Yoga Styles · Putney SW15

Restorative Yoga Classes in Putney, SW15

Completely supported. Deeply restful. This practice asks nothing of you — except to let go.

Try 21 days for £50 See Restorative classes

At a glance

Is Restorative for me?

PaceVery slow and fully supported

ExperienceSuitable for all levels

Physical effortVery low

Good forRest and supported recovery

The practice

When rest is the work.

Restorative yoga uses bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps to support the body in poses held for five to twenty minutes. The props carry the weight, so the muscles do not need to work to hold the position.

The practice was developed to allow the nervous system to move from its activated ‘fight or flight’ state into deep rest. Many people find it difficult to let go at first — the instinct to do something is strong. But within a few minutes, most bodies begin to surrender, and the effects can be profound.

In a Restorative class at Phoenix, you’ll typically move through five or six poses in an hour. Your teacher will set you up carefully in each one, making small adjustments to ensure the support is right for your body. There’s often silence, soft music, or guided breath — and the room temperature is warm enough to stay comfortable while still.

People often leave Restorative classes describing the sensation as “like being reset”. It’s not something you have to earn.

Your teacher

Kylie teaches Restorative at Phoenix.

Kylie has trained specifically in restorative yoga through Yoga Medicine’s Therapeutic Specialist programme — one of the most rigorous and evidence-based pathways in the field. She understands what the nervous system actually needs, and she builds her classes around that: the right props, the right sequencing, enough time in each shape for real release to happen.

Sumaya also brings Restorative to the timetable, weaving in the meditative and breath-led quality that runs through all her teaching. Students describe her restorative sessions as “the reset button I didn’t know I needed.” Meet all our teachers →

The experience

What an hour of Restorative in this studio actually feels like.

Bolsters and blankets arranged for a supported restorative practice

You are propped. The bolster is under your knees. The blanket is warm. The teacher dims the light. Your only job is to stay.

You arrive in a room that’s already warm — deliberately so. The props are laid out. Your teacher talks you into the first shape: supine, supported, nothing for the muscles to do. The first two or three minutes can feel restless. Then something slows.

By the second or third pose you’ve stopped managing the experience. The body is being held rather than holding itself, and that distinction — felt rather than understood — is the whole point of the practice. You come out of each pose slowly, and you feel the difference immediately. The hour passes in a way that is both very fast and deeply complete.

Most people arrive tired and leave restored. A few arrive in the kind of exhaustion that nothing else touches and find this is the thing that works. We don’t claim to know exactly why. We just keep the room warm and the bolsters ready.

See Restorative on the timetable →

What you’ll gain

Rest as a practice.

The benefits of Restorative yoga often surprise people who expect it to feel passive. They’re anything but.

A calmer pace

Long, supported holds create time to slow down. Many people report feeling calmer, sleeping more easily and better able to manage everyday stress after regular practice.

Full body release

When props support your weight, the muscles have less work to do. Some students notice tension easing around the shoulders, jaw and hips as the pose continues.

❤️

Deep rest and supported recovery

Supported stillness gives the body time to settle. Many people find the practice helpful when they feel depleted, stressed or in need of a gentler pace.

Who it suits

Restorative is a good fit if…

Many people value Restorative yoga, especially when a slower, fully supported practice feels appropriate.

You’re exhausted, burnt out, or have a high-demand job or lifestyle

You’re recovering from illness, surgery or injury

You struggle to sleep or feel chronically wired and tired

You’re going through a demanding life transition or period of grief

You have a very active yoga practice and want to balance it out

You’re completely new to yoga and want somewhere gentle to begin

Questions

Common questions

Is Restorative yoga suitable for beginners?⌄

Yes — it’s one of the most accessible styles there is. Because everything is supported, there are very few physical demands. It’s particularly good for people who are new to yoga and find the idea of more active classes daunting.

Is Restorative yoga the same as Yin yoga?⌄

They’re similar but different. In Yin yoga, poses target connective tissue and often involve a mild, intentional sensation. Restorative yoga involves no effort or sensation at all — the aim is total passive release. Both are deeply valuable.

Who benefits most from Restorative yoga?⌄

People who feel exhausted, stressed or very busy often value Restorative yoga. Some also choose it during grief, burnout or other demanding periods. If you are recovering from illness or injury, ask your healthcare professional whether the class is suitable for you.

Do I need to bring my own props?⌄

No — props are provided at Phoenix Yoga. You’ll typically use bolsters, folded blankets and blocks, all of which are available in the studio. Just bring comfortable, warm clothing.

Flow & Restore — A Popular Hybrid Format

Our Flow & Restore class is a popular hybrid format — the first half is a gentle flowing practice, the second half transitions into full restorative holds with props. It’s an ideal entry point if you’re curious about Restorative yoga but not quite ready for a full 60-minute Yin session.

Also at Phoenix Yoga: Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Breathwork

Keep exploring