First of all, we believe all yoga should be gentle. Pushing or forcing in complex angles can lead to injury and exacerbate existing health challenges. So our approach is always compassionate and respectful of the body's individual needs and limitations. If you are dealing with health challenges, we hope you will mention them to your instructor so that she can help you get the most out of your practice. The most important principle of Svaroopa® Yoga is support=release. When the body is supported in key angles, deeper release takes place than when the body is efforting or straining. 

Restorative yoga is generally defined as a practice in which a smaller number of poses are held for longer intervals, often with the support of props. In these ways, most Svaroopa® Yoga classes have some things in common with restorative yoga. We also begin and end each class with a shavasana (yoga's relaxation pose) and guided awareness (which takes you into yoga nidra, or yogic sleep). A breathing practice that promotes vitality and healing is integrated into every class. So in these ways, Svaroopa® Yoga is profoundly restorative yoga. 

However, the terms "gentle" and "restorative" yoga can be misleading as well. Many people believe that a gentle practice can't improve strength or balance, make deep change in the body, or sustain for a lifetime. They think that a restorative practice is one you do in recovery, on the way to somewhere else in the body. These myths can result in missing some of the most important benefits of Svaroopa® Yoga: spinal decompression, which is a lifelong skill, and an opening into a deeper experience of consciousness, which can be harder to get when you are efforting. 

Prop Support

We use prop support, not just because we need it (though some people definitely do), but because it actually creates deeper release in the spinal tension that is the root of so many aches and pains in the body. In fact, you may find that the longer you practice, the more support you want.
That's a hallmark of a deeper yogi! 

Muscle Activation

Our theme-based classes include lessons on how to use your arm, leg, and abdominal muscles to support your spine and create more ease in the body as you move through life. Selective muscle activation combined with precision alignment helps to achieve  deep core release as you use your body for physical activity. 

Strength and Stamina

Our themes include abdominal activators, backbends, standing poses, deep forward bends,  classical poses and vinyasas (or flowing sequences). When the spine opens, your arms, legs, abdominal muscles and buttocks actually get stronger. 

Here's What Students Say: 

"As an athlete, my body is always tight. Honestly, I beat it up a lot. Through Svaroopa® Yoga, I have learned a different way of relating to my body. It is easier for me to rest when I need it and to recover when I overdo. I am so grateful to this style of yoga for showing me how to respect my limits and enjoy my body without pushing all the time. It's made running more sustainable for me."- Erica

"Since I began practicing Svaroopa® yoga, the way that I use my body has shifted.  I am increasingly aware that using my abdominal muscles results in less back pain and, ultimately, a stronger core.  Over the course of the winter, I found myself automatically engaging my ab muscles while shoveling, skiing, ice skating and doing dishes.  At the same time, I would notice a release in my spine and buttocks.  I am also more aware of hunching my shoulders when doing dishes and talking on the phone.  This new level of awareness is a direct result of my regular practice of Svaroopa® yoga, both in weekly classes and an (almost) daily home practice.  My body and deeper mind have learned the techniques taught in class, and I find now that my body moves differently in daily life." -Rainbow