Listen, I get it. You feel like if you’re going to commit to 90 minutes of yoga, you should sweat and burn calories and stand on your head. And most of the time, I feel that way myself. But sometimes you really, really owe it to yourself to practice something gentle, soothing, and healing. And that, my friends, is where restorative yoga comes in.
Restorative yoga is a type of therapeutic yoga that utilizes props, gravity, and stillness to help yogis surrender into protected and integrated postures. That is a really complicated way of saying that it is a really relaxing, safe, and yummy type of yoga.
If you’ve never taken a restorative class, I highly encourage it. And if you suffer from weird, puritanical American workout guilt, just run around the block before you go in or something—whatever it takes.
If, however, you don’t have access to restorative classes, or you don’t have time, here are a few poses that are really simple to do at home that you will absolutely love. (trust)
Viparita Kirani
We do this one in my class a lot—for good reason. It’s technically an inversion, so you get all the great benefits from doing handstands or headstands, but it’s much more relaxing. And, really, you don’t have to wear a green full body leotard. Just scoot your bum as close as you can to the wall and swing your legs straight up. If you have a bolster or cushion around, slide it under your butt and relax...
Supta Baddha Konasana
This is a variation on bound angle pose that uses a strap and (optional) cushions for your back. In seated baddha konasana, loop a strap around your lower back, over your knees, and under your feet. Then lay back and enjoy.
Supported Savasana
This posture is great in general, but especially if you’ve ever felt any low back discomfort during savasana. You can use a cushion, a rolled up mat, or even a rolled up blanket to elevate the knees. Mmm….
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