What do you need to teach restorative yoga?

teach restorative yoga

In many styles of yoga, students are encouraged to push themselves to their edge — to hold positions that may be uncomfortable or even painful. Restorative yoga, on the other hand, is designed to release tension rather than generate it. This can be a difficult transition for many students, especially those who are used to practicing more rigorous forms of yoga. The first few minutes of a restorative class should be focused on eliminating stress and getting students settled in their poses.

A gentle opening can also be an opportunity for a short guided meditation or breath work. Often, students can feel a shift in energy and mental focus as they move out of child’s pose and into the next poses in a sequence. This is a good time to provide an early cue for when the transition is coming: A chime, a simple countdown or even a dimming of the lights can signal that it’s time to start moving into the next pose in the class.

For students who are unused to long periods of silence, providing an active verbal cue that honors the intention of Restorative yoga teacher training can help them to remain relaxed and centered. This might be as simple as encouraging students to notice the length of each inhale and exhale, or reading a passage from a book that provides a quiet distraction.

What do you need to teach restorative yoga?

Providing clear, concise instructions on how to set up and remove props can make the difference between students feeling supported throughout a restorative session and being distracted by frustration or discomfort. This is especially important for students who are new to restorative yoga, and for whom a more complex setup may require them to shift their focus from the body to the props themselves.

The final key to a successful restorative class is allowing students to hold poses for longer periods of time. This will allow them to experience the full benefit of each pose without feeling rushed into the next one in order to avoid a climactic ending. In fact, it’s a good idea to build up to a long pause in the final pose of each sequence and offer an extended silence at the end of class.

If you are interested in learning how to teach restorative yoga, the Ofqual-regualted Yin & Restorative Yoga Teacher Training program from OriGym could be perfect for you. This course is flexible and can be completed from anywhere in the world, at a time that suits you and your family life. Enquire today to find out more.