Restorative Yoga Classes in Santa Barbara
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and overloaded in our constant, busy world. An antidote to this is to practice relaxing, restorative yoga to unwind, reconnect and recharge.
Beatrice’s restorative yoga class is Pranayoga which combines Hatha yoga with Pranayama, focussing on a series of well balanced postures and yogic breathing exercises. Pranayoga, as taught by Beatrice Appay, is a balanced and well-tempered form of restorative yoga that uses the breath to deepen relaxation, during and in between the poses. It combines breathwork, asanas and meditation empowering you to acknowledge your possibilities and gain self-confidence. Pranayoga is a gentle yoga, drawing on both French and American schools of yoga. The French, Ruchpaul Method is a precise, well-balanced form of Hatha yoga. The US-based, Brett Larkin’s Uplifted Yoga, is free and creative drawing on Hatha, Vinyasa Yoga and Kundalini styles of yoga, Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Postnatal Yoga Nidra. It’s a unique combination of ancient knowledge and modern science.
Beatrice says, “I will teach you this restorative yoga to ground and recharge, connect and transform.”
Your experienced Qigong teacher is Beatrice Appay who’s passionate about aging well. Beatrice is a lifelong yoga practitioner and an academic researcher. She has learned, practiced and is currently teaching the healing arts of traditional Chinese medicine practices such as Qigong, Tuina Massage, Acupressure (of form of Acupuncture without needles, as Feng Shui is for the space).
Common poses in restorative yoga
Chest opening poses
Marjaryasana Bitilasana (cat/cow with longer holds)
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
Standing poses
Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle )
Gentle Twists
Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Spinal Twist)
Savasana
Reversed Poses
Viparita Karani (inverted pose with legs up the wall and elevated hips)
Reversed table
Reclined plank
Forward Bends
Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend)
Janu Sirsasana (head-to-knee pose)
Simple supported backbends
Ustrasana (camel pose)
Why is restorative yoga good for you?
Restorative yoga is an adaptable and gentle style of yoga. This approach makes it an effective way to address a wide range of physical, mental and emotional concerns, providing holistic benefits for overall well-being. Whether this is your first time or you’re a seasoned yogi, you’ll feel the benefits from restorative yoga.
Restorative yoga is a restful practice that’s all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching and breathing. The breathwork and focus on the present moment helps create an inner stillness that aids in healing and releasing tension.
What are the benefits of restorative yoga?
Restorative yoga can help specifically with:
1. Stress and anxiety: promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Flexibility: supported, gentle yoga poses improve flexibility and range of motion.
3. Balance and stability: the poses enhance body awareness and stability, improving balance.
4. Lower back pain: offering relief by releasing tension and promoting spinal alignment.
5. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders: helping to release tight muscles, reducing overall tension, relaxing muscles and connective tissue in particular to improve mobility.
6. Insomnia: encouraging better sleep quality with relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
7. Recovery from injury: supporting healing and rehabilitation by gentle movements.
8. Fatigue and burnout: restorative yoga practice revitalizes energy and combats burnout.
9. Digestive issues: poses aid digestion and alleviate discomfort in the digestive system.
10. Emotional well-being: promoting emotional balance and self-awareness, helping to manage mood.
What to expect in a restorative yoga session:
You’ll find this gentle yoga class to be a soothing, calming and relaxing experience. The restorative yoga session will reset the balance in your mind, your nervous system and around your body.
This slow paced, gentle yoga focuses on deep relaxation and breath awareness. You’ll be enveloped by an atmosphere of calm, with soothing music and dim lighting.
The emphasis is on gentle postures, mindful movements and supported poses. To provide support, bolsters and blocks are used from time to time.
Beatrice starts a session with preparatory movements to release tension and prepare the body for longer holds. That’s followed by a succession of 6 to 8 poses including restorative postures, standing poses, gentle twists, and backstreches. A relaxation at the end of class helps integrate the experience of the yoga practice.
Who should do restorative yoga?
This gentle and accessible form of yoga is ideal for anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or prior yoga experience. Whether you’re a busy professional craving stress relief, an athlete looking to complement intense training, or someone recovering from injury or illness, restorative yoga provides a sanctuary to unwind, heal, and reconnect with your body and mind. Its soothing embrace welcomes beginners to seasoned yogis, offering a tranquil space to slow down, release tension, and embrace a profound sense of inner peace.
How to prepare for your yoga class
You’ll use a yoga mat during your restorative yoga class. Providing additional support for certain poses, bolsters, blocks and blankets are useful equipment to bring along too.
Ensure you’re wearing comfortable, flexible clothing suitable for stretching and flowing yoga movements.
Why consider a private session in Santa Barbara?
Each session can be tailored to your specific needs, for you alone or for you and your partner, or with your friends. Whether it’s your first time or you want a more focused yoga session, Beatrice will ensure your restorative yoga experience is beneficial, grounding, and transformative.
Where can you have the sessions?
Restorative yoga session can take place at your home, your office or online. You can choose whether you prefer to practice in person, or online wherever you are.
Meet our experienced instructor: Beatrice
Beatrice Appay is an experienced health and wellness coach in Santa Barbara, California. Beatrice is a lifelong yoga practitioner and has undergone extensive, professional yoga teacher training. She’s also an accredited Wim Hof Method instructor having trained with the Ice Man himself.
Beatrice is a passionate advocate of aging well and supporting people to thrive in their lives. She runs yoga retreats and workshops as well as provides tuition on a one-to-one or private group basis. You’ll find her teaching in private homes, clubs, in-studios or outdoors on the beach or in the park, connected to nature.
How to book a restorative yoga session
Pranayoga is taught in private and semi-private classes exclusively, either in person or online.
To book a class or for more information call +1 805 637 6191 or email:
Connect with Beatrice
Beatrice Appay is a dedicated practitioner and advocate of holistic wellness through yoga. With a deep passion for restorative yoga, she’s spent years honing her practice and sharing its transformative benefits with others.
Beatrice holds certifications as a yoga teacher (500 RYT) and mindfulness, and her expertise lies in tailoring restorative yoga practices to address various physical, mental and emotional needs. Through her teachings and writings, she aims to inspire individuals to discover the healing power of restorative yoga and embrace a path of self-care and well-being.
Connect with Beatrice and discover more about her mindfulness journey and restorative yoga practice:
@beatriceappay on instagram and facebook
email: youngerbythedays@gmail.com
online: youngerbythedays.com
call: 805 637 6191