Asana Yoga, the physical practice of yoga, that could intimidate many people because they are afraid they won’t be flexible or strong enough.
Some people believe that they must own every piece of equipment, like yoga mats, blocks, straps and clothes. Others hinder themselves from engaging in a physical exercise like yoga due to their physical or neurological conditions. I have heard a lot from my fellow colleagues and friends, saying yoga is not for them since their body is so stiff or they are not fit enough, etc. Are you one of them?
In this post, I want to bring awareness that yoga is even possible for people with impairments. I do not want people to limit themselves from enjoying yoga, just because of their physical forms. No matter what shape, size and physical conditions, there are various asanas that ones can practice. Besides, yoga is not all about the Asana (pose) but also some breathing techniques and meditations, our body and the mind are aligned and become more mindful and grounded. There are so much of benefits from practicing yoga which no one shall miss out or at least shall try it out.
Adaptive Yoga
Adaptive yoga is a style of yoga that is available to everyone. Particularly those who are injured, have limitations or impairments, or are elderly. Adaptive Yoga unites the mind, body, and spirit via the use of breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation techniques, and physical postures (asana).
Classes in adaptive yoga are frequently given in settings with fewer students and are tailored to the individual needs of people. The poses also move more slowly than the majority of conventional classes.
(Wheel) Chair Yoga
One of the common adaptive yoga types is chair/ wheelchair yoga. Chair Yoga postures are carried out while seated or with the use of a chair. Those with physical limitations or elderly people who find a typical yoga session too difficult are suitable audiences for chair yoga programs. Some of the common poses for chair yoga are as follow:
- Cow Pose
- Cat Pose
- Side Stretch Pose
- Twist Pose
- Forward Bend
- Eagle Pose
- Hip Stretch
- Leg Stretch
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Photo credit: Wheelchair-Yoga (temeculaca.gov)
Yoga is for everyone. Would you be willing to try out and experience today?
Reference:
- Adaptive Yoga: Making Yoga Accessible for Every Body (healthline.com)
- Accessible Yoga – Learn. Connect. Advocate
- Adaptive Yoga LIVE
- Yoga Truly is for Every Body | Yoga Alliance
- Disability Yoga – Check out these online classes for disabled people – Newz Hook | Disability News – Changing Attitudes towards Disability
- Yoga Poses for Wheelchair Users | Live Quickie | Sunrise Medical
- Wheelchair-Yoga (temeculaca.gov)
- 5 Yoga Poses for Wheelchair Users – Automobility
- 8 Yoga Poses For Wheelchair Users (karmanhealthcare.com)
- Making Yoga More Inclusive: Language Do’s and Don’ts for Teachers (yogainternational.com)
- (111) Tips for Teaching an Inclusive Yoga Class – YouTube
- Yoga Circle Singapore | Inclusive and Accessible Yoga For All
- Adaptive Chair Yoga – Instructor Course – Yoga Circle (Upcoming Teacher Training). You can sign up as volunteer too
- https://adaptiveyogalive.com/
