● ○ ○  Gentle

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is about doing less. You rest in a handful of fully supported postures, held for several minutes, while your breath slows and your body lets go. It's a chance to properly switch off.

Mei resting in child's pose
What is restorative?

Rest as a practice

Bolsters, blocks and blankets hold you in each position so your muscles don't have to work. That support lets the body move out of "fight or flight" and into "rest and digest". Many people find it the most deeply relaxing hour of their week.

In a class

What to expect

  • Arrive and settle: slow breathing to slow down.
  • Gentle movement: a few minutes to ease stiffness.
  • Supported poses: four to six postures, held for 3 to 10 minutes each.
  • Guided relaxation: a longer rest with a guided body scan.
  • Soft lighting: calm music and a warm, quiet room.
Benefits

Why people love it

Stress relief

Slow, supported rest calms a busy mind.

Better sleep

Many people sleep more deeply after class.

Recovery

Ideal alongside sport, after illness or during a hard patch.

Gentle

Accessible for almost every body and age.

Is it for me?

Restorative suits you if...

  • You're stressed, tired or struggling to switch off
  • You'd like a gentle way into yoga
  • You train hard and need to recover
  • You're recovering from injury or illness (check with your GP first)
Questions

Common questions

Is it the same as yin yoga?
They're similar in pace, but yin gently stretches the body, while restorative is about complete support and rest.

What if I fall asleep?
It happens, and it's fine. Your body clearly needed it.

What should I wear?
Something cosy and warm socks. You'll be still for a while.

Join a Restorative class

Wednesday mornings in Woodbridge and Sunday evenings online.