Time to Try Restorative Stretch Yoga?

The benefits of Yoga are well documented – and not just by me, although, as you know, I will extol yoga’s benefits to infinity and beyond. Yoga is for everyone, literally.

Think you’re too busy, too old, too stiff? You’re not.

I promise. There’s a level of Yoga for everyone, from a demanding and exacting workout to more gentle stretching exercises to promote strength and suppleness. Yoga is for anyone, yes even you – whatever your gender; however young or old you are, whether you’re fit already or just getting off the couch. In yoga, everything can be done at a level to suit you, and it’s never too late to start.

What are the Benefits of Yoga?

As a form of exercise, Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, so we can certainly say it’s tried and tested – and trusted. Yoga movements – or poses, known as asanas – aim to promote strength, flexibility, balance and correct breathing. Yoga is a totally safe form of exercise. Often, as it’s low-impact and so safe, it’s often misconstrued as easy, yet that’s not necessarily the case. Yes, Yoga IS low impact and safe. Nonetheless, it is highly effective, with a myriad of benefits for wellbeing. Yoga is good for the body AND the mind.

As the NHS website states: “yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains – including lower back pain – depression and stress.”

Yoga has so many health and wellbeing benefits – including for mental health as well as physical. It’s also accessible for all and easily fits into our busy lives. Perhaps you work long hours, or hunch over a computer all day? Perhaps you have a physically demanding occupation which takes its toll on your back and joints? Yoga can make a difference.

Do I HAVE to Join a Yoga Class?

The simple answer is no, of course not. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to meet you and share the wonder of Yoga practice. I would positively adore helping you feel and move better. You get so much benefit from my small, friendly group classes – possibly even new friends. But, if group classes aren’t for you right now, perhaps you’d enjoy a one-to-one session?

There’s also SO much you can do at home, certainly once you’ve learned the basics (just to make sure you’re breathing correctly and moving safely). Yoga includes breathing techniques, stretching, classic asanas, relaxation, visualisation and meditation. The Yoga poses – asanas – are devised to help enhance metabolism, digestion, elimination, circulation and the functioning of the glands and nervous system. Yoga can strengthen and awaken, but it can also relax the body and calm the mind. In addition to all the physical health benefits, Yoga can help against insomnia. A specific bedtime yoga routine can ease the body into sleep and help with a restful night. Yoga can also lift mood, and energy and reduce stress.

Stretch it Out

Recent research suggests that stretching could bring health benefits beyond just warming up or flexibility. Some studies have even associated stretching with cardiac health, recovering from injury, and possibly even helping the body respond to cancer. Time will tell just how significant these benefits are, but the already well-documented benefits are countless.

In the meantime, more and more people are asking for this sort of Yoga class. Stretching, restorative yoga classes are exceedingly popular, as a new year always inspires people into exercise. However, stretching yoga is a relatively gentle yet still highly beneficial form of Yoga that’s easy to keep up way after the last new year’s resolution has crumbled. Stretching yoga is perfect for anyone: regardless of age, if you’ve not exercised in a while or if you sit at a desk all day. We ALL need to stretch!

Benefits of Stretch Yoga

As warm and welcoming as all my classes, specific stretch yoga classes are a wonderful form of exercise. The benefits of stretch yoga include:

Mental health: Yoga and stretching can help alleviate anxiety and stress.
Helps to calm the body and mind.
Can help relax the nervous system and promote better sleep.
Promotes physical health as well as mental well-being.
Helps to improve breathing.
Increases flexibility and suppleness.
Improves strength and muscle tone.