Why Take Restorative Yoga?

I believe yoga is truly one of the only practices that calls you in and tells you what you need. As a chronic go-getter, I’ve always gravitated toward the practices that bring the most challenge, sweat, and energy. My fitness routine matched my energy, which was often anxious, and while it was the outlet I needed at the time, I’ve now found the joy of low-impact fitness. Lately, I’ve felt called to practice yin and restorative yoga as a way to wind down my day, as well as my nervous system. The benefits of this practice have increased my flexibility and all it takes is some softening and unwinding!

In a regular vinyasa class we attempt postures with our strength and balance, whereas in restorative, we’re encouraged to relax into poses, using props for extra support and deepening. As we soften, we focus on breath work to naturally sink into the pose. This melting effect benefits the mind, body, and soul, creating space for expansion.

In a restorative class, everything feels slow, intentional, and gentle. It's surprising how elastic one can feel the next day, as the postures feel so supposed. This practice is a testament to how much movement is medicine and how effective low-impact movement can be for the body without having a harsh impact on the joints, muscles, and tendons.

Some other benefits of restorative yoga include stillness of the mind, boosted immune system, relaxation, reduced anxiety, it balances the nervous system, and over all feels like you’re giving your body the warm hug it needs.

Often the only relaxation we get is when we’re asleep. Conscious relaxation can deepen our self-awareness, self-esteem and boost our mental health. I had a yoga teacher say to class once, that sometimes we fear stillness for what may unfold, making stillness all the more necessary. Yoga itself is a meditation practice and while Western culture has molded it into a fitness routine, when you get back to basics, restorative is the essence of creating stillness in the mind and folding into your body. 

Adding 1-2 restorative classes to your routine a week can strengthen you in your everyday life and help support your regular fitness practice. It can also boost your mindfulness practice, bringing a sense of community into your meditation and manifestations. Your expansion is worth investing in and your body will thank you.