Slowing Down With Restorative Yoga!

Happy Wednesday friends! My week has been spent fighting off a cold as the temps here in Houston fluctuation from one extreme to another. However, I wanted to pop in today and talk about one of my recent favorite things to do: restorative yoga!

Restorative yoga can also be described as nap time for the super busy, haha. I don’t know about you but there’s been times where I get super zen in my practice that I will fall asleep in shavasana and my husband has to come check on me. However, restorative yoga differs from your typical yoga classes. This type of yoga really focuses on slowing down and allowing your body to truly get deeper into each pose.

I know some people have the misconception that yoga is stretching and relaxing. They must have not ever been to a hot yoga class. I know there’s times where I am in pigeon for an extended period of time and I truly question my life choices. Restorative yoga is quite the opposite. By using props and breathing, you are letting your body relax into poses. There is no sweating involved.

Thanks to Peloton, I have had the chance to try out Restorative Yoga. They have recently expanded on their yoga program with classes for different levels and focuses. Each instructor goes over the class sequence for you at the beginning of class and lets you know which props you will need. The great thing about restorative yoga is that most props can be subbed for household objects. I like to use a few pillows and blankets to sub for a bolster and block.

When you take a restorative yoga class, expect to do a handful of poses. You will even find that your body cools down so a hoodie or comfy clothes are advisable. You’ll spend plenty of time in each pose to experience a full release. After running my race this weekend, extended child’s pose was truly amazing. Not only that but the props are there to support your body so you are not straining to hold yourself up. By using the props to bring the ground up to you, you are allowing your muscles to truly relax and lengthen in each pose.

Restorative yoga is great to do after a hard workout or a long day. I find that it helps me calm my mind and just unwind after a long day. By focusing on getting rid of tension in my body and deepening my breath, I leave the mat much more relaxed. It truly has helped my mood. If you are looking to give yoga a try, I would recommend this beginner friendly type!

Have you ever done restorative yoga?