What is restorative yoga? Why is restorative yoga good for me? Why should I practice and how often? Is restorative yoga for me if I want a more power hitting type of workout? These are questions anybody should be asking. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of restorative yoga:
1. Restorative yoga gives you the time to relax and fully invest in a lengthy stretch and mind break. If you think about it, any class has a warm up and a cool down period whether it’s Bridget’s TRX class or Zumba with Angie. Why do we have a cool down? Because our body and mind need a rest. When you truly enter in to Savasana at the end of class you are letting your body AND mind rest. Now think about it, by the time you really enter in to that pose, stretch or meditation, it’s almost over! The class is done and you’re rolling up your mat and heading home. In restorative you have a good 5 to 10 minutes to fully enter into the pose. You have time to get the wiggles out. You have time to to let your brain NOT think. You finally have time to put that list, that all consuming list aside and just be in a pose for a good amount of time. And then you will do at least 7 more good stretches/poses. That’s plenty of time to settle in and settle down and truly let your muscles and mind relax.
2. It’s very important to stay warm in resortative yoga. Wear layers of clothes. Carla has supplied wonderful props including yummy, comfy blankets. Bring socks, wear a hoodie, wear long leggings. Take the time to prepare ahead of time so that you don’t have to think about how hot or cold you are.
3. Finally, remember that you are there for you! Again, whether it’s Barre class or Step class, you are there for you! And, the cool down is just as important as the workout! In Restorative, focus on the instructor’s cues, listen to your body and settle in. You have given up precious time to come to this beautiful space at Premier. Now apply that same mentality to the space of your body and mind. Relax and settle in. If it hurts adjust, if you get a cramp of course maneuver. But try to be as still as possible. Be present in the stretch and mentally help your muscles to relax.
Carla has created a wonderful schedule and beautiful studio to help you relax and restore your mind, body and spirit. So show up and renew your soul!
Grace and Peace,
Zella
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