Why You Need Restorative Yoga: A Guide for New Yoga Practitioners

In today's fast-paced, yang-driven world, many of us are constantly on the go, often forgetting to slow down and rest. This is especially true during the transformative season of pregnancy and parenting. If you don’t learn the importance of slowing down before your child arrives, your children will likely teach you! Restorative yoga offers the perfect antidote to our busy lives, providing a space to reconnect with ourselves, release tension, and restore balance—especially during prenatal and postpartum stages.

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative yoga is a deeply nourishing and therapeutic practice that was developed by Judith Hanson Lasater, renowned yoga teacher, physical therapist and P.h.d., during a challenging period in her life. This practice is accessible for all stages of life, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Unlike more active forms of yoga, Restorative yoga focuses on long-held, supported poses using props like bolsters, pillows, blankets, blocks, straps, sandbags, and eye pillows. Poses are typically held for 5-20 minutes, allowing your body and mind to fully relax and absorb the benefits.

The Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is considered one of the hardest practices, not because of its physical demands, but because it requires stillness—a challenge for many in our overstimulated world. However, the rewards are worth it. Here are some key benefits of incorporating Restorative yoga into your routine, especially during pregnancy:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
   By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, Restorative yoga helps calm the mind and lower stress levels, making it especially helpful for expectant parents.

2. Improves Sleep
   The deep relaxation achieved in restorative poses can enhance sleep quality, which is vital during pregnancy and parenting when rest is often in short supply.

3. Supports the Body During Pregnancy
   Restorative yoga helps ease common discomforts of pregnancy like lower back pain, fatigue, and swollen ankles. It also promotes healthy circulation and relaxation, both of which are crucial for expecting parents.

4. Enhances Mindfulness
   Holding poses for longer periods allows you to cultivate mindfulness, focusing on the present moment, your breath, and your body.

5. Encourages Emotional Balance
   The gentle nature of Restorative yoga offers a safe space to process emotions, which can be particularly beneficial during the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy and postpartum.

6. Supports Fertility and Postpartum Recovery
   Restorative yoga creates the optimal environment for fertility by lowering stress levels and supporting hormonal balance. Postpartum, it aids in healing and recovery by giving new parents a gentle way to reconnect with their bodies.

Restorative Yoga at PYLV

We believe in the power of Restorative yoga, especially during the sacred time of pregnancy. That’s why we are excited to offer a monthly Restorative Yoga class. Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or simply in need of deep rest, these sessions are designed to help you find balance and rejuvenation.

Check our schedule for upcoming dates, and make sure to reserve your spot. 🌿