Yoga retreat season is on its way now that spring has arrived! I’ve found the following benefits from attending and teaching at a yoga retreat.

1. Improve Yoga Practice

In yoga retreat, you’re usually offered two daily classes: more energetic class in the morning and restorative/meditative session in the evening.

Because there is more time available, you will get to learn lots of new techniques and improve your practice. As one of my yoga students from last year’s retreat said, ‘"It was fantastic to have so much time to explore different yoga practice which normally there would not be time for in a weekly class’.

By practicing yoga everyday, you’ll be able to see the benefits more clearly and often people get inspired to carry on regularly after the retreat.

Some people worry that it might be too much practice in a retreat but our yoga schedule is carefully constructed so that everyone can participate. As Lorna explained, "The yoga was so good for me, I had expected to be at a loss, after not doing it for so long, but your excellent way of teaching reminded me what an important and restorative thing it is to do ". Lorna told me that the retreat has inspired her to find a regular yoga class once she got back home.

2. Stay in a beautiful place

Yoga retreats are usually located in beautiful locations and they are selected for their peaceful and relaxing vibe. It’s really important for our health and wellbeing to allow some time to relax and rejuvenate. What better way than to do yoga every day in lovely surroundings to really appreciate the nature around you.

Practicing yoga outside is simply magical and there can even be spectacular views from the practice area. It makes learning meditation and relaxation techniques much easier in these settings. There will be plenty of time for people to relax and simply enjoy being there too!

3. Eat healthy food

We often end up eating lots of rich heavy food while we are on holiday but in a yoga retreat, you’ll get a healthy balanced diet that’s nutritious and delicious. In fact, it’s often the talking point of the retreat as the food tends to be so wonderful. Meals are lovingly prepared using fresh local ingredients or from their own organic gardens! They are exceptionally good at accommodating different dietary requirements too.

It’s wonderful to be able to eat outside with everyone.

4. Make new friends

Yoga holiday is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and make new friends. In my last yoga retreat, people were from different age groups and backgrounds but they all got on so well with each other. We had brilliant time together at meal times and on trips but seem to instinctively respected each other’s space too. Some of them have kept in touch with each other and still go climbing together!

5. Feel energised and relaxed

Every time I‘ve been on a yoga retreat, I've felt incredibly energised and noticed everyone with a healthy glow! I think its combination of healthy delicious food, beautiful surroundings, daily practice and good company. As Robina and Carolyn similarly expressed, "Thank you for such a memorable week. We've loved every minute - the yoga practice in a perfect setting, amazing food and wonderful company. We hope you organise another retreat next year!".

Bristol Yoga Centre have organised two wonderful yoga retreats this year and written this blog to entice you to come along! Our retreat in May is now full but we have spaces in our lovely retreat in South West of France in June!

I’ve just been to Emilia’s Mindful Yin Yoga workshop at the Bristol Yoga Centre. It was so popular that the workshop was completely sold out.

Yin Yoga is floor-based postures that are held for long period of time, (anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes) to deeply release the mind & body and to encourage you to enter a meditative state. Similar to restorative yoga, props can be used to help you release more deeply. Unlike restorative yoga, Yin yoga applies moderate stress onto the body, especially the connective tissues of ligaments, fascia, joints, bones and the energetic channels of the meridians.

Emilia’s Yin yoga uses the tools of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and 12 main Organ Meridians to promote relaxation, balance and greater awareness. The workshop was 2.5 hour long but it felt much shorter. Some people worry about not being able to keep up with the longer practice but you’d be surprised how quickly the time goes. It’s actually a really great way to delve more deeply into our practice. She started with some warm ups and self massage to gently open the body and relax the mind. This was followed by some deep Yin postures that focused on hip openers, forward bends, side stretches and backbends. My favourites were the caterpillar and banana poses. Not only they have lovely playful names but they were incredibly restorative and wonderful to do!

Caterpillar pose is a supported version of Paschimottasana (seated forward bend). It can be confusing but different styles of yoga can have different names for postures (for example, caterpillar pose is often known as Ashtangasana). We practiced it with rolled up blankets underneath our knees, which can really get the length and release in the lower back, whilst gently stretching the back of the legs.

Banana pose or Bananasana is a supine side stretch pose that uses the floor for alignment and support. It’s a great way to open the side of the body and shoulders. This pose is said to stimulate and balance the Kidney Meridian. Meridians are lines of energy that flow through the body and can affect various organs, circulation, and general function of the physical body and the state of mind.

The session ended with lovely long Savasana with amazing sound of Koshi wind chimes and a balancing pranayama practice. I first came across Koshi wind chimes when I was on a yoga retreat last year. After hearing this lovely sound again, I couldn’t resist getting one!

Everyone seemed completely relaxed and energised after the workshop. It’s amazing to see the difference in people even after only one session. I just recovered from a cold and the workshop really helped with my breathing and energy levels.

We are planning to do more Mindful Yin Yoga workshops soon so watch this space! In the mean time, you can attend Emilia’s excellent weekly classes.