Relax, Restore, and Recharge: Restorative Yoga at The Hogarth Club
Unwind and Rejuvenate with Karen's Restorative Yoga every Friday at 7pm - the Ultimate Weekend Reset!
In a world that's constantly on the move, it's easy to get swept up in the fast-paced, yang energy that surrounds us. From work deadlines and social commitments to personal obligations and endless to-do lists, it can feel like there's never a moment to pause and reflect. This never-ending yang, ‘go-go-go’ energy can leave us feeling drained, stressed, and burned out, that’s why it's crucial to incorporate yin energy into our lives to create a sense of balance.
Yin energy is all about slowing down, taking a step back, and giving ourselves the time and space we need to relax and reset. One of the best ways to do this is through the practice of restorative yoga. By slowing down, tuning in, and letting go of tension and stress, restorative yoga can help us tap into our inner yin and find a sense of calm and ease amidst the chaos.
Read on to explore the benefits of incorporating restorative yoga into your wellness routine and how it can help you find greater balance, relaxation, and peace of mind. So, take a deep breath, and let's dive in!
So, What Actually is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative yoga is a gentle and soothing practice that offers a much needed break from our fastpaced and often stressful lives. Unlike more vigorous forms of yoga, restorative yoga features slow-paced flows and postures that are held for extended periods of time, allowing the body to deeply open up and release tension. Karen (the instructor) emphasises the use of props such as blocks and towels to help support the body and hold postures in correct alignment, allowing for a deeper stretch and release that creates needed space in the body. The focus of restorative yoga is on easing tension through stretches and movement, as well as reconnecting mind and body through conscious breathing and relaxation techniques.
What are the Benefits of this Practice?
The slow and deliberate movements of restorative yoga help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" response, which helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The effects of calming the body down last long after the class and allow your body to rebalance. By unravelling any tension that has built up throughout the week, restorative yoga can also help to release tightness in the body and improve overall mobility. By bringing the mind and body together in stillness, Restorative Yoga offers a space for total calm, promoting mental clarity and a sense of inner peace. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply give your body the rest it needs, restorative yoga is the perfect addition to any fitness routine.
"The Hogarth to me is about chilling out and switching off and I do that through yoga.” - Lynsey Alexander (Hogarth member)
Who is this Class For?
Restorative yoga is a highly accessible practice that is suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. One of the key benefits is its adaptability - movements and postures can be adjusted by Karen to meet the needs of each individual, ensuring that they are getting the most out of the class at their own pace and level. This makes restorative yoga an excellent option for those who are recovering from injury or who are injury-prone, as it offers a gentle and low-impact way to improve mobility and flexibility without risking further injury. This class is also an ideal choice for anyone in need of some peace and tranquility, and let’s face it, who doesn’t need that?
Who Teaches this Class?
Karen Stone has been an instructor for The Hogarth Health Club for over 20 years. She has expertise in a range of exercise and movement disciplines, including Dynamic, Hatha, and Restorative Yoga, as well as Barre classes. With her vast knowledge and skill set, Karen is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the health club and a great resource for her students.
“Our bodies are designed to have rest periods to balance out but we don’t always make the time to just stop. When the nervous system is in balance, the respiratory and digestive systems also work more effectively.” - Karen Stone (Hogarth Instructor)
How is it Different to Yin Yoga?
Restorative yoga and yin yoga may seem similar at first glance, as both practices are centred on connective tissue and fascia and involve holding poses for extended periods to open up the body. However, there are some key differences between the two. Restorative yoga typically involves holding poses for a shorter duration of 1-2 minutes, as opposed to up to 5 minutes in yin yoga. This can make it feel more balanced and less challenging, as it incorporates movement and flows alongside holding poses. Yin yoga is exclusively on the mat, whereas restorative involves a mix of standing and floor work.
The aims of these two practices are also slightly different. Restorative yoga is primarily focused on restoring the body and rebalancing from stress and injury. It uses gentle postures and props to create a relaxing environment for the body to heal. In contrast, Yin yoga works on stretching the connective tissue and fascia to increase flexibility. It employs passive stretches and holds them for longer periods, up to five minutes or more. Despite their differences, both practices allow individuals to tune inwards, listen to their bodies, and rebalance themselves with the support of props.
Why do this class?
It's a great way to end the work week and rebalance mind and body, checking in with yourself and finding a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. By attending our restorative yoga class, you'll start the weekend feeling refreshed, calm and focused, ready to take on whatever comes your way. Our restorative yoga class is also unique in that our instructor, Karen, can adapt the class to suit your personal pace and level, ensuring that you get the most out of the practice and achieve your individual goals. Above all, our restorative yoga class offers the opportunity to take care of your overall wellbeing in a way that is both gentle and effective. By making restorative yoga a part of your routine, you'll be investing in yourself and your health, reaping the benefits both on and off the mat.
To join our restorative yoga class and take advantage of the benefits yourself either book in online or call our friendly reception team to help secure you a slot.
Thanks for reading, we hope to see you in class soon!
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