No matter how dynamic our lives seem to be, some things remain constant—such as our tendency to sit too much. Whether we’re sitting in cars for family road trips, planted at a desk with poor posture, or lounging on a couch after a long day, we are a sedentary culture. When muscles remain stationary, they shorten and tighten. Without proper stretching, short, tight muscles can lead to significant health issues. Common symptoms of stationary lifestyles include low back pain, tight hip flexors, shortened hamstrings, weak abdominals, and much more.
What is Restorative Yoga
During this busy time of year, shake out those tight muscles with some yoga. We’ve compiled a list of restorative yoga poses that encourage physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. One of the key differences between restorative yoga and other forms of yoga is that when practicing restorative yoga, you do not contract your muscles. Your muscles will feel the gentle stretch of the positions, to release tension, focus on breathing, and feel a true sense of calm.
Additional health benefits of restorative yoga include:
- Deeply relaxes the body
- Stills a busy mind
- Releases muscular tension, improving mobility and flexibility
- Improves capacity for healing and balancing
- Balances the nervous system
- Boosts the immune system
- Develops qualities of compassion and understanding toward others and self
The perfect recharge for a busy, motion-filled holiday season!
We recommend you do these exercises in a safe and comfortable setting. Check with your physical therapist if you have any questions or concerns when performing these exercises.
Restore Movement with Physical Therapy
If pain or injury prevents you from being as active as you like, including pursuing many of the ways that movement can benefit your mind, body, and soul, please contact our office. As your partner in health, we are here for you whenever you need us.
Call any MVPT Physical Therapy location to schedule or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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