Find Your Center: A Core Strength and Restorative Yoga Experience
Feeling the need for a workout that strengthens your core while also promoting relaxation? Look no further than this core strength and restorative yoga class! This unique two-in-one session will lead you through a mat pilates sequence to help you sculpt and tone your core using dynamic mat pilates movements, and then transition you into restorative yoga poses that will melt away tension and leave you feeling centered and calm.
Setting Your Intention
The class starts by setting an intention for your practice. Maybe you want to focus on improving your core strength, or perhaps you’d like to cultivate a sense of inner peace. Once you’ve set your intention, it’s time to get moving!
Core Strengthening with Pilates
The first part of the class focuses on core strengthening exercises. You’ll begin by warming up your breath and body with some gentle stretches and preparatory movements. Then, Carole, your instructor, will guide you through a series of pilates-inspired exercises that target your core muscles. Expect exercises like planks, hovering tables, fire hydrants, and boat pose variations – all designed to strengthen and engage your core.
No need to worry if you’re new to pilates or yoga – Carole provides clear instructions and modifications throughout the class. She also encourages you to listen to your body and move at your own pace.
From Movement to Melt Away: Restorative Yoga
After all that core work, it’s time to unwind and de-stress. The class seamlessly transitions into restorative yoga poses. Here, you’ll grab some props (a bolster or pillow and a couple of blocks are ideal, but you can also get creative with what you have at home) and settle into supported postures that allow your body to completely relax. These poses will gently stretch and lengthen your muscles, releasing any tension you may be holding.
Carole will guide you through restorative poses that target different areas of your body, including supported child’s pose, reclined twists, and a heart-opening pose using the blocks. With each pose, you’ll be encouraged to focus on your breath and allow your body to sink deeper into the support.
Finding Inner Peace Through Breathwork
As you hold these restorative postures, Carole will offer mindfulness techniques to help you quiet your mind and truly connect with your inner self. If you find your mind wandering, she suggests using your breath as an anchor, focusing on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body.
Deep Relaxation in Savasana
The class concludes with a peaceful Savasana, or corpse pose. Here, you’ll lie comfortably on your back and allow your body to completely surrender to relaxation. This is your time to integrate the benefits of your workout and simply be present in the moment.
By the end of this core strength and restorative yoga class, you’ll leave feeling invigorated and strengthened from the core work, and completely centered and relaxed from the restorative yoga. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day and reconnect with your mind and body.
