Embrace winter - new Restorative Yoga classes

We inevitably tend to spend more time indoors in the winter. We cosy up with films and books and maybe go to bed a bit earlier. Some people feel down about the prospect of winter but there is another way to look at its arrival. We spend our lives rushing around - me included - and many of us are permanently exhausted. Winter is a chance to take stock of this constant 'busyness' and approach things a bit more slowly. Look at nature as a good example, plants and animals go into hibernation and conserve their energy.

Restorative yoga is all about slowing down and relaxing deeply. It is very effective at helping to open up the body and release held tension through passive stretching.

What should I expect in a restorative yoga class?

Restorative yoga uses a lot of props to support the body and create an environment for deep relaxation. It balances the nervous system and takes us out of the 'always on' sympathetic nervous state when we are tense or wired and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering us to feel calm, composed and in control.

During a restorative yoga class the postures are held for a longer time. Just as they are in a yin practice, but it doesn't feel as intense or challenging as yin yoga can be. You will mainly be lying down in a supine position and be supported with props. The practice will involve fewer postures than a regular class and you will be invited to 'breathe into' the places where you feel sensations (muscles and soft tissue releasing). Afterwards you will feel rejuvenated and enjoy a deep sense of release and 'letting go' - of negative emotions especially.

Props are key in restorative yoga because they allow the body completely relax, which triggers the muscles to relax and releases tension. It is a very effective complementary practice to combine with more dynamic yoga classes that tend to emphasise strengthening the muscles.

If you have never experienced restorative class, give it a try, the new classes are live on the online booking system.

What are the benefits of restorative yoga?

Restorative yoga is very therapeutic and is for everyone, regardless of your previous yoga experience. Some of the core benefits of restorative yoga include:

1. Improved memory and mental clarity through calming the mind and clearing mental chatter;

2. Reduced stress and feelings of anxiety because the parasympathetic branch of the vagus nerve is stimulated;

3. Better sleep quality because you release held tension and feel more 'safe and secure' in your body;

4. Improved digestion - when you are stressed your body stops digesting food and this can be a major trigger for IBS;

5. Regulated blood pressure - again linked to stress reduction.

The restorative yoga classes would benefit anyone and can be done by anyone. The primary requirement is that you are comfortable lying down on a yoga mat, supported with blocks, bolsters and blankets. Restorative yoga is especially powerful for people who experience anxiety and stress, insomnia and sleep difficulties, those who suffer with chronic pain or have chronic fatigue. It's a way to really recharge your energies and release deep held tensions.

When are the restorative yoga classes?

Sunday afternoon classes will be on the second Sunday of the month:

2024 - 10th November, 8th December

2025 - 12th January, 9th February, 9th March

Times: 4.30 - 5.45pm

Thursday evening classes are fortnightly, after the weekly hatha yoga class:

2024 - 21st November, 5th December, 19th December (winter solstice practice at 7pm)

2025 - 2nd January, 16th January, 30th January, 13th February, 27th February

Times: 8 - 9pm

There will be 7 places available in each restorative class.

To book into a restorative class, please do so via the website in the usual way, with your existing yoga class pass.

Contact me if you would like more information about restorative yoga classes. lesley@behappyyoga.fit