Restorative Yin yoga is all about holding asana (yoga poses) for longer than you might in a normal yoga class. This gives us the opportunity to release and surrender into a pose, slowly and gently settling into our body. Poses may be held for 3 - 4 minutes, possibly longer, which means we can work into the joints whilst the muscles release and let go. Yin allows us to tune into our feminine energies, cool and hidden, reflective and passive. This is the opposite of Yang energy, masculine, hot and dynamic. There can be no yin without yang - a sense of balance is required to bring a sense of well being and harmony.

Whilst the primary focus of the class is restorative yin yoga, elements of yang yoga will be included to allow for the holistic nature of yoga to shine through.

The class will conclude with a deep relaxation of at least twenty minutes, giving you the chance to restore and soothe your energy levels. If you feel depleted, relaxation will boost your energy. If you feel overwhelmed by too many things to do, relaxation will allow you to settle, reprioritise and refocus.

This restorative yin yoga class is ideal for anyone new to yin or restorative yoga, or those who have prior experience. The class will be gentle and meditative, including pranayama (breathing practices), meditation, yin and yang yoga, restorative yoga, before culminating with Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation.)

Classes are held on the third Thursday of every month at St Bridgets and simultaneously on Zoom.

Please prepare a comfortable area at home with your yoga mat, a few pillows, cushions and a blanket handy. You could light some candles, and play gentle music in the background so make it even more lovely and soothing !

Feedback from restorative yin classes - 

"Brilliant relaxation !"

"I slept really well after class"

"Just what I needed"

"Thanks - that was a lovely class"

This is wonderful feedback from a lady recovering from covid - 

"Just thought I would let you know how I am getting on with yoga in case you get enquiries from other long covid people.

I have been to Gentle Flow , Rise and Shine and the Restorative yoga sessions and been able to do them all without getting breathless or being exhausted later on. I have paced myself a bit and not always done the most strenuous version. This is great as walking and cycling both tire me out quite quickly – its brilliant to be able to get some exercise! All the breathing has helped my breathing, and I have learn some exercises to do at other times, eg Temple Breath. And the self care tips are great too, it is easy to get bogged down in long covid and they are a nice distraction.

The best class for me is the Restorative yoga , I have been to one live class and done a couple of recorded ones as I am busy on Thursdays. I did one last night and then had the most brilliant night’s sleep, which means that today I have more energy and less breathlessness, which is just great.It really was restorative and I would recommend it to anyone with long covid, although of course there are many varieties of long covid and it might not suit everyone."