You'll see that some of our classes (as well as those you'll encounter in a yoga studio) are labelled "restorative." What exactly is restorative yoga?
Restorative yoga isn't a traditional classification or style of yoga. It is, rather, a category that has emerged among yoga practitioners to let you know that this is going to be a very gentle class.
Any class called "restorative" is intended to be gentle, and as the word suggests, restorative. A class most often incorporates a variety of yoga props, including bolsters, blankets and blocks, and you will most likely find yourself holding poses for longer than you would in an average hatha yoga class.
Restorative yoga is great if you are recovering from an injury or just want to relax and slow down. The fast pace of life can take its toll on both your mind and body. Slowing down, breathing and paying attention to your body can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Benefits of Restorative Yoga
- Improves flexibility and stability
- Helps you to deeply relax your body and mind
- Calms your mind
- Gentle way to recover from injury or soreness
- Engages your nervous system
- Improves your mood
Yin Yoga vs Restorative Yoga
With both Yin and Restorative yoga are both practiced at a slow and relaxed pace. In each style you hold poses for long periods of time. You may actually only go through 10 postures in a 90 minute class. People of any skill level can enjoy a Yin or Restorative yoga class.
The main difference between the the two is that Restorative focuses on helping to restore a body that is unhealthy or recovering from an injury. It often uses props to help you achieve to help people with their balance while holding poses for longer periods of time. The goal is to achieve emotional and physical relaxation. Your goal is to slowly relax into each posture and let your body go as it stretches and releases tension and stress.
Yin yoga is meant to work deep into your tissue, targeting ligaments, joints and bones. Most of your time is spent on the floor and focuses on your hips, spine, pelvis and inner thighs. This style is a great way to maintain your flexibility as your body ages.
Whether you're exhausted from a long day at work, you’re a beginner, you have health or mobility issues, or you’re simply in the mood for a relaxing class, restorative yoga is designed to go easy on you and make you feel better coming out than you did going in.
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