Teaching Restorative Yoga

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Comfort Zone Yoga

150 Two Hills Drive, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA

Carrboro, NC

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Purpose

A self-paced course for yoga teachers who want to guide deeply restorative experiences rooted in nervous-system science, skillful sequencing, and compassionate language. Gain the nervous-system knowledge, prop mastery, and pacing confidence to guide students into real rest.

What to expect

This course includes step-by-step prop tutorials, nervous-system education, ready-to-use class templates, cueing and pacing strategies, and environment design checklist. Learn how to set up each pose correctly, understand why restorative works, walk into your first class with a proven sequence, and communicate calm without over-explaining.

Style/Lineage

Restorative Yoga is the art of intentional rest—a precise, evidence-informed practice that teaches the body to feel safe enough to release. This course teaches restorative yoga based on nervous-system science, prop setup fundamentals, and compassionate teaching language that supports students in achieving deep relaxation and healing.

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Describe the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system and their roles in stress and relaxation responses including specific physiological markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels associated with each state Discuss how restorative yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system through complete physical support, warmth, darkness, and extended pose duration by explaining the specific conditions required for nervous system downregulation and citing relevant research on the relaxation response
Yoga History & Theory	Describe the historical development of restorative yoga from b.k.s. iyengar's prop innovations through judith hanson lasater's work including key figures, timeline, and distinguishing characteristics of restorative yoga's evolution
Practice Skills	Teach others how to set up major restorative poses with correct prop placement ensuring no part of the body touches the cold, hard floor with clear verbal instructions, physical demonstrations, and verification that complete support has been achieved Demonstrate safe and mindful entry into and exit from restorative poses using slow, deliberate movements with appropriate timing cues including 5-minute and 2-minute warnings before transitions, guidance for gradual movement, and consideration for reorientation
Teaching Skills	Guide students into deep relaxation through appropriate pacing, verbal cues, and holding space for varied responses including how to manage common challenges such as restlessness, emotional releases, anxiety in stillness, and falling asleep Distinguish between restorative, yin, and gentle yoga in terms of their goals, duration, intensity, and nervous system effects by accurately identifying at least three key differences in purpose, prop usage, and physiological impact Discuss the purpose of each essential prop (bolsters, blankets, blocks, eye pillows, sandbags, straps) in creating complete effortlessness by articulating how each prop contributes to eliminating physical sensation and supporting parasympathetic activation Discuss proper setup techniques for major restorative poses including supported child's pose, supported backbend, side bend, twist, and legs up the wall by specifying correct prop placement, blanket folding techniques, and body positioning for each shape Explain how to create an optimal environment for restorative practice through temperature, lighting, sound, and spatial considerations including specific recommendations (75-78°f temperature, dim lighting, minimal noise) and their physiological rationale Teach a complete restorative yoga class of 60-90 minutes using 3-5 poses with appropriate sequencing for nervous system regulation with logical pose progression, clear prop setup instructions, appropriate pacing, and effective verbal guidance throughout Demonstrate proper prop setup for students using environmental adjustments rather than physical hands-on assists by quietly placing blankets, adjusting bolsters, and offering verbal suggestions as invitations rather than commands Cue restorative poses using calming language, lower pitch, slower pace, and strategic use of silence by applying the wait principle (why am i talking?) and providing only necessary guidance without over-explaining Guide students in making micro-adjustments to props for individual comfort and unique body needs by offering adjustments as options rather than corrections and respecting that what looks uncomfortable to you may feel perfect to them Explain pacing and timing principles including pose duration (15-30 minutes), transition timing, and class structure for nervous system regulation by justifying timing choices based on the minimum time required for parasympathetic activation and nervous system benefits

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

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Special project

You'll create and share three restorative yoga lesson plans, and Sage will provide you with feedback on them.

Program Faculty

Featured Faculty

Sage Rountree is a pioneer in yoga for athletes and a yoga teacher trainer whose 13 books include Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, The Professional Yoga Teacher’s Handbook, and The Art of Yoga Sequencing. A specialist in teacher development, she hosts Yoga Teacher Confidential.

Sage Rountree