Monthly on Wednesdays 8:15pm - 9:30pm via Zoom

2024 Dates: 20th March, 17th April, 15th May, 19th June, 17th July, 21st August, 18th September, 16th October, 20th November, 18th December.

Restorative Yoga is a conscious practise of deep rest for your body and mind that helps you counter the effects of stress, tension and fatigue and promotes healing. Regular practise can give you the skills to let go of tension quickly and allow your mind and body to regain their equilibrium.

How do online classes work?

I use Zoom, which is an online conferencing platform, to hold online yoga classes. It is free for you to download and use. Once you have booked, you will receive a link to join the class.

Classes are live and in real time and we can see and speak to each other. Only people who have booked can join the class so they are as private as a regular class.

Classes are recorded for your future use, only I am visible on the recording. Everyone who books for that class will receive access to the recording for one month.

How is Restorative yoga different from a regular yoga class?

In a restorative class the focus is on deep relaxation rather than physical activity. All postures are passive and fully supported by props such as cushions and blankets. Each posture is held for a few minutes while I guide you through breathing, body awareness, thought awareness, sometimes a visualisation. Sometimes there is some music or sound. Typically there are only 5 or 6 postures in a whole class.

Why do it?

Deep rest is crucial to our well being both physically and mentally. It’s why we need regular sleep. However, most of us do not have deep refreshing sleep and carry our stress and tension through the night. In addition, restorative yoga is a conscious practise so there are added benefits of the mind being in a meditative state rather than being unconscious.

  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate

  • Ease physical aches and pains

  • Improve digestion

  • Reduce fatigue

  • Improve healing and immune function

  • Aids hormonal balance

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Help to process emotional issues such as grief

  • Promotes mental calm and focus

  • Develops compassion for self and others

  • Helps creative flow and insight

  • Increase self awareness

Do I need any yoga experience?

None at all! It is one of the most accessible forms of yoga for all ages and is beneficial for people recovering from illness and injury, those going through chemotherapy or recovering from childbirth. You do not need any flexibility, just the ability to lie down on the floor.

Restorative yoga is a suitable practise in first trimester pregnancy as it is no strain on the body, but not for second and third trimester due to back lying positions. We would recommend the pregnancy yoga class which includes restorative practises suitable for pregnancy.

Do I need special equipment?

No you don’t need to have any specialist yoga props. I have developed the classes so that they can be done using everyday household items as I don’t expect that everyone has tonnes of yoga equipment at home! I suggest you have the following:

  1. Something to lie on - carpeted floor, rug, blanket, large towel or yoga mat

  2. Props - a pillow or two plus some cushions; folded blankets and towels can be helpful too

  3. A cover to keep warm - a blanket, throw or shawl

  4. Optional eye cover - eye mask, eye pillow or small scarf

Here’s some more info to help you set up your home practise space and to learn a little more about Restorative Yoga.

All you need to know about setting up a space to practise Restorative Yoga at home so you can follow my online class. (Hint - no specialist yoga equipment needed!)