Health and Wellness

Why Restorative Yoga Might be Exactly What You Need

By Sheila Farr

If you've ever tried Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga and decided you're "not a yoga person," I would encourage you to give restorative yoga a try! Many find Vinyasa and Ashtanga a little too physically demanding and fastpast, so for those people I say, "try restorative yoga!"

Restorative yoga has a more gentle, slow, and nourishing style and flow. It is a relaxing, meditative, more passive style of yoga that involves holding fewer (and more floorbased) postures for longer periods of time. It involves the use of props (blocks and bolsters) for support and can also be done from a chair for those who are unable to lower themselves onto a mat

The primary focus of restorative yoga is to connect with your body and relax. The benefits of this style of yoga are plentiful and include:

Promotes emotional and physical relaxation

Can lower blood pressure

Promotes deep breathing

Reduces pain and tension

Improves sleep

Is suitable for any size and type of body

Because restorative yoga requires such gentle motion, it makes it a great option for those just getting started with movement, and even for senior citizens with limited mobility. It is a great way to begin waking up your body and connecting with a form of movement and exercise that is more conducive to helping us slow down a bit from our busy lives and overthinking.

It might be exactly what you need! Give restorative yoga a try!