Types of restorative yoga
If you’ve ever craved a deep sense of calm, restorative yoga might be exactly what you’re looking for. This gentle style of yoga invites you to slow down, release tension and relax completely. We’re thrilled to collaborate with our yoga studio partners during UW Yoga Month to offer classes exploring the stress-reduction benefits of yoga. Alongside our live and recorded classes, we invite you to explore the benefits and practices of restorative yoga.
What Is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga is a passive practice designed to help the body release stress, unwind and find balance. Unlike more active yoga styles that build strength and endurance, restorative yoga focuses solely on relaxation and stillness. Practitioners use props like bolsters, blankets and blocks to support each pose, allowing the body to feel comfortable and completely supported as they hold positions for several minutes. This slow-paced approach triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the mind and promoting healing within the body.
Types of Restorative Yoga
Each studio and instructor may bring a unique approach to restorative yoga, emphasizing various aspects of relaxation and mindfulness:
- Classic Restorative: This approach involves gentle poses held with full support from props, encouraging total relaxation. With dim lighting and soft music, studios create a serene environment ideal for finding inner peace.
- Yin-Influenced Restorative: Often found in studios, this blend incorporates elements of Yin yoga. While still gentle, these poses focus on deep tissue relaxation, benefiting joints and connective tissues.
- Meditation-Based Restorative: Some classes may emphasize guided meditation alongside restorative poses, allowing you to deepen your mind-body connection as you rest.
What Restorative Yoga Isn’t
Restorative yoga is not a workout in the traditional sense. You won’t encounter strenuous poses or fast-paced flows. Instead, restorative yoga involves minimal movement, with a focus on letting go rather than pushing through. It’s also not about flexibility or strength. Although some poses may subtly increase flexibility over time, restorative yoga’s primary aim is relaxation and healing.
The Benefits of Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is more than just a way to relax—it offers profound physical and mental benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Restorative yoga helps reduce stress by slowing your heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and easing muscle tension. This style of yoga activates the body’s relaxation response, allowing you to feel calm and centered.
- Better Sleep: The deep relaxation experienced in restorative yoga can improve sleep quality, making it a great practice before bedtime.
- Enhanced Flexibility and Healing: By holding gentle poses, restorative yoga can aid in flexibility and joint health. This is especially beneficial if you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain.
- Improved Mindfulness: Restorative yoga encourages a mindful connection with the body and breath, helping practitioners cultivate a sense of presence and self-awareness.
Whole U Yoga Month – Restore in 2024
This November, join us for UW Yoga Month – Restore in 2024, an entire month dedicated to relaxation, renewal and balance. As life’s demands pull us in many directions, yoga offers a sanctuary to reconnect with ourselves, calm our minds and find harmony. Register today to experience daily 15-minute yoga breaks, live and on-demand virtual yoga classes and inspiring articles. Plus, every class features a random giveaway of yoga essentials like mats and blocks!
With sessions like Morning Yoga Session with Jade Tabares, Dynamic Flow with Spira Power Yoga, and a revitalizing Gentle Yoga Flow with Pranify Yoga, this month is the perfect opportunity to explore restorative practices and take a deep breath as we wind down 2024.
Now is the time to nourish your body and soul—embark on this journey to well-being with us. We look forward to practicing with you throughout November!
Looking for more ways to deepen your practice? Be sure to check out our Yoga Month Partner Discounts for special offers from our amazing partners.
Thank you to AT&T and BECU for sponsoring The Whole U!
References
- Ekhart Yoga: Restorative Yoga Overview
- Calm Blog: Restorative Yoga: What It Is, Benefits and 5 Relaxing Poses
- Spira Power Yoga: Class Descriptions
- Pranify Yoga: Seattle Practice Descriptions