Restorative Yoga Courses
12 courses · 20 instructors · 12 schools
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga courses cover the deeply supported, slow-paced practice — using props extensively to hold poses for long periods, supporting nervous-system regulation, releasing tension, and the contemplative work that distinguishes restorative from gentle yoga. The course spans foundational personal-practice courses and deeper lineage study, with learning that develops from basic prop-supported practice into the integrated ongoing work restorative yoga supports.
Online restorative yoga courses: the practice of deep, supported rest
Restorative yoga is the art of doing almost nothing, beautifully. Using bolsters, blankets, and blocks to fully support the body, it holds a handful of gentle poses for long stretches — letting the nervous system shift out of stress and into deep rest. In a culture of constant doing, it is one of the most genuinely restorative practices there is, and an online restorative yoga course teaches you to practice it well.
Most people looking for an online restorative yoga course want to learn the practice properly — how to set up the props, which poses to use, and how to truly rest — rather than piecing it together from scattered videos. What is available in 2026 ranges from beginner introductions to deeper study of the practice and its calming effects. The first thing to understand is that restorative yoga is about support and stillness, not effort or stretching. Common searches — restorative yoga poses, restorative yoga for beginners, or yin vs restorative yoga — all circle the same gentle, deeply supported practice.
This page maps the field so you can learn well: what a restorative course covers, how it differs from yin yoga, and what makes a course genuinely restful. The thread throughout is deep, supported rest — a practice of letting go.
What a restorative yoga course covers
A restorative yoga course teaches the practice of supported rest: how to use props — bolsters, blankets, blocks, and straps — to fully support the body in a handful of gentle poses, how long to hold them, and how to guide the body and mind into deep relaxation. Good courses explain the nervous-system side (shifting toward “rest and digest”) and how restorative differs from the more sensation-focused yin yoga.
The emphasis is support and stillness over effort. Restorative yoga is the deeply gentle end of online yoga courses, shares an accessibility spirit with accessible yoga, and rests on the same stillness cultivated in meditation. For a neutral overview of yoga’s calming, whole-person benefits, the NCCIH is a reliable reference.
Good to know
Restorative yoga is often confused with yin yoga, but they differ: restorative uses props to fully support the body for complete rest, with no stretch sensation sought, while yin holds mostly unsupported poses to gently stress connective tissue. Restorative is about deep relaxation, not flexibility — and it is a rest practice, not a workout or a weight-loss method. If you want to teach it, that is a separate path via a restorative yoga teacher training.
Restorative yoga vs related practices
It helps to see how restorative yoga differs from the practices it is often confused with:
| Practice | What it does | Feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Restorative yoga | Fully props-supported, deep rest | Complete relaxation, letting go |
| Yin yoga | Mostly unsupported, long holds | A gentle stretch sensation |
| Gentle / slow flow | Easy movement, lightly active | Soft, mobile, still moving |
| Meditation | Stillness of the mind | Seated or lying awareness |
Knowing the difference helps you choose what you actually need — and often, rest is it. Restorative yoga sits within the wider world of yoga, complements accessible yoga, and if you feel called to teach it, the path runs through restorative yoga teacher training.
What to expect from the practice
Expect to do far less than in any other yoga — and to find that surprisingly demanding at first. A restorative practice uses props to hold you completely, so the body has nothing to do but soften; poses are held for several minutes each, and the real “work” is letting go of effort and staying present in stillness. A good course teaches the prop set-ups carefully, because comfort is what makes deep rest possible.
Expect the teaching to be gentle and unhurried, and honest about what restorative yoga is for. It is a practice of nervous-system rest and recovery — wonderful for stress, sleep, and slowing down — not a way to build strength, flexibility, or lose weight. Some people even experience emotional release in the stillness; a grounded course treats that as normal and holds space for it.
Five things worth looking for in a course
Who restorative yoga is for
It suits almost everyone, and especially anyone stressed, burned out, recovering, or simply craving genuine rest — no flexibility, fitness, or experience required. Because the props do the work, it is one of the most accessible practices there is, open to all bodies, ages, and abilities.
It also suits busy people who struggle to slow down, and active yogis who need to balance stronger practice with recovery. If you are looking for a workout or a way to lose weight, restorative yoga is not that — its gift is deep rest, and the people who benefit most come to it for exactly that.
How to choose a restorative yoga course
Choose a course that teaches the prop set-ups properly and focuses on deep rest rather than stretching or effort — because in restorative yoga, how well you are supported is what makes the practice work. A course clear about the difference from yin yoga is also a good sign of quality.
Favor gentle, unhurried teaching that understands the nervous-system side and models the stillness it teaches, and be wary of anything selling restorative yoga as a workout. If it draws you deeper, the same foundation leads toward restorative yoga teacher training within the wider yoga field.
Restorative yoga is a rare invitation to do nothing — to be fully supported and let the body and mind truly rest. Choose a course that teaches the props and the stillness with care, and it becomes a deeply nourishing practice you can return to whenever life asks too much.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is restorative yoga?
Restorative yoga is a deeply gentle practice that uses props — bolsters, blankets, and blocks — to fully support the body in a few simple poses held for several minutes each. The goal is complete relaxation and nervous-system rest, letting the body soften and the mind settle, rather than stretching, strengthening, or effort of any kind.
What is the difference between yin and restorative yoga?
Both are slow and floor-based, but they differ in aim. Restorative yoga uses props to fully support the body for complete rest, with no stretch sensation sought. Yin yoga holds mostly unsupported poses to gently stress connective tissue, so you do feel a stretch. Restorative is about deep relaxation; yin is about gentle, targeted opening.
Why do I cry during restorative yoga?
Emotional release in restorative yoga is common and normal. Deep rest and stillness can let the nervous system unwind and allow held emotions to surface, sometimes as tears. It is generally considered a healthy release rather than a problem, and a good teacher creates a safe, unhurried space for whatever arises.
Can you lose weight doing restorative yoga?
Restorative yoga is not a weight-loss practice — it involves minimal movement and is designed for rest and nervous-system recovery, not burning calories. Its benefits are around stress, relaxation, sleep, and wellbeing. It can be a valuable, calming part of a balanced lifestyle, but it should not be chosen as a way to lose weight.
Is restorative yoga good for beginners?
Yes — it is one of the most accessible practices there is. Because the props fully support the body and the poses are gentle and held passively, no flexibility, fitness, or experience is required. A good beginner course simply teaches the prop set-ups and how to rest, making it welcoming to all bodies and abilities.
What props do I need for restorative yoga?
Typically bolsters, blankets, blocks, and sometimes a strap — used to support the body completely in each pose. You do not need expensive equipment to start: firm cushions, folded blankets, and household items can stand in. A good course shows how to set up supports well, since comfort is what makes deep rest possible.
Can I learn restorative yoga online?
Yes. Restorative yoga translates very well to online courses, since the prop set-ups, poses, and the art of resting can all be taught clearly through guided practice. Look for a course that teaches the supports carefully, focuses on deep rest rather than stretching, and is honest about how restorative differs from yin yoga.