Restorative Yoga Workshop
How does it work?
I provide a full day Restorative Yoga workshop, broken down into 4 parts, each of which takes about 2 hours. I would recommend doing the training sessions back to back (1 day) but I am open to teaching over a 2 day time frame. See below for a sample schedule.
Session I: Introduction to Restorative Postures
The first session includes going over the handout (a packet explaining how to set up and lead a Restorative class), workshopping many of the poses and Q&A time. Students will: become comfortable with multiple props; get familiar with how to set up each pose; learn options for providing poses to folks who cannot access a pose you have planned; learn to see signs of discomfort and what to do about it; be provided with a Restorative handout which will include resources, a sample class plan, list of poses, general contraindication, and ideas on how to start and end class.
Session II: Restorative Class
In the second session the teacher trainers will learn how to set up the room for a Restorative class. We will set up the room with at least 3 but hopefully 5 or more stations and then the teacher trainers will be treated to a Restorative class so they can experience first hand what a Restorative class feels like. I like to include forward folds, a twist, an inversion and 1 or 2 heart-center openers. Before class starts I will demonstrate each pose: how to get in, how to make adjustments for maximum comfort, what pose to take if the one offered is not available to you, and how to get out again. Each person will get to experience each pose. I will time each posture and direct the students on when to switch sides and when to come out. At the end of class we will do a long Savasana with a deep relaxation exercise.
Session III: Teaching Restorative Yoga
In the third session teacher trainers would plan their own class, partner up, and teach each other. I would be available to answer questions on sequencing, set-up, prop use, noticing indications that the receiver is not comfortable, and any other question that arises.
Session IV: Developing Your Personal Restorative Yoga Practice
Teacher trainers co-teach this session
The fourth session of the workshop is an opportunity to co-teach in a classroom setting. Teacher trainers will be paired up with students and will assist under my direction, helping students set up each pose, watching for discomfort, and offering alternative postures if necessary.
This session is similar to Session I but is geared towards students instead of teachers. I will explain what Restorative Yoga is, talk about the risks and benefits, and introduce a number of postures that students can do at home. Students will: learn to become comfortable with multiple props; get familiar with how to set up each pose; learn options for using furniture and blankets at home to set up their poses; and learn to feel signs of discomfort in their own body and what to do to make themselves comfortable. Teacher trainers who took the first three workshops participate in this workshop as teacher's assistants.
Workshop FAQ's
Do I need to participate in each Session?
I advise Yoga teachers to take training in Sessions I, II, and III, and participate in Session IV, but it is possible to pick and choose.
Do I need props?
Yes. At a minimum, each student should have a mat, a belt, 2 blocks, a bolster or at least 3 blankets, and an eye pillow (eye pillow optional but very nice if you have one).
Do I need to bring my own props?
Not necessarily. The host studio should be able to provide most props but it is possible that the student will need to bring a few blankets and pillows from home.
What would a full day schedule look like?
Full day workshop is 8 hours plus a break between Workshop II and III. Sample day schedule looks like this:
9:00-11:00 AM Workshop I
11:00-1:00 PM Workshop II
1:00-2:00 PM Lunch Break plus plan your lesson for Workshop III
2:00-4:00 PM Workshop III
4:00-6:00 PM Workshop IV
How much does it cost?
The cost is determined by the host studio. If you are interested in being a host, or scheduling a workshop or private session, or would like to contract for a series of classes for you or your group please contact me directly via email: sara@dorestorativeyoga.com (please copy and paste this address into the "To" address bar in your own email) or by phone: 218-525-5282. Thank you. Looking forward working with you. Namaste.
