What is Shavasana

If you’ve never been to a yoga class before you might be wondering what Shavasana actually is ..well let me tell you my friends, Shavasana is perhaps just the best part of the entire class. 

Shavasana in its English translation is Corpse Pose, and essentially in the traditional version students are lay flat on their backs, totally relaxed through the entire body. It’s a time for the body and the mind to rest.

In terms of the physical posture though, you might find some teachers will offer the option to take whatever Shavasana works for you. For some people this might be legs up the wall, it might be reclined butterfly or a simple easy seat. Whatever posture works for you in terms of being able to switch off and relax is the best choice for you.

You might find it at the start of class, but should always find it at the end. Quite often it’s at this point in the class where the teacher may guide you into a meditation, utilising a body scan or a visualisation. It a must really in terms of ending a class, after putting the body through the physical practice, you should be given the time to rest and recuperate before leaving your mat.

So how long should Shavasana last for?

If you’re a regular yoga class goer you’ll have probably experienced all different lengths of Shavasana, some longer than others. In terms of giving the body enough time to calm, rest and re-set after 30-40minutes of intense work, most would agree that at least five minutes is required.

Anything less than that, and the intense physical asanas of the practice in conjunction with a short Shavasana can leave students feeling rushed off the mat and out of the door, no time for the body to slow down and recover.

Teaching Shavasana 

For teachers when planning a class, it’s important to plan your Shavasana just as you would the rest of the class. This can be in terms of what you’re going to say, a lasting message for your students, and the perfect soundtrack to accompany it.

If you know there will be another class after, or the building is closing and you know you need students to leave at a certain time, then you must make sure you’re keeping a close eye on your timings, so you can ensure you’re going to give your students enough time. 

If you don’t need your students to leave the space right away ..then let them stay there longer, for as long as they need to!

Remember although people come to yoga for many reasons, as a yoga teacher it’s important to teach all that yoga is, and breath work, meditation and all the Shavasana encompasses is a bit part of that.
 

Want know more?

If you’re interested in finding out more about yoga, please take a look over our training courses which you can find in the courses section of our website.