Restore
RESTORATIVE YOGA
Restorative yoga is gentle, supportive and therapeutic - a practice of passive healing. It is a style of yoga that encourages complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. his practice is perfect to give yourself time for restful self care.
Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing. It is a passive, meditative form of yoga that allows you to focus on your breath as you release tension in your body.
Restorative yoga is known for its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the “rest and digest” part of your nervous system. As the name suggests, this style of yoga “restores” the body to its parasympathetic nervous system function, which, in turn, helps the body rest, heal, and restore balance.
The postures are generally held for 5 minutes or more. This combined with deeper breathing that the postures encourage, will help to stimulate the relaxation response.deeper breathing, restorative yoga helps elicit the relaxation response. The relaxation response helps to slow down the breath, reduce blood pressure, produce a feeling of calm and increased well-being.
A key feature in restorative yoga is the use of props such as blocks, bricks, bolsters, and yoga straps. You will also need a blanket or two, and an eye pillow if you have on. The props help you hold passive poses for longer without exerting or tiring out your muscles. This allows you to feel comfortable and supported, regardless of the length of your experience of yoga. Props are available in the studio for your use. If you are online and don't have the required props, they can all be substituted with everyday items that you will have at home.
Restorative yoga is gentle and generally considered safe for most people. If you have concerns about the safety of the practice, talk to your doctor or physical therapist before trying this type of yoga.
"These sessions on Zoom are always super-relaxing. Lots of creativity to make the sessions inspiring and expert knowledge to ensure you feel safe and supported in the postures even when you are not in the studio! Lindsey explains and demonstrates the postures so clearly, you can go on to use them later on whenever you need them most. Highly recommended!"
HY, Leicestershire.
“I found the restorative yoga workshop in the studio both relaxing and inspiring. I did wonder if I could manage two hours but the time flew by and I could have stayed in some poses longer - I’m really looking forward to trying these out of these at home. When I checked my Fitbit, I was thrilled to see that my heart rate dropped lower (especially during the latter stages approaching 12pm) than when I am asleep – deeply restorative!”
TB, Leicestershire.
"A restorative yoga session is the perfect antidote to a busy and stressful week. The postures are gentle but effective and by the end of the session I felt completely relaxed and revived. Thank you!"
LM, Leicestershire.