Mindful (R)Evolution: The Rise of Restorative Practices

15th January 2025

When I first took over Revitalise in 2003, the studio had just one Pilates class on the timetable. Over the first few years, this grew to around 30 classes. The yoga timetable was dominated by Vinyasa flow and Ashtanga, with Yin Yoga added some years later, though at the time these classes struggled to attract students. Fast forward some 20 years, and the timetable has transformed dramatically.

Trends and Shifts in Teaching Practices

Now, classes like Yin Yoga, somatic practices, sound therapy, Yoga Nidra, and breathwork—all ways to downregulate the nervous system—are not only common but also thriving. These classes often have waiting lists, reflecting their growing popularity.

I’ve also noticed an upward trend among Pilates teacher trainees expressing an interest in weaving breath practices, relaxation, and mindfulness into their classes. This is why we introduced our very own Meditation & Mindfulness for Pilates Workshop (coming up on 4th Feb!). Many are also keen to hold women’s circles or combine these elements into Pilates retreats that include meditation and community gatherings.

Whilst it’s a harsh reality that chronic stress and associated health conditions are increasing in the wider community, perhaps we are also becoming more aware of the impact of held emotions and stress, and the value of slowing down to sense, feel, and release to maintain balance / homeostasis. It is encouraging to witness the art of true mind-body movement being appreciated more than ever, with both physical and emotional benefits being increasingly acknowledged, and experienced! There also appears to be a growing awareness of self-care in general, with practices such as saunas, cold-water immersion, and sober events becoming increasingly sought after alongside yoga and Pilates.


Insights from Louise Windsor

This shift in our industry is something Louise, one of our experienced Harmonise tutors, has observed closely.

Over her six years leading CPD courses in Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Meditation and Pranayama, Louise has witnessed the rising demand for restorative practices, especially since the pandemic.

In this video, Louise reflects on how these changes have shaped the way we teach and practise today, sharing her perspective on trends such as combining different styles of yoga and other wellbeing practices to create workshops and day retreats, and the importance of ongoing learning to allow teachers to truly develop their own unique style.


A Moment for Reflection

I am so grateful to be part of this movement and wholeheartedly hope the momentum continues to snowball, allowing us to inspire and support one another in living healthier, more balanced lives. As teachers, this presents a valuable opportunity to reflect:


What Lights you up?

At Harmonise, we are truly passionate about equipping students to teach in a mindful and conscious way. There is an art and a skill to this, whether teaching higher-energy classes or more restorative ones—both are equally important. The more teachers who approach movement in an embodied and inclusive way, the more people will experience the benefits of connecting to themselves, tuning in, and ultimately becoming their own teacher.

While we support graduates in upskilling to stay aligned with industry trends, we also encourage them to follow their passions and upskill in the areas that speak to and resonate with them. Often, the areas that light us up align with our life stages, personal experiences, or challenges—such as childbirth, menopause, injury recovery, life transitions or our mental or physical health.

With this in mind, we have a series of CPD workshops and courses scheduled this year to support teachers in increasing their knowledge, skills, and confidence, flying the flag for embodied, conscious movement. After all, we are one BODYMIND.

So, on final reflection, take a moment to consider: What lights you up? Where do you see yourself this time in two years?


+ More courses & Workshops later in the year available to book now:

Article by: Clare Francis with video from Louise Windsor

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