Let me introduce you to something I like to call “Adult Naptime Yoga.”
Photo credit: Martyn Kyle/Pernmoot Photography
There is a common misconception that not everyone can “do yoga,” but let me assure you, every body can do yoga.
The word “restorative” means “renewing health or giving strength,” which is exactly what Restorative Yoga does. It helps restore your body from the stress of daily life. Restorative is a passive practice; it is Yin Yoga. In Yin, poses are held for longer periods of time to allow us to reach deeper into our bodies and stretch not just the muscles, but also into the connective tissues of the body like the ligaments and fascia. In classes that are specifically Restorative, props are used to support the body so that poses can be comfortably held for longer periods of time.
Reclining in a super supported Supta Badha Konasana.
By using things like blankets and bolsters, stress is taken from the joints and the body is propped up in a way that allows for opening and also protects from over-stretching. Restorative allows you to go deeper into yourself as well and to bring the focus inward. Holding poses for several minutes each gives time for breathwork and meditation, and it creates the space to just focus on you. It is one of my favorite forms of self-care. As we approach the busy holiday season, it’s important to remember to spend time taking care of ourselves.
Restorative is a great introduction for people who want to begin practicing but aren’t sure if yoga is for them, or for people who have concerns about flexibility or range of motion, and it is an especially good practice for those recovering from injury to transition into more active forms of yoga or other fitness activities. It’s also a very good practice for active athletes or people who work in physically demanding fields to help recover from aches or sore muscles.
I invite you to join me sometime for “Adult Naptime,” where you might get so comfy, you fall asleep.