There are many different types of Yoga, and I believe that there is a variety for everyone! You just have to find the style and teacher that you like.

But depending on your mood and current physical and personal situation, different yoga practises will fit best.

I’ve tried a few different options and tend to prefer faster Vinyasa Yoga with the smooth flow of breathing and movement, or Bikram Yoga with it’s reliable sequence of postures and the challenge of the heat! But sometimes it’s nice to try something a little slower…

Restorative Yoga is designed to rid you of everyday stress, and to nurture the body with a series of poses, calming and revitalising breathing techniques and mindful, flowing movement.

On Friday evening I went along to a Bliss Yoga class at Good Vibes Fitness in Covent Garden, where they use candelight to create a beautifully tranquil atmosphere. The darkened room and the soft glow really helped me to feel relaxed before the class had even begun (they don’t use real candles so no worries about a fire hazard).

Their infrared heated studio helps to encourage the body to open safely and soothes stiffness and muscle soreness. It also means that although the class is slow and you don’t work up a sweat, you don’t feel cold and are able to relax into each posture.

Check out this link for 4 great restorative poses- Source

For someone who isn’t the most flexible, restorative yoga is a nice change. Poses are supported with props, to encourage the body to release and open without tension, and are often held for several minutes. This results in deep releases into tight spots, a stronger connection with the breath and a calm awareness of mind. It’s also great if you are recovering from injury or illness. (I am struggling with a possible hip tear- I will write a post on the issue when I understand it better. I have lots of questions for my physio who was pretty vague last week! I find it hard knowing when to trust a physio’s opinion or who is a good practitioner to deal with, but that’s a whole other blog post…)

When the hour was up I felt so relaxed I could have fallen asleep on my mat! And after a week of intense concentration on a work training course it felt the perfect counter balance, and a great way to start the weekend.

Have you tried yoga to relax? What’s your favourite style of yoga?

Beki x