What does the practice involve?
Long holds classes in Marseille
Postures are held for extended periods.
2 studios · 2 facilitators
Studio and facilitator coverage updated Oct 30, from connected schedules for the next two weeks. Schedules refresh separately.
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Where to find it
Long holds in Marseille
Long holds in Marseille means practicing with postures kept still for minutes at a time, most often in the form of yin and yin yang. The classes are almost all in the evening, and the slow pace gives your hips, back and joints room to open. A handful of studios offer them, with Holys Espace Yoga Marseille in Périer and Shakti Shala in the Palais de Justice neighborhood hosting the most sessions.
Where to start: Holys Espace Yoga Marseille in Périer or Shakti Shala in Palais de Justice
It suits you if
- you want slow, held shapes in the evening
- flexibility and joint mobility matter to you
- you are looking for a calm way to end the day
At a glance
2studios
2facilitators
Read more about Long holds in MarseilleWhat long holds are, Where and when to practice, Choosing a first class
What long holds are
Long holds are built on postures kept in place for an extended time. Yin yoga is the style most often named here, and nearly all of the classes carry the yin label. Its postures are passive and held for several minutes, which asks the body to stay still and the mind to notice what changes.
Yin yang is also common, with more than half of the classes using the name. It brings a more active counterpose into the held shape, so the practice moves between stillness and gentle effort.
Where and when to practice
Holys Espace Yoga Marseille in the Périer neighborhood and Shakti Shala in the Palais de Justice neighborhood carry most of the classes. Both are good places to compare the teaching of several facilitators, including Mayeul SMOOS, Laura POUCHIN and Moea Lopez, who lead many of the sessions.
The classes cluster in the evening, with starts from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, and Monday and Tuesday are the busiest days. Mornings and weekends have little or no class time for this practice, so plan your week around the evening slot.
Choosing a first class
Most long hold classes run about 75 minutes, which leaves room for the held postures and a quiet close. Yin yang and yin are the names to look for, and the focus of the classes sits on release, calm and flexibility.
The classes are taught in French. If that suits you, choose a studio in the Périer or Palais de Justice neighborhood and go to a first evening class to see how the pace feels.
Long holds in Marseille: questions and answers
When do most people practice long holds in Marseille?
Most of these classes are in the evening, with starts from about 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Monday and Tuesday are the busiest days, so those are the nights with the most choice.
What happens in a long hold class?
Yin is the style that runs through most of these classes. It is a slow practice where postures are held for a long time, usually several minutes, so the tissues of the hips, pelvis and lower back have time to soften. Most classes here are around 75 minutes, with some running an hour.
Which studios offer long holds in Marseille?
Holys Espace Yoga Marseille, in the Périer neighborhood, and Shakti Shala, in the Palais de Justice neighborhood, have the most classes. Those two are the places to start if you want to see the range of this practice in the city.
What is yin yang, and how is it different from yin?
Yin yang is one of the more common names, and the classes that use it sit alongside plain yin sessions. Yin yang blends a slower held shape with a more active counterpose, so the pace can feel a little different from a traditional yin class.
Who are these classes for?
Long holds suit people who want to move slowly and stay with sensation for a while. The classes lean toward flexibility and joint mobility, and their theme is release and calm rather than strength or speed.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. Most of these classes are described as calm and restorative, with few props needed beyond blocks and bolsters. A first class is a good way to find out whether the slower rhythm suits you before trying a more active style.
What language are the classes in?
The classes in this group are taught in French. Check the studio's own page before booking if you need English.
How long are the classes?
Most classes run about 75 minutes, and a few run an hour. Shorter sessions are less common here, so set aside a full evening.