Gentle yoga is a hidden gem of a yoga style. Not only is it appropriate for a wide spectrum of practitioners, contrary to popular belief, a gentle class isn’t necessarily an “easy” one. It does move at a slow and steady pace. Asanas are primarily floor-based, reclined or seated with few, if any, standing poses. In general, poses will be held for a short or moderate length, with props available for assistance. You will work, but at a low-intensity level and best for beginners, low aged, high aged people, pregnant and week people.
A gentle class is also different from a restorative yoga class. In the latter, poses are entirely floor-based, held for a long duration with abundant use of props, and a therapeutic mind-set. You will stretch in both a gentle yoga class and a restorative one, and both will induce a sense of peaceful well-being. Gentle yoga has a greater degree of physical participation, while restorative is more passive.