The aim of Restorative Yoga is to induce rest and ease. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the room feel comfortable, nurturing and safe. That the room is dark, quiet and still – NO INTERRUPTIONS
Before You Begin Restorative Class
- Find a quiet space, lower the lights, close the door.
- Please allow no distractions or interruptions during class. Quiet Please Sign at your door helps.
- Yoga mat, or blanket.
- Props near you.
What Props
Restorative yoga utilizes props to help practitioners ease into a relaxed state. Such as: blocks, bolsters, blankets, belts, eye pillow, etc.
What if you don’t have any yoga props?
Here are some practical substitutes for those props .
Yoga Blocks
Purpose of blocks is to provide a little height whenever needed by becoming an extension of your body – typically 9 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and 4 inches in height.
For seated poses:
-
- Firm cushions
- Non-slip folded blankets
- Stack of books (wrapped in towel or inside pillowcase)
- Small sofa pillows
For standing poses:
-
- Non-breakable jar
- Sturdy box
- Stack of books
Yoga Bolster
The main prop of restorative yoga that you rest on while in the pose and can use to open, release or support a
part of the body – typically 28”x11.75”x5”
-
- Sofa or chair cushion, firm pillows
- Yoga mat rolled up
- 2 firm pillow, lay on towel side by side and then roll up the towel to form a sausage shape
- Fold up blanket and put inside a pillow case
- Roll up longitudinally folded blanket
Yoga Blankets
Provide extra cushioning, can be folded into different shapes for partial or full support, and warmth- typically 75”x52”
-
- Bath or beach towels
- Couch throw
- Firm blankets
Yoga Belt
Used to lengthen the body’s span and to create stability during rest – 8”-10”
-
- Regular belt
- Scarf
- Tie
- Martial arts belt
Eye Pillow
Used to block out the light, gives a little bit of weight to the forehead, palms of hands or agains back of neck.
-
- hand towel
- 1 crew sock filled with 2 cups uncooked rice or flax seed
For more ideas see : Videos