Ever wonder how a top supermodel maintains her enviable form while looking completely unbothered by the treadmill wars raging on Instagram? The answer, at least for Doutzen Kroes, is a secret ritual that involves less sweating, more feeling, and a generous helping of self-compassion—welcome to the world of Yin Yoga.
From Intense Workouts to Gentle Self-Care: Doutzen Kroes’ Transformation
Doutzen Kroes, known for her sculpted physique, has literally tried it all when it comes to sports. Back in 2020, she shared the four practices that chiseled her body on her YouTube channel—think running, yoga, and kickboxing. Yet, fast-forward to the February 2026 issue of Vogue France, and you’ll see: even after switching her strategy, those signature abs are still front and center.
So, what changed? In her own words (and in a revealing interview), Kroes has traded in intense routines for softer sessions that truly listen to her body. “I was very hard and pushy with my body. Now, I allow myself to be gentler with myself. I do less workout, but more yin yoga, more gentle practices. I also do a lot of massages—I feel I need to let go of a lot after living such a stressful life. The most important thing is to listen to your body.”
In our ultra-competitive world, where outperforming is practically an Olympic sport, Yin Yoga offers a refreshing invitation: slow down, take genuine care of yourself, and, perhaps, put those boxing gloves on a shelf… at least for a while.
What Sets Yin Yoga Apart?
If picturing Yin Yoga conjures images of napping on a mat, think again. This static yet powerful practice can be more demanding than a dynamic Vinyasa session with all its intricate postures—at least for those watching from the outside. The real challenge is inward: holding poses, staying mentally present, and resisting the urge to mentally check out while your body quietly does the work.
According to Giulia Maserati, yoga teacher at Garden Milano and co-founder of Parentesi GM (a wellness-in-the-workplace project), Yin Yoga is a slow style that unites principles of Hatha Yoga (body or strength yoga), traditional Chinese medicine, and meridian theory. The real twist? Instead of activating muscles, you’re targeting the deepest layers—the fascia, connective tissues wrapping your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones. Positions are held without force, passively, so it’s your hidden anatomy doing the heavy lifting… so to speak.
The Energetic Science (and Secret Sauce) Behind Yin Yoga
Going a layer deeper (pun intended), Maserati explains that traditional Chinese medicine identifies 71 meridians in the body, with 14 main energy channels where Qi—your vital energy—circulates. Each meridian connects to specific organs and influences physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Blockages or stagnation disrupt this flow, resulting in pain or imbalance. Acupressure and acupuncture can help free these blockages, but what if your yoga practice could do some of the heavy lifting?
- Certain Hatha Yoga positions in Yin Yoga target these energy points directly.
- By holding poses for 3 to 5 minutes, energy flows are restored, and the body is brought back into balance.
In other words, you’re not just working on flexibility—you’re working on your well-being from the inside out.
Yin Yoga in Practice: A Session with Depth
A typical Yin Yoga session lasts one hour. You’ll begin with a brief moment of centering, then flow (well, settle) right into a series of poses—all done sitting or lying down. Props are encouraged: pillows, bolsters, blankets, foam blocks. Between the longer-held asanas, “neutralizing” positions let your body absorb the effects of the previous posture. Fun fact: no warm-up needed, because you want the work happening deep in your connective tissues, not just muscles. Every session winds down with the ultimate relaxation pose, Savasana—and no, that’s not a nap, but no one’s judging.
The benefits? They’re multilayered:
- Physical: Improves flexibility and vitality of tendons, ligaments, and joints, working deeply on the fascia. With consistent practice—sometimes targeting specific organs—you can even work on your overall health.
- Mental & Emotional: Reduces stress, enhances body awareness, promotes calm and focus.
- Energetic: Rebalances your inner energy, boosting a deficit or soothing overexcitement.
And here’s the best news: Yin Yoga isn’t meant as an alternative to more “Yang” practices like Ashtanga or Vinyasa, but as the perfect complement. It’s a discipline for everyone, ready to be woven into daily life, slowing the rhythm and letting you find your center—abs or no abs.
Conclusion: Listen to Your Body—Supermodel or Not
Whether you’re strutting down a runway or racing through your daily errands, the real secret might be less in the sweat and more in learning when to slow down. That’s the lesson Doutzen Kroes is championing with her Yin Yoga ritual: being gentler with yourself, listening to your body, and allowing space for deeper health and peace. It’s not a shortcut—but it might just be the hidden superpower waiting on your mat.
