Seated poses are traditionally sequenced towards the end of a practice. In a yang-style vinyasa practice, they are deep muscular stretches that are done after the body is warmed up from standing sequences. Distinguish between yin poses and seated poses
Yin poses
It’s really important to emphasize the difference between yin shapes and seated poses. Yin deserves its own teacher training, but in short, is a selection of seated shapes that are done while muscles are cold and with the intention of stretching fascia, ligaments and tissue. Yin is described in terms of shapes because it’s not an aesthetically-based practice and the appearance of the shapes can vary dramatically from one day to the next.
Yang-style seated poses
Seated poses in a tapas-generating yang practice, on the other hand, have a more prescribed appearance and are done with the intention of stretching and strengthening muscles.
Apply strength to seated poses
Teach seated poses with the same attention to discipline as standing poses. It’s likely that seated poses present greater challenges to students because, without the focus on balance, it’s easy for the mind to wander when a pose is seated!
