Feeling stiff or sore? Short on time, energy, motivation, or maybe all three? Check out my review of Charlie Follow’s 30-minute restorative yoga practice and decide whether to break out the mat.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and mom-life, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, pushing ourselves to go harder and faster. But what about those days when our bodies crave a slower, more nurturing approach? I found myself in exactly this situation the other day. So I decided to swap my usual intense, strength-focused workout for a slower-flow, restorative yoga practice.
In this review, I delve into my experience with Charlie Follow’s 30-Minute Restorative Yoga Flow, exploring the importance of honoring the wisdom of our bodies even when our minds urge us to push harder. Read on to find out if this practice is worth your time and energy before rolling out your mat.
This post is all about my experience with Charlie Follow’s 30-Minute Restorative Yoga Flow.
First Impressions: 30-minute Restorative Yoga Flow
Stepping into Charlie’s restorative yoga flow, I anticipated the serene outdoor settings and soothing nature sounds typical of her videos. However, the stark indoor backdrop and harsh lighting lacked her usual aesthetic charm. Yet, recognizing that not every video can be filmed in a tropical oasis, I embraced the change, eager to delve into the practice regardless.
Gear Up: What You’ll Need
Yoga Mat. That’s all that’s required for this simple and straightforward practice. While I usually opt for additional props like blocks and a blanket, they remained untouched throughout the session. But hey, keep them nearby if you’re feeling the urge to modify.
Duration & Format
Clocking in right around 30 minutes, this practice oozed traditional Hatha vibes. For me, this one was closer to a “slow flow” as I found it lacking the deep, muscle-melting release characteristic of true restorative yoga. Nonetheless, I always love ending with a yummy legs-up-the-wall pose. There’s nothing more restorative than that!
Instruction & Modifications
Charlie guides you through the practice in real-time and her instruction is always clear and concise. However, there are no modifications offered during this flow. That, combined with some more challenging postures toward the end, makes this practice better suited for intermediate practitioners. Remember, it’s all about how it feels in your body, not how Instagram-worthy your pose looks. Once you’ve nailed that, feel free to dive headfirst into those more advanced postures!
Features
Less is more, especially in the world of restorative yoga. Like most online yoga flows, you won’t find any flashy features on-screen here. This practice is all about cultivating a deep connection with your breath and body, free from distractions.
Intensity & Focus
Prepare to dial it down a notch. With a focus on longer-held poses and mindful movement, this session isn’t about breaking a sweat. It’s about sinking into each posture, savoring the delicious stretch, and letting go of tension. While there is still an element of challenge and strength, it’s definitely a low-intensity practice.
Cycle Phase
I did this practice on Day 2 of my period…. notoriously the WORST day. I rarely feel like doing anything at this point let alone working out. Surprisingly, I had more energy than usual but figured I’d still honor Aunt Flo and take it easy. Looking back, I wish I had opted for something a bit more dynamic to ease those stiff joints. Lesson learned for next time!
Mom-Life Convenience
This restorative yoga flow is a great option for busy moms. The slow pace and static flow make it an easy one to do while your kids play nearby. Keeping it to 30 minutes is also perfect to squeeze in during a nap if you prefer to work out kid-free. You won’t work up a sweat with this one so you don’t have to worry about the shower after, either!
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Let’s get real – this restorative yoga flow didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found myself craving something a bit more dynamic and I missed the trademark Charlie Flows transitions I’ve come to love and expect from her channel.
And let’s not even get started on the distractions – the mic noises, the heavy breathing… I mean, I’m all for authenticity, but a burp mid-practice? That’s a new one. Okay, I’m only like 68% sure she actually burped but honestly, that would only make me like her more!
Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t a total flop. It’s perfect for those seeking a beginner(ish)-friendly Hatha yoga session, but for me, it left a lot to be desired. So, if you’re craving a quick fix and don’t mind keeping it low-key, give it a shot. Otherwise, there are much better options for a restorative yoga flow in my opinion. Stay tuned to find out what they are!
