anyone dealing with tight hips or a stiff spine. However, those with hypermobility or certain injuries should approach Yin Yoga cautiously, as the deep stretches can exacerbate existing conditions.

• Restorative Yoga is ideal for anyone experiencing high stress, burnout, or chronic illness. It's particularly beneficial for new mothers, caregivers, & those in high-pressure careers. The practice is also valuable for anyone struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or difficulty relaxing.

Finding Your Practice

Neither practice is inherently superior; they serve different needs & complement each other beautifully. Many students benefit from incorporating both into their routine, perhaps practicing Yin Yoga when they feel physically tight or emotionally wound up, & turning to Restorative Yoga when they need deep nourishment & healing.

At KP, we offer both styles because we recognize that wellness isn't one-size-fits-all. Whether you're drawn to the mindful intensity of yin or the gentle embrace of restorative yoga, both practices offer pathways to greater peace, flexibility, & self-awareness.

Are you ready to come try them for yourself?

Schedule Your Class Now!