Stretch & restore
Finding flexibility outside of yoga
Yoga is great, I love taking classes and experiencing all it has to offer. The Beat On Demand classes offer stretching, mobility, and gentle strengthening exercises that primarily focus on the physical being, and I wouldn’t call this practice yoga, even though it might remind you of it.
Stretch & Restore classes are designed to offer balance and wholeness to the other styles we offer on demand. They can be done on their own, or after one of the other formats for a longer stretch session. As with all of the classes I offer, you’ll be guided to fin the best postures and positions for your body, and you’ll never have to try to contort yourself into a rigid idea of what it “should” look like.
What is It?
A wide range of classes to stretch and gently strengthen the body
A reset for both the mind and body
Who is it for?
Beginner Friendly
Injury Friendly & Adaptable
Little to No Equipment Needed
What’s Required?
Yoga Mat
Yoga Blocks (recommended)
Bolster (for some classes)
BENEFITS OF Stretch & Restore
Reduce physical and mental stress
We all know that stretching our muscles feels good after long periods of sitting, or being still. When we release tension from our bodies, it helps to release mental and emotional tension as well. Our bodies and minds are incredibly interconnected. While you might start doing the stretch and restore classes for your body, your mind will also be reaping the benefits. In these classes you’re encouraged to maintain a steady flow of breath, always through your nose. When we breath slowly and evenly through the nose, it’s a signal to our bodies that everything is okay, and therefore our minds can relax. Think about things that stress the primal human. Running away from a threat is when we’re breathing unevenly, with a high volume of air moving in and out, most likely through the mouth. When we get hurt, if you stub your toe, you likely are going to hold your breath as you wait for the initial wave of pain to subside. Mouth breathing and breath holding send certain signals to the body, primarily stress-related, which is why these classes focus on slow, steady, nose breathing.
Click here or on the image to try applying this steady nose breath with some stretches.
Learn new tips and tricks
In the classes we offer, we’re always trying to adapt movements to work for your body. These adjustments and modifications might be different from things you’ve seen in typical yoga classes, but often apply to them as well. Did you know that there are many different kinds of yoga mats, and they have different benefits and disadvantages? You might have bought a thick mat because you like lots of padding for your knees - yay! Take care of your joints! BUT this mat will be harder to balance on because the squishy surface doesn’t give your foot a lot of stability. Thin mats can be great to haul around, they’re lighter, give you better balance and maybe have better grip too. This all comes down to personal choice, and there are ways to work around both. The video linked below shows how to adjust for a thick squishy mat, while if you have a thinner mat, you might want to use a blanket, towel, or folded up mat for more knee protection!
Click here or on the image to check out this balance quick fix!
Goal Specific classes
Our on demand classes are 15-25 minutes, and we theme them so that you can choose what you want to work on that day. Some are more stretch focused, which a great to use after a Repeat or Resolution workout for a bit more recovery. Some classes are a series of flowing postures and stretches to help improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. Others are full-on restorative sessions, using a lot of props, relaxed music, and longer holds to allow your body and mind to relax completely. Each class has a description that lets you know what, if any props you need, as well as the list of postures you’ll encounter.
Click here or on the image to try some stretches using a wall for support!
flexible options
Following workout videos can be a challenge if the instructor is hyper-fit, hyper-mobile, and lacks awareness that you, the viewer at home is maybe not those things. That’s part of why I created The Beat On Demand. I’m offering you the same type of flexible options I would in a studio setting, demonstrating and practicing these options myself. Another at home challenge is when you don’t necessarily have all the “right” equipment. I often provide alternatives like using two firm pillows if you don’t have a bolster, or a blanket/towel instead of a chip foam block, etc. I do recommend picking up some lightweight, foam yoga blocks however. They’re very functional, easy to find, not very expensive, and easy to store.
Click here or on the image to see one way to use foam yoga blocks.