"Marina creates a welcoming stillness in which I can settle in and meet myself again. The flow of the class was just right for me. Since I was new, Marina has been attentive and supportive, allowing me the space to find my own rhythm. I really appreciate the space she gives to let each of us listen to our own bodies. Definitely recommended for reducing stress and fatigue. I felt thoroughly rejuvenated."
Sharon
Weekly class schedule
Velperweg 95, in Arnhem
Wednesday 09.00-10.15
Restorative Gentle Yoga
(still a few spots available)
Wednesday 10.30 -11.45
Restorative Gentle Yoga
(We will soon state with the second lesson. Are you interested? Let me know and I will reserve a place for you)
These yoga classes focus on deep relaxation, energy recovery, natural breathing, and the release of physical tensions. The pace of the class is slower, which gives you the opportunity to develop body awareness and thereby recognize and release deep-seated tensions in the body.
In the Restorative Gentle Yoga classes we pay a lot of attention to the essential yoga principles such as posture, breathing, flexibility and strength. By consciously moving the body and using the so-called 'Somatic Movement' approach, we can dive deeper into each yoga pose. In addition, Restorative Gentle Yoga practice includes gentle and restorative yoga poses. I use different physiotherapy balls as support. You can think of small and large physio balls, 'still-point inducers' and trigger point balls. You will be taught a series of yoga poses that encourage soft, flowing body movements. These yoga classes are an ideal balance between traditional Hatha yoga practices and restorative yoga practices.
Restorative Gentle Yoga Classes: For Whom?
These yoga classes are ideal for anyone who wants to start practicing yoga, who is recovering from long-term or short-term injuries and who wants to release accumulated physical tensions due to daily work pressure and overload. These yoga classes are also suitable for those looking for a simple and powerful yoga practice that suits their own personal body and needs. For anyone who wants to learn the essential yoga principles in a safe and focused way, and for anyone who just wants to find a better connection with their body.
Restorative Gentle Yoga classes
Building blocks of Restorative Gentle Yoga classes:
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a slow and gentle form of yoga that aims to bring you into a deep state of relaxation and tranquility. I use various props such as blankets, bolsters and blocks to support the body in different yoga poses, allowing the whole system to enter a deeply relaxed state. Being in these poses has a rejuvenating effect on the mind and body, as it allows you to get rid of a fight-and-flight response in the parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers the so-called "relaxation response", allowing your body to heal and self-regulate. completely renew.
Mindful Embodied Hatha Yoga
Mindfulness is a common term that has its roots in Buddhism and means being aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and the environment moment by moment. Embodiment is a state of being fully present and connected to your body. Also called 'embodied awareness', this is an exercise that helps you experience a state of complete connection with your body, a state in which you feel present and whole. Embodied Awareness is a term used in the field of somatic psychotherapy, somatic exercise education and dance. Mindfulness and embodiment are an important part of Restorative Gentle Yoga. During my classes we practice making each pose aware. We delve deeper into the sensations of body and breath. That means slowing down and staying longer in each pose. This approach to yoga has a profound immediate effect on your mental and emotional state.
Breathwork
Breathwork is an essential part of Restorative Gentle Yoga classes. We apply breathwork with the intent of improving mental, physical and spiritual well-being. There are many forms of breathwork therapy that involve conscious and structured breathing. Breathwork promotes deep relaxation and helps you feel more energetic. In Restorative Gentle Yoga, every pose is an exploration. Through mindfulness and embodied awareness you create more connections between your breath and your body. You learn to recognize and release blockages in the body. With this you learn to recognize and release your natural breath.
Trigger point balls
In Restorative Gentle Yoga classes, I use yoga balls of different sizes, such as reflex balls and softballs.
Yoga balls help massage trigger points and release tension in the body. Reflex balls are small balls with sturdy spikes. They are often used in sensory therapy, relaxation exercises, and massage. In my classes, we use them as a therapeutic massage tool that focuses on the trigger points of the body. Small and medium yoga balls help release tension in the connective tissue, also known as fascia. They build tissue resilience and release tension in parts of the body such as the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, legs, and feet. Working with yoga balls feels like a deep self-massage.
Meditation
Endless studies have been done on the health benefits of meditation. Research shows that meditation can help us cope better with negative feelings and emotions. While there are many forms of meditation, the ultimate goal is a sense of relaxation and inner peace, which can improve mental health. In Restorative Gentle Yoga classes we learn to focus deeply on the sensations of the body. Being present, observing the breath, becoming aware and connecting with your body are some basic components of meditation that are an essential part of any yoga class.