09/09/2022
10 ways to Restorative Bridge!
Bridge Pose can be a lot of work when you do it in a Flow Yoga class, but in Restorative Yoga it is *chef's kiss*
Supported bridge is an inversion and can give you a small backbend. Since it's an inversion it's not appropriate for those with eye pressure issues such as glaucoma.
You can do supported Bridge Pose with yoga props, such as a bolster, block, or yoga strap, or use items around your house like thick blankets, books, and a scarf or belt.
To get into bridge, life face-up on the floor. Bend your knees and plant your feet. As you life your hips, place a bolster, block, or stack of folded blankets under your sacrum.
Take a few breaths and notice where you need support.
If you feel strain in your low back, lower the support under your hips, maybe taking the block to a lower setting, or replacing the bolster with a folded blanket.
If your knees tend to fall open to the sides, grab a yoga strap, scarf, or belt and secure it loosely around your knees.
If your shoulder are digging into the floor, add a blanket folded over just a few times to add some padding.
Need support under your neck? Use a rolled hand towel, cervical pillow, or sandbag under the curve of your neck.
Here I also added sandbags to my hips and shoulders for a more grounded feeling.
Spend a few minutes here, breathing gently. Allow your hips to melt into the support. Feel the firmness of the ground under you feet.
Have you practiced a restorative Bridge Pose before?
What pose should I do next?
Image Description: a series of 10 photos showing Cynthia, a dark haired white woman, demonstrating restorative Bridge Pose. She lies on the floor with her knees bent and feet planted, and her hips are raised and supported with various props.
