1/2 Lotus Yin

About This Class

This class takes an unconventional approach to Yin yoga by opening in Tadasana and moving through grounding standing side stretches before descending to the floor for a rich, methodical exploration of the hips, hamstrings, and spine. Dan Ward guides students through supine warm-ups — windshield wiper knees, happy baby, and half happy baby — before spending extended time in Upavistha Konasana with spinal waves, lateral folds, and twists toward each leg. The heart of the class is a careful, patient preparation for Half Lotus: external rotation drills, thread-the-needle, and seated binds all set up a full Half Lotus forward fold, twist, and side-body stretch on both sides. Additional highlights include Gomukhasana arm work, Lizard Pose, Ardha Hanuman, Sphinx, Virasana/Saddle variation, toe stretch, double pigeon, and a closing Paschimottanasana before Shavasana. Throughout, Dan emphasizes softening the glutes, working from the deep hip musculature, allowing breath to be receptive rather than forced, and approaching tight or injured sides with compassion and appropriate modification.