Restorative Yoga is a simple, powerful way to help the body and mind settle.
This immersion supports you in understanding how and why restorative practices work, so you can share them with confidence.
Most of us were never taught how to truly rest. We know how to collapse, distract, or push through, but not how to relax on purpose. Rest is a learnable skill, and Restorative Yoga gives you a structure to teach so that rest becomes natural and leads to restoration.
You will learn how to create safe, supported shapes, how to work with the nervous system, and how to hold space for genuine rest and repair.
What you will learn in Restorative Yoga Training:
Nervous system and relaxation response
- Basic nervous system anatomy related to stress and rest
- How restorative postures support parasympathetic activation
- Recognizing common signs of overwhelm and down-regulation
The art of using props and setup
- How to use bolsters, blankets, belts, and other props with precision
- Key restorative postures and their variations
- Adapting shapes for different bodies, injuries, and mobility levels
Sequencing and class design
- Structuring a complete restorative practice
- Balancing poses to support specific intentions such as sleep, grief, recovery from burnout
- Creating accessible sequences for group classes and private sessions
Language, presence, and holding space
- Simple, grounded cueing that reduces effort instead of adding more
- Pacing, silence, and tone of voice
- How to support emotional release and integration within your scope of practice
What you will learn in Restorative Yoga Training:
Nervous system and relaxation response
- Basic nervous system anatomy related to stress and rest
- How restorative postures support parasympathetic activation
- Recognizing common signs of overwhelm and down-regulation
The art of using props and setup
- How to use bolsters, blankets, belts, and other props with precision
- Key restorative postures and their variations
- Adapting shapes for different bodies, injuries, and mobility levels
Sequencing and class design
- Structuring a complete restorative practice
- Balancing poses to support specific intentions such as sleep, grief, recovery from burnout
- Creating accessible sequences for group classes and private sessions
Language, presence, and holding space
- Simple, grounded cueing that reduces effort instead of adding more
- Pacing, silence, and tone of voice
- How to support emotional release and integration within your scope of practice
This training is for you if you:
Why Restorative Yoga matters
Many people are living in ongoing states of stress and fatigue. Restorative Yoga offers structured, guided rest that teaches the body how to come down from alertness and stay there long enough to repair.
Over time, this practice retrains your system so that resting becomes something you know how to do, not just something you wish you could find time for.
You will leave this immersion with a clear understanding of how restorative practices work and how to share them with others in a grounded, respectful way.
Training Details
Training format and experience
- Guided restorative practices so you feel the work in your own body
- Breakdown of key postures with step-by-step prop setup
- Teaching labs and practice teaching with feedback
- Time for questions, discussion, and integration
- Support materials you can return to as you begin to teach
Attendance Options: In‑person in Encinitas, CA or live online, or recorded sessions. Mix formats as needed.
Schedule: June 1-3, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Certification: 25 Hour Certificate upon completion. CEUs for Yoga Alliance available. 25 Hour course can be applied as an elective in the 300 hour Advanced Certification Training.
Faculty: Led by Chiara Stella
Chiara Stella’s style is intuitive and from her heart, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all of life. Her offerings are a loving prayer, a ritual to dive deeper into the body and awaken inner wisdom. She loves helping people connect to their own inner knowing, remembering their Souls journey. Also studying Sacred Sound, Metaphysics, Pranayama, Astrology, Shamanism, and Ayurveda she infuses these teachings in all of her classes.
Course Registration: $550
Payment plan option: $275 for 2 months
Graduates of a Soul of Yoga 200Hr or advanced teacher training are eligible for a 10% discount (not to be combined with any other discounts) Please contact Kei@soulofyoga.com to enroll if you are an alumni.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why become certified in Restorative Yoga?
Certification prepares you to teach restorative postures in a yoga class. You’ll gain the skills to properly setup the poses for the class allowing for rest and restoration to happen.
Is there demand for Restorative Yoga teachers?
Yes. Studios, community centers, gyms, and corporate wellness programs are increasing their offerings of restorative yoga classes as the need for rest and healing are being sought after.
Do I need prior teaching experience to take this Restorative Yoga Training?
Not necessarily. A background in yoga is helpful. The training will be a mix of yoga teachers and yogis immersing themselves in restorative learning.
What makes teaching Restorative Yoga meaningful?
It’s fulfilling to help people access rest and stillness that otherwise don’t have access to it or prioritize the importance of it.
What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative Yoga is a gentle, prop-supported practice where poses are held for several minutes to help the body and nervous system deeply relax. The focus is rest, breath, and ease.
How is Restorative Yoga different from Yin Yoga?
Restorative Yoga uses lots of props to fully support the body with very little sensation or effort. Yin Yoga usually has less propping and invites a mild stretch at a safe edge of sensation.
Is Restorative Yoga just “lying around”?
It may look simple, but it is an intentional practice that guides the nervous system toward rest and repair. Many people experience deep calm, spaciousness, and relief from fatigue or stress.
Who is Restorative Yoga good for?
It is helpful for people under stress, those with sleep issues, fatigue, anxiety, or burnout, and anyone who needs structured time to slow down. It is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners.
Is Restorative Yoga safe if I have injuries or chronic pain?
Often yes, because the body is fully supported and poses can be adapted. You and your teacher can work together to find positions and prop setups that do not aggravate your condition.
Can Restorative Yoga help with stress or anxiety?
Yes, it can be very supportive because it gives the nervous system clear signals of safety and rest. Many people notice improved sleep, mood, and emotional balance over time.
Can Restorative Yoga support trauma healing?
It can gently support trauma healing when offered in a trauma-aware, choice-based way, and it works best alongside therapy or other professional care. A skilled teacher will stay within their scope and respect your boundaries.
Is Restorative Yoga suitable during pregnancy?
Often yes, with appropriate modifications and the guidance of a knowledgeable teacher. Always check with your health care provider and let your teacher know you are pregnant.
How is Restorative Yoga different from just relaxing at home?
Restorative Yoga uses specific shapes, timing, and prop setups to support the whole system in a focused way. You are held in a clear container with guidance, which creates a different quality of rest than casual downtime.