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Chair Yoga Precautions

Monday, February 6th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

For those with knee or hip problems, or decreased mobility, Chair Yoga can be a great modification, allowing practice to continue. Chair Yoga consists of poses and breathing exercises performed in a seated position or with the use of a chair, allowing it to be performed even in hospitals or nursing homes. Through Chair Yoga, the physical and spiritual benefits of a healthy practice are available to everyone.

Although the practice is very accessible, basic precautions must be taken in Chair Yoga, as in every practice. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older people and practitioners should be urged to feel rooted in their chair, as they would on a mat.

Before beginning to teach or practice Chair Yoga, participants should evaluate their health. Some health issues, which may affect participation, include knee replacement surgery, osteoporosis, degenerative disk disease or other spinal conditions, hip replacements, heart attacks or rotator cuff injuries. Inner-ear problems or vertigo may also prevent practitioners from enjoying traditional Yoga and the seated variety can be accessible to them. Chairs should be placed on a non-slip surface, such as a Yoga mat, and wheelchairs should be locked into position before beginning.

While traditional Yoga props, like blocks, are not generally used, straps may be utilized in some poses. A full warm-up is especially important, as practitioners may be using muscles that are not regularly exercised. Be prepared for multiple challenges in some cases, like a hearing or sight impairment in addition to mobility; the area nearest the Chair Yoga instructor should be reserved for those with such difficulties. Pay particular attention to Yogic breathing; those with mobility issues may not be accustomed to taking full, deep breaths and the increase in oxygen will be very beneficial. Breath retention is not recommended for cancer patients, as they need the maximum amount of oxygen.

Some participants in Chair Yoga prefer to wear regular street clothes, which is fine as long as they are not constricting. Shoes should be removed to allow the feet to flex if possible.

A California State University study found an increase in bone density to be a benefit of Chair Yoga, and the stress relief and increased flexibility enjoyed by standard Yoga practitioners are also experienced in Chair Yoga. Diabetics may have increased blood flow to extremities, and blood vessels in all participants will be strengthened with the aerobic exercise.

Chair Yoga can be a very positive addition to any Yogi’s repertoire, and the emphasis on ability, rather than disability, is a message to be taken to heart.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Chair Yoga for Emotional Health

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The power of Yoga, to affect emotions, has been recognized for centuries; but metaphysical jargon and intricate poses are often intimidating to people unfamiliar with the lingo or unsure of their dexterity. For some senior citizens or disabled individuals, however, simple acts like standing or balancing may be entirely out of the question. In recent years, there has been a trend to adapt Yoga poses so that they can be practiced while using chairs for sitting or support.

Today, Chair Yoga is becoming increasingly more popular at studios, medical facilities, senior centers, and community centers around the world. Although the benefits are largely the same as those in traditional Yoga classes, there may be less talk about blocked energy, and more discussion of practical methods, to improve physical and mental health. In fact, anyone who has ever counted to 10, or taken a few deep breaths when they were upset, has practiced one of the basic tenets of Yoga.

Like other Yoga classes, Chair Yoga teaches modified forms of poses, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, and meditation, to bring the body, mind, and emotional state into balance. Although it might be argued that anything helpful to physical health is also good for emotional wellbeing, people who practice Chair Yoga might have physical limitations that create additional stress and anxiety. For them, Chair Yoga classes may serve as support groups, as well as exercise sessions.

Chair Yoga for emotional health is beneficial in the following ways.

• Emphasizes the present moment and awareness of bodily sensations

• Integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual facets of the personality

• Reduces pain

• Lessens feelings of helplessness and isolation

• Increases energy and improves mood

• Relaxes muscles and reduces tension

• Releases endorphins that create a sense of wellbeing

• Helps to release negative emotions, such as anger and fear

• Improves sleep and calms the mind

• Increases concentration and mental function

• Creates a sense of connection outside oneself

• Aids in management of chronic conditions and improves quality of life

While disabled or aging adults most often practice Chair Yoga, it can be helpful anywhere – from the local physical rehabilitation center to the workplace, where it is often called, “Office Yoga.” As this style of Yoga becomes well known, its therapeutic applications, for emotional health, will likely become even more popular.

For children, who are less active than previous generations, Chair Yoga has been introduced to help children who are not in ideal physical condition. For children, Chair Yoga is a temporary bridge on the path toward optimum health.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Chair Yoga for Heart Disease

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There is evidence to suggest that Yoga, one of the oldest healing traditions in the world, can be used to prevent and manage heart problems. The same tenets – exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation – espoused in a Yogic lifestyle, are also those prescribed by medical professionals for coronary health. Often associated with toned bodies and complex poses, Yoga may have been intimidating in the past. With new Chair Yoga Classes, however, this ancient practice is now available to everyone.

If you classify the heart as a muscle, it is the strongest muscle in the body. Hollow and about the size of a fist, it pumps almost five liters of blood throughout the body every minute, carrying nutrients through the circulatory system to the organs. When its passageways become blocked, by fatty deposits or inflammation, the result is heart disease – a condition that kills one American every 35 seconds.

Coronary ailments affect both men and women and are becoming more common among the younger population, as well as those over 65. Although some risk factors are genetic, many are related to poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. Smoking and alcohol are also detrimental to a healthy heart; and chronic conditions – such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and hardened arteries – greatly increase the odds of heart attacks.

According to clinical research, released by the American Heart Association – in 2004, participants who practiced Yoga three times a week, for 6 weeks, lowered their blood pressure and their risk of heart disease. Although people with coronary problems improved their blood vessel function, those who were healthy showed the greatest results in lowering their body mass index, pulse rate, and blood pressure.

While studies did not relate specifically to Chair Yoga, there is reason to believe that this new adaptation could be just as effective. There are several known and suggested mechanisms by which Chair Yoga may improve general cardiac health:

• Helps to prevent heart attacks by regulating the region of the brain that controls endocrine activity

• Lowers blood pressure

• Lowers pulse rate

• Reduces stress and anxiety

• Relaxes muscles

• Enables better self-care by enhancing the cognitive system

• Reduces inflammation by boosting the immune system

• Encourages positive thinking and a general sense of wellbeing

• Increases confidence and reduces feelings of helplessness

• Helps to control pain and reduce dependence on medications

• Increases energy and enables a more active lifestyle

• Lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides – factors that contribute to inflammation

Chair Yoga classes, for heart disease, are offered in studios, senior centers, and health-related facilities around the world; and videos are available for home use. In addition to physical exercise, Chair Yoga often brings together a group of like-minded individuals, with similar issues, and that alone can be therapeutic.

© Copyright 2011 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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YOGA FOR DESK JOB PEOPLE

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

By Dr. Rita Khanna

Modern day life is full of stress, and the majority of us are affected. We have to cope with long hours of travelling and traffic jams; we are exhausted by the time we reach the office / home. A lot of us are into jobs, which involve constant sitting in front of a desk/ computer for long hours, resulting in back pain, headaches, eye, and neck strain, as well as a host of other related conditions. We don’t find time to relax and rejuvenate. Just taking a few minutes, at the convenience of your office place, without disturbing your work, you can do stretches at your desk, which can relieve stress, increase productivity, and most importantly, make you feel better. The following are a few stretching exercises:

BODY POSTURE

Just sit with your back straight. Try to loosen the clothing that feels tight around your waist. Take your shoes off, before starting these stretches, in case you are wearing high heels.

1. SHOULDER ROTATION

• Keep both hands on the respective shoulders – right hand on the right shoulder and the left hand on the left shoulder. By keeping your hands on your shoulders, rotate the arms and shoulders in a large circle. Try to touch the elbows in front of the chest.

• Do this, clockwise, for eight to ten times, and then anti- clockwise, for eight to ten times. Deeply inhale when the elbows move forward, and exhale when the elbows move backwards.

2. CATCHING THE FINGERS LIKE A HOOK

• Bring both hands up to the level of the chest and catch them like a hook – as in the case of two friends meeting and shaking hands. Take a deep breath, and pull the hands in the opposite direction. Release the breath, while lowering the hands. Repeat this exercise eight to ten times.

• Repeat the same exercise behind the head, also. Take a deep breath, and pull the hands in the opposite direction. Make sure your hands are not touching the head from behind. For relaxing or exhaling, bring the hands back over the head, in the front, every time. Repeat this exercise eight to ten times.

3. RELEASING THE PAIN AROUND THE NECK

• Lock the fingers, on both hands, in such a way that the fingers remain on back side of the palms. Keep both palms on the lower part of the skull (the part from where the cervical vertebrae start, and the skull ends). Both elbows should remain parallel to the ground.

• Now, exhale, and bring both elbows nearer to each other, in front of the face, by pressing your hands towards the head, and head towards the hands.

• Inhale deeply, and move the elbows away from each other, and parallel to the ground, as well as in line with the shoulders.

• Exhale, each time, when the elbows move forward, and inhale, when they move away from each other, and on the back side. Repeat this exercise eight to ten times.

4. PRESSING THE FINGERS

• Close the fists, by keeping the thumbs inside the fingers, and press on the thumbs as hard as you can. Then, open the fists. After that, close the fists, by keeping the thumbs outside the fingers, and then open it.

• Inhale at the time of closing the fist. Exhale at the time of opening the fist. Do this process eight to ten times, by keeping the hands away from the chest.

5. COW FACE

• Take your right arm, down over the right shoulder, behind the head, and bend it at the elbow, on the back and lower side. Then, take the left hand on the low back side, and then bend the elbow from below – with the hand upside. Make the hooks of the fingers, and pull the hands in the opposite direction. The upper elbow should remain exactly on the back side of the head, so that it gives complete exercise to the cervical spine. Inhale deeply when you pull the hands. Relax the hands when you exhale.

• Then, do the same exercise, by bringing the left hand from above, and the right hand from below.

• Those who can’t grasp the fingers can hold a thick handkerchief by the hand, from above, and lower end of the handkerchief from the hang below. Pull it. Try to bring the fingers of both the hands nearer to each other, with the help of the handkerchief.

• Repeat it for 3-4 times each side. Try to remain in the position to the count of three breaths.

6. NECK EXERCISE

• Sit, with keeping the back straight. Close the fist of the right hand with the thumb inside. Keep the part of the bent fingers, where you wear a ring, under the chin. Now, press the chin upwards by the fist. The head will move upwards. Then, make a hook of the index finger. Keep it on the chin, and press it downwards towards the chest. Inhale when you press upwards, and exhale when you press downwards. Do it eight to ten times.

• Very slowly – rotate the head first on the right side, and then on the left side. Inhale deeply, when the neck moves on the right side, and comes in line of the right shoulder; exhale when it returns to the front side position. Inhale, when it moves on the left side, and exhale when it returns to the front side – gradually. Repeat this exercise eight to ten times in total – that is four to five times on each side. Now, relax the neck.

• Thereafter, bring the right ear up to the right shoulder, and then the left ear to the left shoulder. Repeat this exercise eight to ten times in total – that is four to five times each side. Now, relax the neck.

• Now, rotate the head, and neck, from the right side. In this, tilt the head first on the right side, then on the back side, then on the left side. and in front last. This would complete one rotation. Repeat four to five times, very gently, and without any stress. Do it in the reverse direction, also, that is starting it from the left side. Repeat four to five times, without hurrying.

• Rub the hands and massage the neck, with warm hands, nicely.

7. BLINKING AND PALMING

• Blinking and palming are very good exercises to relax the tired eyes. They eliminate eye strain instantly.

• Close, and open both the eyes, very quickly – eight to ten times. This process is called ‘Blinking’.

• Thereafter, rub both the palms of the hand together, vigorously, so that they become warm. Then, put the hollow of the palms on closed eyes, gently, for few seconds. Feel the warmth and energy from your palms into the eyes. Do three to five times. Then, slowly open your eyes. This process is called ‘Palming’

8. STRETCHING THE WHOLE BODY

• Stand straight, with feet together or apart slightly. Raise your arms over the head. Interlock your fingers, and keep your palms up towards the sky. While inhaling, stretch the whole body on the toes. Maintain the balance. While exhaling, come back. Do 3-5 times.

9. RELAX INSTANTLY DURING BREAKS – METHOD

• Concentrate on your breathing…..

• Slowly inhale through the nose…

• Exhale completely, and very slowly, through your mouth…

• Place your left palm on your belly…

• Observe that your hand is moving forward while breathing in…and going inward while breathing out…

• Breathe out twice the duration of breathing in…

• Inhale and count 4 mentally…

• Count 8 while breathing out… Next time, increase the duration in the same ratio.

• Do it for at least five minutes.

• As you practice, you will find it more and more effective in keeping you relaxed, when you are stressed…

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

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Yoga as an Art of Living

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Chair Yoga and Office YogaChair Yoga for Young People

By Claude Aoukar

Chair yoga is the gentlest form of yoga. It is usually associated with elderly people. But nowadays with internet, new technologies and globalization most of the young people spend their days and nights just sitting in a chair, studying, working or simply chatting while senior citizens, unless handicapped physically or mentally, still enjoy walking in the open air, gardening and dedicate some hours of the day outdoors. They are often healthier than the young generations who usually suffer from migraine, scoliosis, backpain overweight, anorexia, insomnia, hormonal and skin disorders.

Being the mother of two daughters of 22 and 25 years old, I know how hard It is to deal, reach and convince young people to change their habits, but It is always worth trying because we do love them and wish the best for them. Their first argument is always the lack of time to take care of themselves. This is why I tried to reach them where they do spend the most of the day :the desk.

All I asked for was to learn how to sit in a chair and take a few moments to breathe and feel the change.

Learn How to sit in a chair:

1 – Stick your spine to the back of the chair.

Office Yoga2 – Take off your shoes and relax your feet, flat on the floor. If the desk is too high, just pile up some books under the feet.

3 – Arms along the trunk and palms relaxed on the laps.

4 – Divide your body into 2 pieces: trunk and head light as connected to heaven, lower abdomen and feet stuck to the ground.

5 – Connect to your breathing.

6 – Inhale slowly inflating your abdomen

7 – Exhale slowly deflating your abdomen

8 – Hear the music inside of you

9 – Smile and relax

Claude Aoukar is a published author and teaches Yoga. Claude’s e-Books can be found at:

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Tapas-Cycle-E-Book.html and http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/The-Stretching-Desk.html

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The Attraction of Chair Yoga

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Chair Yoga is a contemporary sub-style of Hatha Yoga. With the help of a chair, as the primary prop, a student can practice many Yogic techniques. Standing and balancing asanas are enhanced and aligned with the use of a chair. Sun Salutations and Vinyasa flows can be practiced during a chair Yoga session.

Seated asanas can be practiced by students, who have difficulty getting up and down, to and from, floor level. In some cases, students who are able to go to the floor can use the chair to elevate their legs, while in a supine position. There is no end to the number of possibilities when you consider seated, supine, prone, standing, and table related asanas.

Pranayama techniques are easily integrated into a lesson plan. Depending upon the conditions of students in a class, Yoga teachers may modify or omit dynamic forms of pranayama. Depending upon the objective, some Yogic methods may be excluded. Meditation and relaxation techniques are usually part of the class, due to their therapeutic value.

Using a chair, during Yoga practice, is an attractive option for many people, due to a variety of health conditions. Students who are recovering from trauma, or a surgical procedure, are able to practice independently, once they have been guided through the basics. The basics usually consist of safety guidelines about what is recommended and what is not.

Chair Yoga can mentally challenge teachers in many ways. Since there are many paths of teaching chair Yoga, a teacher’s creativity is allowed to flourish. Depending on the health condition of a student, there seem to be infinite modifications, which encourages careful and safe steps of innovation on the part of chair Yoga teachers.

That said – taking specialized chair Yoga teacher courses are the best option for the continuing education of certified instructors. There is no shortage of students, when you consider the number of people with ailments, such as: diabetes, neurological disorders, obesity, heart problems, cancer recovery, trauma, post-op rehabilitation, and limitations in mobility.

Some people think that chair Yoga is only for seniors. To be honest, many seniors appreciate Yoga more than younger generations because they feel the results and are in tune with their health. However, there are many segments of the world population that will benefit from regular practice. The future of chair Yoga is filled with innovation, as the therapeutic applications of this practice become more fully realized.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste.

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Restorative or Chair Yoga Certification for Experienced Yoga Teachers – FAQs

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

I have been comparing your Chair Yoga teacher certification course to the Restorative course and have questions. I am still deciding whether to take the Chair Yoga course or the Restorative Yoga upgrade course; as to the latter, I have already both books which come with the course.

I have the opportunity for working with older people as clients, who are not very flexible, and have different ailments. In fact, one of my clients, who I work with, has great difficulty with hero’s pose and Dandasana.  Although I use props, she still looks so uncomfortable.

Q: I do have BKS Iyengar’s, ”Yoga, the Path to Holistic Health,” which does give good information about using props; however, I would like to further my knowledge and gain certification. Would you advise one, more than the other?

A: Both are good courses, but the Chair Yoga course focuses on the chair as the main prop. The reason being: Seniors, from chair-sitting societies, tend to be at risk of falling, when they get up or down from the floor.

Q: I would be more apt to the Chair Yoga course and have watched your videos. Could you give me further information about the exam papers on each course?

A: Information, about the Chair Yoga teacher’s upgrade course, can be found at:

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/-Upgrade-Version-Chair-Yoga-Teacher-Certification-Course.html

There is an essay and a practical exam video for the Chair Yoga upgrade course.

The Restorative Yoga upgrade has a written anatomy exam, a written modification and props exam, and a practical exam video.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/-Upgrade-Version-Restorative-Yoga-Teacher-Certification-Course.html

Q: Are these two courses included in the level II Yoga teacher training course?

A: The Restorative materials are part of the Level 2 Yoga instructor training course. The Chair Yoga course is not part of the Level 2 course.

Q: I have also envisioned the other upgrading courses. If one has some of the material, would the course be discounted for the elimination of such?

A: To avoid duplicate materials – we can eliminate Yoga study materials from any course and give you a discount. Our discount is our wholesale buying price. Let us know which materials you do not want, and we will send you a coupon for the online shopping cart. Also, we can also process orders over the phone.

Q: Just the last question - how long does one have to complete either of the courses I mentioned?

A: Usually, it takes approximately three months for the completion of either one of these two courses; but you have one full year to complete your studies. After that, you can always apply for an extension.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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Chair Yoga Teacher Training Question and Answer Session

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Below are common questions related to our Chair Yoga teacher certification course. Hopefully, these questions and answers are helpful. If not, please feel free to add comments related to Chair Yoga education, for teachers, below the post.

Q: Do I have to become a certified Yoga instructor first, before taking the Chair Yoga course?

A: No, there is no pre-requisite to the Chair Yoga certification course. However, it is advised that you have a minimum of two years of foundational Hatha Yoga training, as a student, before taking any teacher training courses.

Q: I am a certified Yoga instructor. Can I take your upgrade course for Chair Yoga certification?

A: Yes. However, the upgrade course is for graduates of 200 hour Yoga teacher training programs. Therefore, our pre-requisite for the upgrade course is that you must have documentation of a minimum of 200 hours training in a program for Yoga teachers.

Q: Does the Chair Yoga training program come with a specific syllabus to follow in the training; or does it just come with all the information that we must read, and educate ourselves?

A: Yes – our Chair Yoga course does come with a syllabus (numbered step-by-step instructions). However, it also contains DVDs, CDs, and Books, which will be required for your studies and assignments.

Q: When comparing your training does your course address specific issues related to the aged population. Does your training program do this?

A: Yes – our Chair Yoga course contains information for seniors, with a variety of ailments, and it also contains information for working with people who may have ailments – and who are not seniors. There are also tips about Yoga for the office.

Q: Is your course accepted by Yoga Alliance for non-contact Continuing Education Credits (CEC units)? Do we receive a certificate of completion? Do you require testing to make sure a Yoga teacher is on track?

 A: If you are already a Registered Yoga Teacher, my courses can be used for Yoga Alliance non-contact Continuing Education Credits (CEC units). Yoga Alliance does recognize our courses for continuing education, as I am an E-RYT 500.

Upon successful completion of our course, you will receive a certified Chair Yoga Teachers Diploma.

 There are exams and assignments for you to complete throughout the course, and you are more than welcome to contact us, by phone or email, to make certain that you are on track.

Q: I am ready to begin training to teach seniors (I am a new RYT). I want to make the best decision for the best training. Can you help?

A: I am eager to be of assistance – please let me know how we may help.

Q: What sets your Yoga instructor training apart from any other available on line or correspondence training?

A: Service, Tutoring, and Business Assistance are the reasons why we are the World Leader in online Yoga Teacher Training. For example – As mentioned above, you have unlimited assistance by phone and email. You will be assigned a tutor.

We have the most comprehensive online Yoga teacher courses because they are an extension of our on-site teacher training in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Feel free to compare us to anyone else. No other Yoga teacher course will give you this level of learning.  Added to this – marketing and business materials are a peripheral part of this course, which enables you to find teaching positions for Chair Yoga instructors.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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BENEFITS OF CHAIR YOGA

Friday, April 9th, 2010

By Teresa Valenzuela

When considering a Chair Yoga practice, it’s a common belief that the term refers to senior citizens, people with disabilities, the overweight or obese. Many have expressed surprise that it can relate to office employees, people sitting at a desk for hours, and those that ignore the benefits of certain postures and stretches in their own limited space. Many would rather refer to this as Corporate Chair Yoga. Young, healthy, active individuals who are candidates for blood clots, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, arm, neck and shoulder discomfort and stiffness, not to mention high anxiety levels and stress are all candidates.

Chair Yoga is commonly directed towards Senior Centers, Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Rehabilitation Centers, Adult Day Care Centers, and general workout facilities (gyms), where the population increasingly demands this practice. All these different facilities offer the population different needs. Working with individuals in different mobile situations requires specialized knowledge and a willingness to adapt and modify our practice.

Regular Chair Yoga practice benefits the body and mind. It benefits every body part because it increases blood circulation, improves feet, toes, hand and finger movements, improves balance, stimulates the elimination of body toxins, improves posture, flexibility and mobility, muscle and bone health.

It benefits the mind, in a sense that it provides certain independence, and increases self-esteem in the life and person of those who practice it. The connection that we make in Yoga of Body, Mind and Spirit, have full meaning in Chair Yoga practice.

The social factor involved as well should not be ignored. Chair Yoga is a yoga practice that is offered in facilities that welcome and provide the appropriate environment for sharing with others who have similar physical conditions. I just participated as a member in a Chair Yoga in a senior center and the participants were there on time, were very cheerful and had arranged the room with chairs, mats, and props, so that when the instructor arrived they were ready to begin. They knew exactly what they needed and as an observer of the class, a first timer, they gave me full and detailed instructions of what to expect. They felt strongly against going down on the floor, and “warned” me they didn’t “do that” in their class. Which is fine, I understand not all Chair Yoga groups feel comfortable sitting or lying on the floor and definitely shouldn’t have to. The positive energy in the room was encouraging.

On a personal note, I couldn’t help imagining my mother in that group. If only she would have had the chance to be exposed to Chair Yoga when she was going through her long and painful Osteoporosis illness. I saw her go from using a cane (for her balance), to a walker, to a wheelchair and finally, bedridden. The benefits of a chair and the right instructions would have made such a difference in her life physically, emotionally, and socially. Not to mention her diminished self-esteem and dignity. Not to mention, it would have aided her diminished self esteem and dignity.

I have benefited greatly from the video series “Benefits of Chair Yoga”, offered by Paul Jerard and the Aura Wellness Center Newsletters of November and December.

In the video of the November 3rd, 2009 Newsletter, Paul talks about, “How seniors are concerned about their mobility…concerns with their independence…having better quality of life…how mobility affects mental and emotional health…and the balance factor: fall preventions, outdoor slipping and falling in bad weather or indoor accidents…”(Paul Jerard)

In the Part I video of the November 17th, 2009 Newsletter, “Benefits of Chair Yoga for Your Students,” Paul talks about the different situations where Chair Yoga can be practiced: “individuals in the office area, rehab centers due to an injury or illness, or seniors.” As Chair Yoga instructors we must be aware of pre-existing conditions and genetic conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Chair Yoga can help to relieve pain in anyway… (Paul Jerard).

In the Part III video of the December 1st, 2009 Newsletter, “Benefits of Chair Yoga for Your Students,” Paul introduces the benefits of Pranayama breathing practice depending on the conditions of the group, and how proper posture practiced with Chair Yoga is beneficial for senior’s walking and sleeping as straight as possible.

In the Part IV video of the December 8, 2009 Newsletter, Paul talks about how we “can incorporate Hatha Yoga to Chair Yoga…”and the “positive effect on the mind and body” (Paul Jerard).

Finally, I can’t find a better way to end my essay on The Benefits of Chair Yoga, than to quote Paul Jerard’s words in his article “Teaching Hatha Yoga for Beginners”, Newsletter, October 20, 2009. He asserts, “…when we work with students who have unique problems, or less than ideal conditions, we learn, and they learn from us…”

Teresa Valenzuela is a Certified Yoga Instructor and a certified Chair Yoga Teacher specialist. She teaches Yoga classes in the Eau Claire, Wisconsin area.

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Posted in Chair Yoga, yoga for seniors | 4 Comments »

The Blessings of Senior Chair Yoga

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

By Carol Martin

I have been guiding students in Chair Yoga within senior living facilities for almost three years.  The blessings have been beyond measure.  I have made so many friends, the administrative staffs, aides, and of course, forged strong bonds with my lovely students.  I feel very blessed that they show up for class, week after week, to strengthen their bodies and minds. 

My first visit to a facility is complimentary.  I want to make sure that my students feel comfortable with me so they can relax in class.  It is also a good way for the activity director to make the determination if they want me to continue with the facility.  Due to the current recession and the budgets of some facilities in my area, I found that a complimentary visit is a win-win situation.  Most directors have me come back, some weekly, some twice a month, and a couple only monthly due to budget constraints.

When I first started, I realized a great fear for the elderly was that if they fell, they wouldn’t be able to get up.  As a matter of fact, that’s how they had arrived at an assisted living facility, they had fallen in their home and couldn’t get up.  Although they were now in a controlled environment, they were still very concerned about falling.  I stressed remaining calm and I began to show them the proper way to move after a fall, after assessing if they had injured themselves, of course, and how to get to a chair or object to help them up or to a call button.  So we worked on upper body strength and the muscles in their legs that would address the movements involved with moving along the floor or getting up.  I have had students tell me that they were successfully able to get up or get to a call button without panic because of our practice.  Actually, because of these incidents, and the students not being able to reach a call button once they had traveled to it, finding that it was too high on the wall to use it, the facility changed its standards for height on the wall for their assist buttons.  After several months, a few students in the class felt comfortable enough with getting down on the floor for Sivasana at the end of class, with the confidence that they would be able to get back up.  The feeling of liberation is empowering for the student.  I would like to add here, it is facility policy that they always call a nurse after a fall, even if they can get up by themselves and are not injured.  Of course, not all my facilities will allow them to get on the floor or even do any standing exercises at all and I respect that.  These things are discussed with the director before my first visit.

So many times in a senior facility, the only exercise they have is to watch someone on a DVD.  They just follow along with no interaction with the instructor. They can’t ask questions and don’t know why they are doing the exercises.  They are just parked there.  I feel it is so beneficial to get together for a class, have some conversation with the instructor, and have a few laughs (actually a lot of laughs!).  Once, during one of my explanations for doing a certain pose, one of my students said, let’s just exercise!  Upon reflection that week, I realized that she was used to watching a tape, not going to a class and really learning about her body/mind.  She just wanted to get it done, she didn’t know how to relax.  I feel like the information provided is beneficial for use in between classes.

Unforgettable, is one of the conversations I had with the director of one of the facilities a couple of years ago.  I had been there only a couple of months and it was at a nursing facility, many in wheel chairs.  Apparently, administration had told the director that he had to cut back on spending, so he let me know that I probably would not be able to come back.  About a week later, the director called me and told me that I had to come back.  I asked him if I had misunderstood and he said that no, he had gone past the dining room (where class had been held) and to his astonishment, the room was filled with people waiting for yoga class.  Apparently, because the class was already on the calendar and the residents didn’t know of the cut-back, they assumed I was coming.  Here is the blessing, he told me that in all his years as the activity director at that facility, he had not seen the residents show up to a class of their own volition, usually they have to bring them to an activity.  Needless to say, tears were streaming down my face, I was so honored that I could convey the importance of yoga, and I went back the following week.

Blessings that come from seeing my students progress, even if it is only a change in their color from looking pale to having rosy cheeks when they leave, improved mobility, and improved mood.  Every once in a while, there is one person who is skeptical and appears a bit grumpy but as time goes by, the edge dissolves and their mood improves.  They learn to relax, totally let go.  I had a lady tell me a couple of months ago that she had attained a quarter-inch in height when she was measured at the doctor’s office.  He gave her yoga class the credit.

Many employees of the facilities try, if their time allows, to sit in on yoga class, and of course, family members who are visiting their elder at the time of class.  A grandson of a student, who is to be deployed to Afghanistan later this month, said he was going to take the yoga techniques with him.  Many daughters come to class regularly with their mothers.

Several years ago, my mother was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, with only six months to live.  Of course, there are no words to explain our emotions.  After spending every day with her, except when hospice was there, I would go home with so much tension, fear, and anxiety.  Of course, there were the prayers, counseling, and other things you do to try to relax and then I remembered I had done some yoga mixed into an old exercise tape years before, so I went to a local yoga class.  I was awestruck at the difference it made in my life.  I only wish that I had found it sooner.  I was retired and about a year after my mom passed away, I was trying to find a fulfilling and meaningful purpose for my life.  I was getting out of bed one morning and out of nowhere, a booming voice in my head said “Seniors”.  Now, I had to stop for a moment and think, seniors what?  Then it clicked!  Senior yoga.  I went straight to the phone books, without even having my morning tea, and within forty-five minutes, had three clients!  I did extensive reading and modifying and put a program together.  I had my yoga mentor (yoga teacher trainer) come over to observe my routine to make sure it was safe and effective.  I feel my calling was a huge blessing.

I began a Teachers Training Program at a local studio a year and a half ago because I wanted to receive certification.  I received certificates in Asana 1, Asana 11, Pranayama 1, and Sanskrit.  I felt like I had the information I needed to continue teaching Chair Yoga even though the program didn’t address it and all I lacked was Meditation, which I don’t teach my senior students.  We do a stage-by-stage relaxation at the end of class.  But I wanted to be able to offer my students the best class experience they could get from me.  That is where Aura Yoga comes in.  You have provided me with all the materials to meet my exact needs.  The decision to continue and complete my education with you has been wonderful.   

In conclusion, I have mentioned only a few of the many blessings of Senior Chair Yoga, they are endless.  Although I am guiding the class, my students are my teachers.  I take none of the praise, I give all glory to God.

Carol Martin teaches Yoga classes in St. Ann, Missouri.

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Posted in Chair Yoga, Guest Authors, yoga for seniors | 2 Comments »

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