Have you ever wanted to try yoga, but think it’s not for you? Maybe you have mobility challenges, or an illness that zaps your energy. You see a class on Youtube and think “That’s impossible for me!”.
My mission is to show the world that we all have the freedom to experience yoga. Your physical ability, body shape, age or any other variable is irrelevant. Above all – come as you are. Everyone is welcome.
What is adaptive yoga?
Adaptive yoga breaks down classical Hatha yoga poses until the core essence, or soul of the pose is revealed. As an adaptive yoga teacher, I will guide you to find your expression of the pose. This means you experience the pose from the inside out, rather than focus on what your shape looks like.
For example, tree pose/vrksasana is traditionally taught in standing, rooting down on one leg whilst finding a sense of alignment and balance in the body/mind. Actually, we can also experience the same sensation in seated tree pose.
A typical class begins with participants seated and finding connection with support; this is known as grounding. Yoga props such as blocks, straps and bolsters are used to make the practice more accessible.
Additionally, I may use gentle touch to give reference to students whilst in a posture. This differs from the more common adjustments in yoga classes. The reference I give using gentle touch is to give feedback to guide you into knowing where to direct your energy in the pose.
Where to find an adaptive yoga class
If you’d like to try one of my online adaptive yoga classes for free, head over to www.adaptiveyogalive.com where I volunteer as an online adaptive yoga teacher. Adaptive Yoga Live was set up during the first Covid-19 pandemic by Louise Edwards and Miranda McCarthy to support the well-being of physically challenged people.
The thirty minute chair yoga classes are inclusive and accessible; therefore suitable for all ages and abilities. If you’ve felt daunted in the past, then this is a great opportunity to experience yoga from the comfort of your home.
Why should I practice adaptive yoga?
Adaptive yoga has the same benefits for the mind, body and spirit as classical yoga. These benefits include greater physical ease, better quality of sleep and a calmer mind. I believe that the greatest benefit of adaptive yoga is that it teaches you to meet your physical challenges with compassion. Instead of overpowering your disability, you learn to embrace it as an integral part of you.