Spotlight: Restorative Yoga

What is restorative yoga?

Restorative yoga uses blocks, bolsters, towels, and other aides to take pressure off the body during yoga poses. This allows for a deep, relaxing stretch that reaches down to the connective tissue, something that “traditional” yoga classes, such as vinyasa and hatha, do not always do. Each pose is held for three to five minutes each, accompanied by deep breaths and/or meditation.

Restorative yoga might be for you if:

1. You have chronic (or nonchronic) back pain.

According to the National Spine Health Foundation, restorative yoga “can be transformative to those with chronic back pain or stiffness.” Not only do the poses strengthen and lengthen back muscles to alleviate pain, but the meditation and mindfulness in restorative yoga also promote nervous system healing and repair. Michelle, cofounder of Good Juju, can work with you to help find poses and modifications that fit your pain level and goals.

2. You are an athlete, or you weight train.

According to Team USA’s website, restorative yoga can help optimize recovery by decreasing tension on overworked muscle and joint groups, and increase blood flow and breath capacity.

3. You work at a desk.

Desk work often strains glute, hip, upper back, and neck muscles. Using restorative yoga to counteract the way you sit at a desk may help alleviate pain often associated with sedentary work.

Good Juju Mind Body Studio offers restorative yoga on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.