Felixstowe yoga: Restorative v Vinyasa

05/11/2019

The pros and cons of two contrasting styles of yoga

In October, I began holding monthly Restorative yoga workshops.

There has been a great response – and unfortunately not enough space to accommodate everyone. (There are still a few available spots for the February workshop).

I wasn’t really surprised by the enthusiasm. Restorative yoga is an effortless practice. You just lie back and ease into poses with the help of straps, blocks, bolsters and blankets.

An easy sell!

(I explain in my blog, Restorative yoga classes in Felixstowe, all about this amazing type of yoga.)

Felixstowe yoga – Vinyasa style

Vinyasa yoga, which I teach in all three of my regular weekly classes , is different.

Vinyasa literally means “to place in a special way” and is used to describe the linking movements in a Vinyasa yoga class.

The practice asks students to flow from one pose to another, linking each movement to a deep, full breath.

Vinyasa yoga improves co-ordination and stamina, while stretching and strengthening muscles. The strong focus on coordinating the breath with movement helps to focus the mind.

Think of it as a moving meditation.

Make time for Vinyasa yoga

I would encourage anyone to try and make time for this form of yoga.

I especially feel that women – young and old – don’t pay enough attention to strengthening their bodies. When you think about what we have to put ourselves through in life, this feels like a bit of a mistake.

So, I would encourage everyone to try Restorative yoga if they can – at my Felixstowe Yoga workshops or somewhere else.

But I couldn’t recommend the flowing movement of Vinyasa highly enough.

And even if the flows feel too much like work at first, just enjoy the benefit you’re bringing your body – then look forward to the 10 minutes of total relaxation at the end of the session!

After six classes your body and mind should really start to feel the difference.

Picking the right yoga class

Vinyasa yoga might sound a challenge to those new to yoga, or to those who have left yoga classes in the past feeling stiff and exhausted.

I totally get that.

But as a teacher I aim to make sure mixed abilities in classes get the level of yoga they need. Posture variations, encouraging rest, and giving students license to miss out poses and transitions is important.

Sometimes just sitting there, having a rest, and watching others get taught a pose or sequence can be really beneficial. Yoga classes should be all about learning, progressing, and working out what works for your body and mind.

Vinyasa + Restorative

Anyway, back to the point of this blog.

Restorative yoga can free your mind from stress, and your limbs and joints from stiffness. It’s great for beginners, who can experience the elation without the effort.

But it can’t give us the strength and stamina we need to keep our bodies healthy.

A bit of both is the answer!