This article is sponsored by Dwell Yoga Studio.
Think restorative yoga is just an easier practice for those who aren’t ready to move faster, harder, and hold complex balance poses? On the contrary, it’s actually an advanced style that requires a lot of mental discipline. At its core, Restorative yoga focuses on whole-body relaxation and release.
Something, which, could actually be the best thing to ever happen to your wellness program.
Consider this – if you’ll give yourself permission to slow down and let go of the “shoulds” about your health and fitness, you might discover that incorporating Restorative yoga into your routine can foster a release mentally and physically that you didn’t even know you needed. And it could be life-changing.
Ready for a release?
Restorative yoga is exactly as it sounds – it brings restoration to your body, mind, and spirit. It’s natural to think that an energetic Vinyasa or Bikram yoga class is superior somehow, fitness-wise. We believe that speed and sweat are the key to all things fitness, toning our muscles faster, detoxing our bloodstream faster, and burning more calories.
The truth is, however, our bodies also need to slow down and restore.
Restorative yoga offers many whole-body benefits that all levels of fitness can embrace. It’s not easier, necessarily, it’s just slower, allowing for true release physically and mentally.
How does it work? A Restorative class will focus on the connective tissues of the body through postures that are held in stillness and mindful awareness for 5-6 minutes at a time. The long holding of poses and deep, passive stretching is usually assisted with props such as rolled blankets, bolsters, blocks or straps, to ensure the body is fully supported, allowing the muscles to relax.
In eastern philosophy, yin and yang represent balance, or opposite or contrary forces that are actually complementary. In terms of yoga, an energetic practice such as vinyasa is the yang, and a calming practice like restorative is the yin
Restorative addresses tightness and toxin buildup in the joints and connective tissue through poses that are equally challenging for the mind and body. The result is not only more flexible joints, but also a greater sense of balance, release, and calm.
Maureen Beville, MS, R-HYI, R-HY Therapist and Owner of Dwell Yoga Studio in Frisco outlined for us some of the many benefits of restorative yoga. Do any of these resonate with your personal wellness goals?
10 Benefits of Restorative Yoga
- Calms the nervous system
- Releases anxiety
- Provides balance for the body
- Reduces stress hormones
- Improves the immune system
- Supports better sleep
- Increases flexibility
- Releases toxin build-up
- Promotes mindfulness
- Supports weight management
Ultimately, it helps us discover where we’re holding tension, invites the body to rest, and establishes the conditions for the relaxation response to kick in. It pulls us out of “flight or fight” mode and initiates the body’s self-healing process.
Furthermore, researchers at UCSD who studied a group of people (one that performed stretching exercises and another that took part in restorative yoga) found the restorative yoga group lost nearly twice as much weight as the group that merely stretched. Their theory for why this occurred is connected to cortisol. The stress hormone associated with weight gain is thought to be lowered in a calming practice like Restorative.
In essence, Restorative yoga may have a profound effect on your overall capacity for health and healing. It’s kind of the gift that keeps on giving.
Are you ready to relax and begin your release?
Dwell Yoga Studio offers this whole-body approach to health and wellness. All of their classes take into consideration the body, mind, and spirit. Owner Maureen Beville emphasizes,
We are passionate about providing classes that meet people where they’re at, and that is why you see a variety of classes on our schedule. We offer the spectrum from energetic, ‘Hot Vinyasa’ classes to our trauma-sensitive ‘Soul Care’ classes as well as those meant to calm the body like ‘Restorative’.
Dwell offers a variety of classes to meet the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of their clientele, always reminding students to “come as you are.” The Christ-centered, grace-filled yoga studio offers restorative classes, as well as other traditional practices such as Vinyasa (both heated and non), Yin, Hatha, All-Level flows, and private Pilates sessions.
During this period of “shelter in place”, Dwell Yoga is under a mandatory closure, but they’re committed to providing their valued customers with faith-filled, daily live classes broadcast on a private Facebook page. Class passes and memberships can be purchased online (and make a great gift!).
Always aspiring to meet the needs of her clients, Maureen recently added shorter class options to the mix. Schedule-friendly 20 and 30-minute practices are available with themes such as “Hatha for Low Back and Hamstrings” and “Calming Flow for Stressed Bodies.” There’s even a “Playful Pause for Families” mid-day on Fridays.
Finding it hard to unwind at night? Stress, worry, uncertainty, schedule disruption – these all affect our ability to fall and stay asleep. Consider adding Dwell’s new 10-minute mediations to your bedtime routine.
Dwell Yoga Studio invites you to find your rest and release in their grace-filled space. Connect with Dwell on social media, visit their website, or reach out directly for updates on their classes, the re-opening date, or with any general questions.
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