Yes, This Is Exercise! - Adding Restorative Yoga to Your Practice

I have a handful of friends who are what I like to call, "workout nuts." (If any of them are reading this, I use the word "nut" with the utmost affection.) For them, working out is a regular part of their "To-Do" list, right up there with breathing and laundry. These same friends believe that a good workout makes you sweat like a pig and leaves your muscles crying out in agony for days to follow. They think it's "nice" that I teach yoga, and some of them have even been known to enjoy an occasional Vinyasa class, but most of them don't see the point of the "restorative stuff."

So what exactly is restorative yoga? Unlike a typical Hatha or Vinyasa class, poses are held anywhere from 3 minutes to as long as 10 minutes This can be incredibly frustrating to a person who is looking for heart-thumping exercise. But don't let the thought of your knees buckling in down dog scare you. Props are an important part of a restorative practice. Bolsters, blocks, pillows and blankets offer support for your body, allowing for more comfort and ease in the asanas, and aiding in your total relaxation.

Breath is a key component of any yoga practice, and restorative is no exception.  Focusing on your breathing can help settle your mind and allow you to enjoy a delicious respite from your daily routine.

Here is a basic restorative yoga sequence, perfect for unwinding after a long day:

Begin in a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes. Quiet your mind and begin to focus on your breathing. Hold this position for 3-5 minutes.

1, Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle)
Place the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to fall out to either side. If necessary, place a blanket or pillow under both knees for support. Position a bolster lengthwise behind your low back. Take a yoga strap around your waist and fasten underneath the arches of your feet. Lie back onto the bolster and allow your chest to open towards the ceiling. Hold for 5 minutes. 

2. Supported Balasana (Child's Pose)
Start by kneeling. With your big toes touching, position your knees slightly wider than hip distance apart. Place a bolster or stack of folded blankets between your legs. Fold your torso over your props, and rest your forehead or cheek on top. Hold for 5-10  minutes. 

3. Viparita Karani - (Legs Up the Wall)
Place a blanket up against the wall. Sit sideways on the blanket with your right hip against the wall. Lie on your back and swing your legs up along the wall. Release your arms to your sides with your palms facing up. Hold for 5-10 minutes.

4. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Lie on your back. Extend your legs long, letting your feet fall out to either side. Rest your arms at your sides with your palms facing up. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath, and allow your entire body to sink into your mat. Hold for 5-10 minutes.

Restorative yoga can be a gratifying addition to your current yoga practice and overall fitness routine. And while you won't leave class in a ball of sweat, increased flexibility, stress relief and a calm, focused mind are just a few of the benefits of a restorative practice. So grab your mat, light some candles and enjoy. Don't worry, all of your problems will be waiting for you when you're done!

Namaste