Restorative is the application of yoga practice using props and postures held for longer periods of time to initiate deep relaxation of the body, mind and spirit. Slow, restorative yoga is beneficial to balance a more active practice or to really decompress after a stressful day.
Need to ground your energy? This week we’re featuring deep, quieting, and nurturing restorative classes that are designed to rest your body and soothe your mind.
- The Lungs & The Banana Leaf with Tias Little: In this class we prepare for the practice of pranayama using the metaphor of the banana leaf. Learn to open the lower, middle and upper ribs in order to gain greater sensitivity for the movement of the diaphragm. We explore supine pranayama, opening the “banana leaf” of the lungs. Props Needed: A block, blanket, strap and bolster.
- Rejuvenate with Restoratives with Sianna Sherman: Learn three juicy restorative poses to heal and revitalize your body and spirit. Props Needed: A chair, two blankets, a strap, a block and a bolster.
- Unplug & Unwind with Amy Ippoliti: Being online is exceptionally hard on our neck, shoulders and hip flexors. Give yourself 20 minutes to unplug and bring much needed prana (energy) back to these areas! Your body will thank you. Props needed: 4 blocks (or 2 blocks and 2 cushions/bolsters), a blanket or two, a strap and two wash cloths (optional). This practice includes a restorative version of supta virasana (reclining hero). If you need to, please plan on using an additional blanket or bolster to support your back if it is difficult for you to recline on only a single bolster.
- Relax & Refresh with Marc Holzman: These four restorative poses are perfect for reducing anxiety, grounding your energy, and soothing your nervous system. Props used: 1 bolster, 1-2 blankets, 1 strap, 1 block, eye pillow (optional but recommended).
- Yoga for Fatigue with Marla Apt: This deeply restorative sequence moves from supported supine poses to supported backbends and supported inversions to allow for all of the systems of the body to recover with soothing relaxation. This sequence can help counteract the effects that long term fatigue have on posture as well as physical and emotional stress. You’ll find yourself feeling calm, refreshed and breathing better at the end of this practice.Props: 2 chairs, 2 bolsters, 2 blocks, 3 blankets, 1 strap, wall space.
- A Bedtime Story & A Warm Glass of Milk with Taylor Harkness: It’s time for sweet dreams. Set yourself up for rest with some gentle releasing postures to balance out the body and calm the mind by releasing tension and finding softness. Just ten minutes will do the trick. Let the sheep count themselves. You’re ready for bed. Props Suggested: A bolster, blanket and two blocks.
- Reclining & Restorative Poses with Steven Espinosa: In this short but sweet class, Steven leads you through a series of Reclining and Restorative Poses well suited for beginning and intermediate students alike. Using minimal props (with options) to create a supportive, relaxing and rejuvenating experience to help restore our bodies for a restful night’s sleep! Props: Blanket, 2 Blocks, strap
