Restorative yoga is similar to Yin yoga but a little more active. Classes start with a moment to focus, a breathing exercise, some kundalini and sometimes qi gong, warming up of the neck and spine.
Following that is a full body warm up with a couple of sun or moon salutations.
Then we go into the main asanas, which are stretches held for at least 10 full deep breaths. During these stretches your 'edge' moves - the fullness of the stretch your body feels comfortable with, and you are able to gradually go deeper.
These stretches are good for sports injuries, and calm the mind, balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in the body.
You will leave the class feeling energised, relaxed, and calm in your mind, as if you have just done some meditation but also had the benefit of quite a strenuous workout.
Some of these stretches are fully supported with bolsters and blankets. Restorative yoga is gentle but very effective in opening out the body and re-establishing your natural confidence.
Usually in a class practitioners would do only two or three asanas, but I use at least ten because it gives you more of a workout and then you can take the ones you like and practise them at home.
Last updated Nov. 22, 2014, 9:47 p.m. UTC
A yogi for 12 years, trained in Rajasthan and South India, RYT 200hr International Yoga Alliance. Practised and taught in Bermuda, California, Italy and the UK.
Available for one-on-one tuition