Bringing Yoga to Those Who Have Limited Mobility

IN A FEW DAYS I will begin teaching a Chair Yoga class @ Inspired Mat in Oregon; a studio I have had the pleasure of teaching at for two years. Chair Yoga has brought people who might not have been able to participate in a regular yoga class in.
     One of the joys of my teaching is when I visit an assisted living/nursing home to teach a Chair Yoga class to residents ranging in age from 70 to 90. Some may arrive in a wheel chair, others with their walkers, and still others on their own.  I am absolutely amazed at the determination and openness they all have. For so many, they are being introduced to going beyond learning how to balance or  how to use a strap to strengthen, to learning how to turn inward and focus on their breath and pay attention to what is occurring in their mind. And yet, each week I have about 15 residents attend and we have the most wonderful time.

BREATH-MOVEMENT-SPIRIT

SEATED

Grounding/Meditation

Breath work

Head work: Side to Side/Elbows in & out

Side to Side w/arm straight out

Bicep w/Strap

CNC/Feet out wide - dip shoulders

Knee up/Leg straight out & down

SUN SALUTATIONS

Inhale Hands up/Exhale down Goal Posts/Inhale lean forward/Exhale hands on knees slide down/

Inhale back up to knees & Exhale/Inhale hands up/Exhale to Heart Center

With each salutation add a TWIST/AIRPLANE WINGS/ELBOW TO WAIST/GRAB BEACH BALL

STANDING

Marching

Toe/Heel Raises

Straight Leg to Side/Abductor

Chair Squats

Down Dog

Warrior I/Cactus Arms

CHAIR SIDEWAYS/STANDING

Flamingo/Outside Leg Lift Bent Knee w/Same Raised Arm 

SEATED

Strap Work w/Shoulders: Lift & lower 4x's to Belly Button-Chest-Chin-Forehead-Overhead

Strap Work w/Legs: Open to Side

Figure Four/Elbow on Knee/Chin on Fist 

SAVASANA/SEATED

Breath Work