Restorative yoga back bend

You may have heard me mention restorative yoga. It’s a very different type of yoga – all of the postures are lying on the floor and we use blankets and pillows to support our body. This style of yoga is about passive stretching to release chronic stress and tension.

Below is a great example of restorative yoga. If offers a resting but strong stretch for chest, shoulders and arms – perfect after a long day of carrying a pack or a long day hunched forward at the computer.

For this one, you’ll need a rolled up blanket or a couple of rolled towels, or use your rolled up sleeping mat or snow foam:

1. Sit on the floor. Place the rolled blanket or snowfoam behind you.
2. Lie down with the roll down the length of your spine, keeping your hips on the floor.
3. Make sure your head is supported – you can put a towel or pillow under your head if needed.
4. Let your arms relax out to the sides with palms facing up.
5. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed down from your ears. Think of moving your shoulder blades under you.
6. Relax your legs.
7. Try resting here for a couple of minutes.
8. To come out of the pose, roll off to the side and rest for a minute before sitting up.