Restorative yoga is about slowing down and allowing the body to release and relax through passive stretching with the help of bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps. It isn’t about doing, it’s about being. Because we can hold restorative poses for much longer periods of time, the body is invited to let go in a different way. Calming for the nervous system, nourishing and quieting for the mind, restorative yoga is a good place to go when you’re in need of healing and nurturing.
By Brent Laffoon on Jun 27, 2024
If you're in need of a bit of recharging and restoration, this practice is just what the doctor ordered. With a little bit of core activation and some nice hip, hamstring and shoulder opening, you will be sure to come away from this one feeling rejuvenated and ready for whatever life throws your way... Enjoy!
By Brent Laffoon on Nov 4, 2023
A short, gentle practice meant to help you unwind and recharge. Perfect for when you're short on time and energy and need a little boost. Enjoy!
By Lauren Peterson on Aug 5, 2023
This slow, deep practice helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in sleep, digestion and stress relief. Please have a bolster on hand. You can use a firm pillow or a blanket rolled up like a sleeping bag. You might also use 1-3 blocks, depending on your flexibility. Enjoy some time to slow down and tune in, your body will thank you!
By Leslie Kazadi on Jul 11, 2020
Most students LOVE Reclining Big Toe pose in all its variations. Using 2 straps for support can double your pleasure... but setting up two straps doesn't tend to double your fun. The reward is that you can relax and be in the poses for much longer with greater ease. Two straps stabilize the pelvis and low back and release grippy groins. It also shifts the sensations, as you get into those hard-to-reach places that your body tends to avoid releasing. This tutorial gives you a slightly less complicated version - don't tell the Iyengars?! - to KISS so you spend less time thinking about it and more time experiencing it. As with anything, take as many details as you need and come back for more as you learn to love the support that two straps gives you.
By Leslie Kazadi on Apr 8, 2020
Do you love straps and want new ways to use them? Or are they a pain to set up for you or your students? This tutorial will set you straight and set you up to make straps easy and fun to use. Straps can give you stability in your joints as you deepen your stretch. They can provide resistance to press into to cultivate strength. You decide whether you want a strap to do the work for you or help you work more. So get your strap on and make good choices ;)
By Leslie Kazadi on Feb 27, 2020
Here's a practice for when you're on the road and away from your props! You can still get a restful session even if you've left your bolsters at home :) This practice is all about allowing yourself to be as you are. Breathe in Peace, then send peace back out into the world. This is a great session anytime you want to calm your nervous system, it's a beautiful before-bed practice, and it's an opportunity to slow down, meditate and open.
By Ally Hamilton on May 21, 2019
Perfect for the end of a tough day, times when you're feeling depleted and/or stressed out, end of a travel day, nights when you struggle with insomnia, or paired with a shorter vigorous flow (we filmed this after Rise, Shine, Energize). Sometimes we walk around as if we're supposed to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders or store tons of stuff in our hips, but it's always good to get that tension out of your body! Lots of attention given to the shoulders and hips. Enjoy x(Props are nice if you have them, but you can make this work with a firm couch pillow, a stack of books and a tie or long belt from a robe :))
By Leslie Kazadi on May 13, 2018
When you're not in the mood to do anything and you know moving will (almost always) make you feel better, get some props and roll around on your mat - or your bed?! This hip-opening session has your hips on a blanket for extra traction in your lower back. Rocking around on the blanket is a super sweet way to massage your lower back. Enjoy opening your whole body with minimal effort and maximum support! Make sure you have blocks/bolster/support to place your feet on to avoid over-stretching the front body and compressing the back body so you truly feel equanimous - open and at ease.
By Leslie Kazadi on Mar 27, 2018
Releasing the hips can relieve low-back tension from extended sitting, tight hips from hiking/biking/running/living, or simply relax the mind/body by shifting the nervous system out of the stress response. This practice includes a lot of rocking movements that also quiet the nervous system, giving the body and mind just enough sensation and activity to focus on a gentle rhythm. Whether you have had a hectic day and need a relaxing practice or you have chronically tight hips that are a friend for life that you need to attend to... this session will leave you feeling relaxed, rested and spacious.
By Leslie Kazadi on Nov 30, 2017
Do you need a little guidance when it comes to relaxation? Giving attention to the subtle sensations of the body can quiet the mind and allow you to settle into stillness. Add a little vetruvian man-style supported backbend to give you just enough sensation to feel the front body open as the back body sinks into support. And find yourself arriving in a place of relaxation, peaceful and at ease.
