Restorative yoga is aptly named. You'll leave class feeling mentally and physically restored. You'll be guided through a gentle series of poses with the intention of bringing you into a deep state of relaxation and rest.
“A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends. Most restorative practices are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.”
You can click here to view some examples of restorative yoga postures to get a better idea of what to expect in class. You'll notice that most are supported with props. You'll be instructed on how to set up the props in class so that you feel totally supported and can fully relax into each pose.
I don't like to make generalizations, but I do believe that restorative yoga is great for everyone. It's highly accessible, even for those with injuries and those who don't practice yoga at all.
Our restorative yoga instructor, Nancy Rich, describes her classes as "nourishing, and balancing." She likes to remind her students that restorative yoga is "a practice of doing less," and that we can "move out of the place of doing, doing, doing" that we so often get sucked into in our lives, and "move into a place of being-ness." She emphasizes that the benefits of a regular restorative yoga practice include "stress relief, immune support, and increased flexibility," through long holds in very gentle postures rather than deep stretches.
You can enjoy a restorative yoga class with Nancy on Thursday mornings at 10:30am, or a Restore & Meditate class with Amy on Wednesdays at 9:15am. Click here to view our schedule and sign up for a class online.
If you have any questions or concerns about participating in a restorative yoga class, don't hesitate to email us at info@oysterbayyoga.com, or call us at 516-922-4222.
Namaste,
Amy
Team OB Yoga