Restorative Chest Opening with Blankets – Weekly Intermediate Class 428

This restorative class focuses on chest-opening poses that help counteract the effects of modern postural habits such as prolonged sitting and working at computers. These habits often cause the chest to collapse and the front ribs to compress inward, limiting space for the organs and restricting the natural movement of the breath. The class explores restorative poses including Chatushpadasana, Viparita Dandasana using the cross-bolster method, and Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, all of which gently lift and broaden the front rib cage. As the chest expands, space is created for the diaphragm and intercostal muscles to move more freely, allowing the breath to settle into a quiet, even rhythm. This softening of the breath has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps replenish depleted energy. The class also gives careful attention to the precise use of blankets in the Iyengar tradition. You will learn several methods of folding and arranging blankets so that each pose can be adapted to suit different body types, levels of flexibility, and individual needs, making the restorative poses both comfortable and deeply effective.