Well Hello There Friends! Are you NEW To the lovely world of restorative?

Let's Take a Moment to Talk About PROPS!

Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for your restorative class:

We use props for restorative yoga to help us deepen and relax into the poses. Don't have these items? Thats okay! In this blog, I'll be including some substitutes you may have around the house. If those do not work for you, still okay! Instructors can always modify things with no props. Keep in mind, you will benefit more with props for this style of class so if it is something you find yourself enjoying, you should invest in these items.

For the purpose of this particular informational blog post, I'm sticking to speaking primarily to their uses in restorative. Props can be used in all yoga classes and hold so many benefits- they are not a crutch or "newbies" tool as many believe them to be, they are a wonderful addition and used to enhance, deepen, lengthen, strengthen, and so on! I could nerd out far more in depth for any one of these, but we will keep it simple today.

PROPS FOR RESTORATIVE:

1. Bolsters: These are used for support and comfort, deeper relaxation and opening. A round bolster will offer more contoured support while allowing for deep opening. A square bolster will offer more stable support with less opening. Don't have one? Try tightly rolled thick blanket, maybe wrap it with a strap to secure it, a couch cushion, thick sleeping bag, or a stack of pillows.
   
2. Yoga Blocks: 2-4 is best. Some alternatives are books, a shorter stool, a thick box-anything that is firm that doesn't have sharp edges/splinters. We use these to provide stability, offer support, release tension, give us more accessibility, aid in proper allignment, increase range of motion, and in other classes could add an element of challenge.
   
3. A yoga strap: For this class a firm nonstretchy band is best, occasionally we will use resistance bands or straps that have a stretchy element to them. Alternatives: A belt, necktie, scarf, bathrobe tie, jump rope, or just use the resistant/stretchy band! The purpose of straps varies but primarily will be supportive while providing a deeper stretch while reducing the activity involved allowing for us to tap into further places.
   
4. A yoga Blanket: These blankets have some firmness and weight to them, you can use any blanket or meditation mat though. This will offer us comfort, support of knees, warmth, and gentle lift of the hips or other body parts.
   
5. Foam Rollers: We don't use these often in my restorative but may on occasion. I truly prefer people invest in one if we are utilizing them. However, you can use a solid water bottle (could wrap in a towel), tennis ball, pvc pipe, massage ball... if you are unfamiliar, please google foam rolling so you can get a good idea of what to substitute. You want something firm enough to provide pressure but not be super painful. Foam rolling can be uncomfortable and sticky in spots. The purpose of this is to enhance muscle recovery, decrease soreness, increase mobility and flexibility, and offer some self-myofascial release.

Please note, I personally don't use foam rollers often in my restorative yoga classes but there are times I may. I am definitely a big fan of them though as well as many other yoga props and tools that were not mentioned in here. This is just to give you a basic good set up for moving forward into the beautiful and beneficial world of restorative! Hope this has helped you on your journey!

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths"