Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul through restorative yoga. Are you seeking balance, healing, and a calmer mind? Unlike active styles of yoga that focus on stretching and movement, restorative yoga emphasizes mindful rest by using props to support your body in complete comfort and relaxation - no flexibility required! Whether you already practice yoga or are just getting started, Restorative Yoga is your step-by-step guide to deepening the connection between your body and mind. Here's what you'll find in this highly visual Practical information on the amazing benefits of restorative yoga 39 restorative yoga poses, each featuring beautiful photography and detailed, step-by-step instructions to take you from start to finish, with simple modifications to suit any body type, including for pregnant yoga practitioners 17 healing sequences for a variety of physical, mental, and emotional conditions including anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, and shoulder or back pain Expert guidance for choosing and using props (including items you already have at home), practicing safely, creating a peaceful space, using breathing techniques to calm your mind, and more
I received an advance copy of this book from net galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. Release date for this book is 3 Dec 2020
I must confess that I’m only a novice with regards to yoga. I have attended a few yoga classes here and there and even took a shot at hot yoga once or twice. I found this book to be extremely informative about restorative yoga. It provided background that was very interesting and helpful. It has directions that were simple to follow as well. I would highly recommend this book to anybody interested in restorative yoga whether you’re a novice or an expert I think you’ll find this book very useful.
I was really excited when I read about this type of yoga, it sounds so wonderful for those who aren’t up to the regular full-on yoga. The description sounded just perfect, and I’m sure it is for many, many people. I got all revved up about about getting whatever was needed in the way of blocks, bolsters, straps, and a mat to get started. As I read further on into the different poses, there were precautions noted for them, and unfortunately, it turned out that I have too many of the conditions mentioned that it says not to do them if you have, and it left nearly none that I could do. I’m extremely disappointed, as this looks like a great alternative for a lot of people.
I still think it’s a wonderful book though, and suggest it for others if they are looking for something less than regular yoga that is healing and restorative and looks great for stress. It’s done in your own quiet environment, in a darkened space for maximum relaxation. Check it out if you think you might have an interest. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Caren Baginski, and Alpha. ****review of ebook version
Restorative yoga is very thorough its explanation of benefits that it can offer. Its focus is not on traditional yoga but rather healing, relaxing and finding a respite from chaos that illness or a busy lifestyle can bring. It gives very descriptive instructions for poses and stretches that will aid in relieving stress. I liked the instructions for proper breathing exercises and the explanations included. All of the illustrations were very thorough and easy to follow. I thought the pregnancy adjustments to poses would be beneficial for some woman as well. The added props and blankets to assist in poses and stretches was new for me but I understand the uses and benefits. Overall, I thought this was an easy to follow guide to restorative yoga that is beneficial for beginners to experienced.
Thanks to NetGalley & DK for the opportunity to read this and offer my honest opinion.
Well organize and visually presented yoga book, focusing more on restoration and relaxation then stretching or core working. Not much more to say about it but if you're interested in that then the book is worth looking at.
As a recent newcomer to yoga, I thought this book and it's illustrations would be wonderful for this wore out, 60 plus year old, achy body. For other "weak wobblers" like myself out there, please find yourself a good yoga studio / class instead. This seemed to be geared more for new and / or experienced yoga students in good condition or pregnant. While it was informative as to what part (s) of the body were to be worked with the various poses illustrated, it lacked the possible modifications for arthritic joints so as to be able to "work" that section of the body without further damage/pain to the joints involved. I'm very fortunate to have found a local studio with wonderful instructors who have shared all sorts of these modifications with me in class. This book seemed more geared to the home practitioners just looking for a 15 - 20 yoga break. I would recommend it to those folks.
A perfect book for those of us who find regular flow style yoga to be too strenuous for health reasons or who want something calmer and gentler. Here you will find clear and detailed instructions with plenty of photographs that show you a variety of poses, lots of advice on what props you need, breathing exercises and more. I highly recommend it and I will be sure to get it for myself upon its release.
Thank you to NetGalley & DK for the opportunity to read this and offer my honest opinion.
Excellent book of yoga positions and various modifications. Each pose and modification has a photograph and is described well. Explanations are given for each pose and each of the many modifications. I had not realized all of these modifications were available until this book. Excellent guide for all ages and anyone.
STORY... Unlike active styles of yoga that focus on stretching and movement, restorative yoga emphasizes mindful rest by using props to support your body in complete comfort and relaxation - no flexibility required!
Whether you already practice yoga or are just getting started, Restorative Yoga is your step-by-step guide to deepening the connection between your body and mind with practical information on the amazing benefits of restorative yoga.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH THIS BOOK?.... Restorative yoga is my absolute favorite yoga practice by far! And… this book gives me all the good vibes…
All in and ready to start reading… And rejuvenating... ✨😎✨
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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Books & DIY Home Ideas | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com ... Including my video tutorials for DIY home ideas inspired by recommended books to support you in bringing your favorite books to life in your life and home.
✨😎✨A big thank you to Caren Baginski, DK – Alpha, Kristen Fisher (with DK) and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.
This work is great for everyone who's either at the beginning of their yoga path or finds yoga exercise classes (or videos) challenging because of their health issues or lack of flexibility. Each pose is extensively explained with step-by-step pictures and many modifications, that make exercise accessible for everyone. 'Restorative Yoga' is also encouraging to practice people who normally may feel excluded from the Instagram-ready world of exercise. Many pictures in the book represent older people and pregnant women, which is reassuring and comforting for everyone who ever felt insecure with yoga.
I'm not a yoga rookie, I've been practicing it more-less for about ten years, hence many information in the book wasn't new to me. The part I liked the most was the ready-to-go collections in the last part of the book. They're targeted to specific issues like back pain or feeling of anxiety and contain a set of poses with proposed time.
I love the aesthetics of 'Restorative Yoga', just looking at the pictures and reading the descriptions is a mindful experience for me. It's a great gift for everyone who wants to start practicing yoga but is not sure where to begin.
--- *Thank you Netgalley and the publisher DK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.*
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. Restorative yoga is a subject I am interested in learning more about. For a beginner this book was fantastic. You do not need any prior knowledge going into this book. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a good place to start and learn about yoga. I also enjoyed the pictures of the poses and not just a description on how to do them.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I could actually see myself performing the poses which were very well photographed and explained in this must-have yoga manual. I used to practice yoga for many years, but a broken ankle and torn tendons/cartilage that never healed properly,and then vertigo, did me in; so now I stick to chair yoga when my busy schedule permits.
The explanations for each pose is concise, but thorough. The tone and pacing lull you into a calm, positive state: you go from "I'll never be able to do that!" to: "maybe I can, this way." The last portion of the manual gives you a sequence or "routine" of poses, with suggestions on how long to hold each pose. This manual was well planned - once you've read it through and are ready to give them a try, you can easily look at the collection of pictures in the last section, and refresh your memory on how to get into the finished pose.
There are several suggestions for modifications for each of the basic poses. The props are generally items you will find in your home, with the exception of the foam yoga blocks, but I suspect you could improvise with a couple of thick books, tied shut with sturdy twine. I highly recommend this book. Just reading it through relaxed me.
Restorative Yoga is a yoga manual for our current era.
How many of us are suffering with extra aches and pains these days and needing more help with stress? Seems like almost everyone I know. This how-to yoga book with a ton of pose modifications couldn’t have come at a better time!
First of all, the sequences in this book with several poses, are excellent. They are why this book is super valuable for those of us who really need the restorative part of restorative yoga. Loved the insomnia and soothing headache sequences!
As someone with various ailments, I really appreciated all the guidance on pose modifications as well. This is the value of restorative yoga—even people with pain can find relief but we often need significant modification.
Finally, the extensive information about various calming breathing techniques, yoga equipment, and creating a relaxing space to practice are extras you don’t always see in yoga books/magazines. I read A LOT of yoga lit and this book is really useful for my permanent yoga library.
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; I also purchased a copy because I found it so valuable.
Love, love, love this book! It was highly informative and helpful. The step by step instructions were helpful but the photo of each step went above and beyond. This took the guesswork out of restorative yoga and makes this accessible for everyone. I’ve been looking for ways to de-stress my life and this will be a fantastic addition to my day. Highly recommend! My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
I have fibromyalgia and I thought this book would help me improve my yoga practice so I was doing the poses that would provide the most benefit for my needs. This book was not what I expected. This book would be a better fit for a beginner or a woman who is pregnant. All of the poses provided in the book use props to help you get into the pose.
An excellent home tutorial for gentle relaxing yoga. I love having a book to follow along, no instructor to keep up with or video to keep pausing. So easy to understand the moves and add them into your daily routine!
Restorative Yoga by Caren Baginski is the perfect book to have, by your side, when practicing Restorative Yoga. Whether you are new or seasoned, this book offers a lot of background information such as history, benefits, poses, and much more.
I have been practicing Restorative and Yin Yoga for the last 6 years and so many times I have wondered about the history. Baginski goes into the history a bit. It is enough to be of interest without getting dry.
Secondly, Baginski goes into the multitude of benefits there are and why they occur. I had only been taught a handful of these over the years, and I love how Baginski covers all the bases.
Now getting into the meat of the book. The practice. She starts off by explaining all the ways to roll a blanket for optimal support. While many might brush over this section saying they know how to fold a blanket, this is a very important step because it helps the yogi reach optimal support depending on their pose. That leads us into poses.
During the pose section, this book goes over three things, a mini session, poses, and full practices. The mini session is three simple poses you can do, if you do not have time for a full practice. It is easy and simple to follow. Next, the book dives into so many different poses. I discovered a few new poses in this section and realized that some people do Restorative Yoga with a chair. Baginski puts several variations of each pose so you can find the one that is most comfortable and relaxing for you. Each pose is accompanied by a list of props that you will need for that pose. This is important before you get halfway into a pose and realize you need something else. Lastly, the book covers full length practices. Each practice is listed by what you want to combat such as anxiety, lower back pain, PMS, etc. It gives the length of time of the overall practice as well as each pose and everything you need.
I know many do not understand or appreciate everything Restorative Yoga has to offer. I know several people who make fun of me for paying to rest. However, when learning this was essential to have a good foundation. There is something that happens that just helps you relax and go throughout your day so much calmer and relaxed than before practicing.
I plan on purchasing a copy of this book for myself because I found it so thorough and clear. I recommend this book to anyone interested in or currently practicing Restorative Yoga.
I received an electronic Advanced Reader Copy from DK through Net Galley. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you, DK, Net Galley, and Caren Baginski.
Restorative Yoga is an illustrated tutorial guide for restorative and relaxation yoga written by Caren Baginski. Due out 3rd Dec 2020 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 208 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).
Especially given the current world situation, relaxation and stress management are important themes for everyone. The toll that chronic stress takes on our bodies is insidious and serious; it can even be deadly. Restorative yoga is a tool which is accessible and safe and effective and can be practiced by almost everyone no matter what their level of fitness or previous yoga experience are.
The book follows a logical progression: an introduction and tips for using the book are followed by what restorative yoga is and other basic info, followed by the poses grouped thematically: forward bending poses, backbend poses, inversions twists & side bends, and restorative sequences.
The author has a reassuringly positive and calm manner of writing. She's encouraging but not strident or preachy at all. The equipment used in the book is minimal and easily sourced (she provides alternatives which most readers already have around the house). The photography in the book is clear, well modeled, and illustrative. The tutorial photos are mostly shown in series from the side and are also well modeled and clear. Each pose tutorial is explained in understandable language with step by step photos and accompanying instructions. She also explains breathing in an accessible manner.
I have been having a lot of physical therapy for a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. The progress has been positive but slow and painful. I've experienced benefits from the information in this book, less pain and more mobility. It's sort of difficult to really tell objectively (what would anyone have to compare it to?) but I believe my stress levels have also been ameliorated. I work in the healthcare sector, and I feel like I'm coping. I'm sure the breathing and stress management have probably helped.
Five stars, definitely worth a look for anyone interested in stress relief in conjunction with yoga practice. Works very well for beginners.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
First, I want to thank the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review Restorative Yoga: Relax. Restore. Re-energize. by Caren Baginski prior to its publication. Although I am grateful to the publisher, the review is completely my own.
As someone who has been interested in yoga and yoga flows for years, I was definitely interested to learn a bit more about restorative yoga. It's a yoga practice I've heard about, but haven't been overly familiar with. Thankfully, this isn't a book I can really spend a lot of time spoiling, so here is my basic review.
I think the book is beautifully shot. I really appreciated the diversity of images (age and racial). I do wish there had been a bit more body diversity when it came to the size of the yogis featured, but this is a pretty minor complaint.
My only caution with this book is that you really should pay attention to the general expectations for equipment to really get the most out of the book itself. Most of the equipment is pretty standard (yoga mat, blanket, blocks, etc.). However, to get the most out of the book, you should have both a flat and round bolster. Personally, I have looked into bolsters, but I have never purchased one, so a lot of the poses within the book wouldn't work for me at the moment. There are still many flows that don't use bolsters, but a lot of them do. As such, if you're going to get the most out of the book, definitely make sure you have all of the equipment necessary.
As for the writing within the book, it's very straight-forward and easy to read. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow, so I definitely think beginners and more advanced yogis will definitely benefit for this book as a whole.
First off, thank you Netgalley and DK Publicity for the free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Yoga is something I've been dabbling in for years as a restorative, meditative, and physically engaging practice. I love how a yoga session, whether it be through a class or through Youtube, not only gives me a workout but also helps me to relax and feel restored.
This book is not that type of yoga. Though the poses and content were not quite what I imaged, I felt that a book like this definitely has its place in the yogi book world. If you have experienced injury, are older, or pregnant, many of these variations of traditional yoga poses might definitely be what you need to relieve pain, tension, or stress in a low impact way. The book does a great job of telling you the benefits of each pose and how to get into each pose and come out of it. It also provides numerous variations on different poses depending on your needs and abilities. So many times, I think we go into yoga thinking that there is only one what to do a pose when it reality there are so many variations to meet you where you are, and this book informs the reader about all the possible variations. Also, in the last chapter of the book, the author gets into different sequences that put all the poses together, which is also helpful if you are newer to yoga and not sure how certain poses go together.
The down sides of this book is that many of these variations required extra equipment like bolsters. While many of these props can be substituted for household items like blankets and pillows, I found this version of restorative yoga to be unrealistic unless this was the type of yoga you really needed. Also, I found the variations and supports a little excessive, but who knows! Maybe these variations are what some people really need!
[Insert Netgalley disclaimer] This was a nice introduction to restorative yoga. The explanations of the practice and equipment used were well done and not too long. As with many contemporary yoga books, the text feels a little more secular and divorced from its spiritual roots, but that might be something that readers are looking for these days. I liked that the images were of average people and not a single person with perfect physique going through every pose alone. They were regular people wearing average gym clothes from yoga pants to cotton shorts.
Additionally, I enjoyed the inclusion of pregnant yoga practices in a general book on yoga. So often, pregnant women are left out of these titles that are not specifically targeted for them. It was a nice, realistic inclusion.
I think the practices in the back are the most useful part of the entire book. The practices have pictures, reference pages, and timers in each image to tell you not only how long the entire practice takes, but also how long each pose should take in that practice. This was a very complete text that one could pick up with minimal understanding of yogic exercises and start doing them without hurting oneself.
It is not trying to be too much and fits exactly in the novice, restorative body niche of yoga.
This is my favourite restorative yoga book, and I have a few (including by Judith Lasater and the Restorative Yoga for Life Yoga Journal one). The front section has just the right amount of information you need on restorative yoga, props, body and mind. The way the book is laid out makes it by far the easiest to use for me for practice. There is a full range of restorative poses, and each one is shown with clear photos, plenty of variations (which are also pictured) and easy to find at a glance instructions on what props you need, precautions, timings, how to get into, out of, AND how to experience the pose both in body and mind, all on the same page spread, which I think is a combination of features that are unique to this book, and make it my go to restorative yoga bible. The poses are easy to find, being divided into Forward bends, Backbend and Inversions/twists/side bends. There are also 17 sequences which I have found really useful and effective to practice, which are also well illustrated, meaning you are not needing to flick backwards and forwards through the book so much to find the details of each pose in the sequence. So pleased I got this book, as it helps me to practice more restorative yoga which has brought me so many benefits, both physically and mentally/emotionally.
I’ve practiced other forms of yoga for years, but I had never tried restorative yoga when I picked up this book. It is so relaxing, and it feels very safe for me to do despite my rheumatoid arthritis and other physical limitations. This yoga practice requires many props such as blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps, but the author offers some suggestions for working with what you have on hand.
The introduction explained what restorative yoga is, some of the benefits, and how to practice safely. I appreciated the discussion of breathing techniques and other methods for calming the mind.
Each of the 39 featured poses includes benefits, recommended time, list of props needed, contraindications and precautions, steps illustrated with photographs, variations, guidance for experiencing the pose, and how to transition out of the pose.
The poses are followed by 17 suggested healing sequences for conditions such as pregnancy, menstruation, jet lag, pain, fatigue, or anxiety.
The book concludes with an index.
I still prefer learning yoga from a teacher or a video, but if you are at all interested in yoga books, this is a good choice. Because of all of the illustrations, I suspect this will be easier to use as a paperback rather than a Kindle book.
The publisher, Alpha, provided me with an ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.
Great instructional book on restorative yoga. I used to take restorative yoga at the gym and this book is a great and instructional way to start up my own home practice. Lots of great tips on the benefits of a restorative yoga practice, history of, and the types of equipment needed (yoga mat, yoga blocks, chair, blanket, bolster, etc). The book includes photographs for each pose are very helpful AND photographs of the poses in variation forms. Each pose "page" includes a “precautions” note that lists anything you should be careful or any health issues you should be aware of before going into the posture. Some of these poses I have done previously in classes but not all variations are available in a gym. I really enjoyed the opportunity to work these poses out in my home. The book also includes the poses to make a restorative sequences to help you through or help you with insomnia, headaches, jet lag, and more.
This book is simply amazing. I am a very tense person, wound as tight as a drum. My muscles are always taut and I have real trouble relaxing them even after a hot bath or a heating pad. I tried a few of these exercises. They are calming and relaxing and totally helped me at the end of a hard day. This should be a mandatory book handed out to all type A people.
Everyone can benefit from reading this book. There are wonderful pictures showing how to set up everything and then how to do the pose along with variations for different reasons. At the end of the book are a series of poses that are beneficial for different thing, menopause, pregnancy, sleep, overactive mind, stress, everything your need.
This book has benefited me so much I am planning on buying a copy for myself, my sister and my mom.
Restorative Yoga would be a great book for any yogi, from beginner to more advanced. Restorative Yoga stands out from other yoga books I've read for several reasons. One of my favorite parts is with each pose, there is an explanation of how to transition out. This is an important part of the practice, one you get if your listening to an instructor, but rarely in a book. Another standout feature is the experience blurb with each pose. It explains how to feel your breath, where to lose tension, helpful reminders that you would again get with an instructor, but not typically in a book. There are wonderful sections with healing sequences for different life matters: jet lag, depression, change, and anxiety to name a few. This book includes estimated times for individual poses and sequences, along with a "what you will need" section for each pose. Variations are also included for most poses. The pictures are beautiful, showing you exactly how to set up each pose, step-by-step. Arrows and explanations are included in many pictures. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in yoga, especially if you're used to a flow routine and are looking for something different.
Beautiful illustrations and clean design make this book coffee table worthy.. This is a very practical book for a beginner restorative yoga practice. I dabble in yoga but have never really focused on the restorative aspect.
The poses are all very do-able and she gives variations for supported poses and modifications for pregnancy as well. She also adds what we can do after each pose as a transition which is great information as I would tend to just rush to the next pose. The overall practice time is listed as well as the time for each pose within that section so it is easy to pick a practice you have time to do .
I think this will be a great book to keep as a reference for my middle-aged, arthritic body!
Thank you to the author, publisher and to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.
"Restorative Yoga" by Caren Baginski is a great resource for those who are new to yoga and seeking to get all the important information they need to make space for yoga in their life. It's not just poses, though there are those. It's a comprehensive "how-to" as well as a resource for why you need it in your life. It's not for experienced yogis, and it's not for those who just want to stretch more. You'll come away with a well rounded understanding of the whys of yoga, as well as the hows. You'll probably find that, after putting this book into practice, you wind up with more yoga resources, subscriptions, classes, and that's okay. Because "Restorative Yoga" is the introduction you need to get everything that's good in yoga and give it a permanent space in your life.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Why have a Restorative Yoga book when there are so MANY yoga videos online now? Precisely why! There are so many. Some days I do not want to scroll through a bunch of videos and I don't want to be talked to or talked through anything. I want quiet which is why restorative yoga appeals to me after a long day. Restorative yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar of Iyengar yoga. Restorative yoga helps with chronic stress, chronic pain, insomnia, headaches, women's health issues. etc. To practice restorative yoga you need to be warm, quiet, still, and in a dark place. You need yoga props such as blocks, a bolster, a towel, a blanket, a strap, and a mat. To start you need to get to a still place by a breathing sequence and a simple flow to warm up like cat-cow, low lunge, eagle pose, spinal twist. Then the restorative poses. The photos are plentiful and in color. The photos are of men and women and of different ages. The instructions are detailed and clear. Each pose shows a different way to do it according to the ability to use the props. Each has a suggested amount of time to hold the pose. The last chapter has restorative flows. Somedays I am tense and I just want to do a few poses and stretch my muscles in silence and just hold those poses. Especially now with everything going on in the world. I want to shut out COVID and discord and just Be and Breathe. I read on healthline.com that although restorative yoga is not active per se you do burn calories and lose weight, especially abdominal fat. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book and stretch in return for a review.
What a great book. This illustrated guide to Restorative Yoga teaches poses and supplies detailed lists of props needed to get into the positions to help one's body relax and heal. It tells you what medical conditions prohibit the poses and offers alternatives so that practicers can relax, de-stress and sleep better. This is the first yoga book that I have seen mention poses one should not due while menstruating or pregnant. This is useful information for women to have as we need healthy bodies at all stages of our lives. There are even poses when should not due when one is suffering from sinusitis. There are poses to relieve back pain and depression. This is the most useful yoga book I have come across. I now need to buy a bolster.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher DK books for an advance reader copy of this book .
This is a really nice introduction to restorative yoga . It provides advice on the equipment you will need and goes through a variety of poses and has lots of photos ! I think the photos are so important to be able to follow through. It also provides variations which can be helpful to those with specific conditions that they need to watch out for - or to newbies as they get introduced to the moves .
It’s been a while since I’ve gone RY and I don’t have all the equipment at home, but there are definitely some moves I will look to introduce to my daily routine at home.