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Akram Yoga Studio / Addlestone

YIN YOGA

Discover the tranquillity and depth of our Yin Yoga class, a 75-minute journey into stillness and awareness. As you transition through lying and seated poses, each held for about 5 minutes, you'll explore the boundaries of your body's comfort and flexibility.

 

Accompanied by soothing Indian instrumentals, our class creates a sanctuary of calm, encouraging a deeper connection with your inner self. Perfect for those seeking to unwind and embrace mindfulness.

As the Zen saying goes, "In stillness and quiet, the truth of the universe is revealed."

Join us for an experience that transcends the physical, offering a path to peace and self-discovery.

Akram Yoga Studio / Addlestone
Akram Yoga Studio / Addlestone

YIN YOGA
w/Zahir

Thursdays 10 am
Sundays 9am

Book via the schedule

REVIEWS

Akram yin yoga review
Akram yin yoga review
Akram Yoga Studio / Addlestone

ABOUT YIN YOGA

Yin Yoga with Zahir

Zahir’s Yin Yoga classes bring yoga back to its roots, where most poses were seated or lying down, centered on breath and inner awareness. This approach allows students to explore the depths of introspection, aligning with the traditional purpose of yoga.

Unlike typical Yin classes that often incorporate Chinese philosophy, Zahir embraces a perspective grounded in the traditions of the Indian subcontinent. The meditative techniques and the 4-2-6 breathing exercise used in class draw inspiration from the earliest teachings of Shiva, the first yogi, and his wife Parvati, his first student. These elements provide a uniquely authentic experience that respects the origins of the practice.

Soft, classical music from the Indian subcontinent—tabla, drums, and strings—creates an immersive atmosphere distinct from other yoga classes. Each pose is held for 3 to 6 minutes, offering ample time to fully settle into each position and explore the breath, inviting students to find stillness within the stretch.

As Zahir says, “If death is the absence of oxygen, then life is its presence.” With a deep emphasis on breathwork, this class will leave you feeling oxygen-rich and truly alive.

In Zahir’s Yin classes, the focus is on a select few postures, maintained consistently to allow a profound experience of each. The goal is to find stillness in each pose as the body gently stretches, guided by a calm, controlled breath. To help quiet the mind, students can either count their breaths to prevent distraction or try a meditation technique offered by Zahir.

This practice is humbling, taking us out of the comfort zone of dynamic vinyasa and flow. It invites us to confront our minds and connect with the essence of yoga—our source.

There is truly nothing like Yin Yoga.

AKRAM Yoga Studio / Surrey

My Journey with Yin Yoga

by Zahir

"I first practiced Yin Yoga because of my long-standing back pain, an issue I’ve managed for years. The extended holds in Yin became especially beneficial, giving my body time to ease out of its “alarm reaction” stage—where tension is held tightly, and release feels impossible. Through conscious breathing and patience, I discovered that Yin Yoga offers me the most therapeutic experience.

 

Adding music that brings me peace, I found that Indian instruments have a hypnotic effect, leaving me feeling renewed and somewhat purified. It may sound dramatic, but these sounds have been celebrated for their healing properties for centuries. The feedback from students echoes this; many find the music deeply peaceful, creating a sense of blissful calm.

The combination of the room’s warmth, the dim lighting, the supportive bolsters, and the entrancing music—all of these elements come together to create a truly unique class experience. Yin Yoga in this setting doesn’t just feel like a class—it feels like healing."

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THE METHODOLOGY

​by Zahir 

"In my Yin Yoga classes, I guide you through poses held for 3 to 6 minutes, allowing time to settle in and breathe mindfully. The goal is to find a stretch sensation you can sustain, without forcing or straining. If you notice your heart rate increasing, that’s usually a sign to ease off and find a gentler edge. The essence of Yin lies in embracing the stillness of each pose, holding it for the full duration with calm and ease.

You might recognize some of the poses, but in Yin, we approach them differently and sometimes give them new names—for instance, “Cow Face Pose” becomes “Shoelace.” This distinction helps us separate Yin from the more active, or “yang,” styles of yoga. Here, the focus is on breathing and mindfulness above all; we allow the posture to follow, rather than striving for perfect alignment. In Yin, it’s all about practicing differently—cultivating inner awareness, finding stillness, and letting the body respond naturally."

AKRAM Yoga Studio / Surrey
maddie / AKRAM Yoga Studio / Surrey

Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Zahir

In addition to teaching Yin classes, Zahir also offers a comprehensive Yin Yoga Teacher Training program, available both in person with him or online for added flexibility. This training provides a deep dive into the philosophy, anatomy, and therapeutic techniques of Yin Yoga, equipping participants with the tools to guide others through this transformative practice.

Explore available dates and join Zahir to enhance your practice or begin your journey as a Yin Yoga teacher.

In-House Training - Click here

Online Yin Training - Click here

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