Yoga Teacher Training Forum

An important aspect of teaching yoga is for an instructor to understand how to modify the postures for any students with medical or mobility issues. Asana practice is valuable exercise for a variety of age groups, including children and senior citizens. However, an individual who must sit during their routines must use different postures and movements. In addition, individuals with balancing or vision problems must use caution while performing certain poses. It is also possible for a student to have a temporary health condition such as pregnancy or recovering from surgery that restricts their yoga routines. 

Tips For Adjusting an Asana for a Student

1: Make Sure to Have a Medical Clearance Form

If you want to protect your students during a yoga class, then make sure to have a medical clearance form on file. To help you plan an adjusted routine, this document should list a student’s limitations such as a back or knee injury. 

2: Show a Student How to Adjust a Posture 

It is important to have a one-on-one session with a student who needs to use specialized yoga poses and movements. After the student has a clear understanding of how to perform a posture, they can participate with other students in a class. 

3: Keep New Students Near to You During a Class

Keep newer students near to you during a yoga class in order to monitor their progress. If a student is using a modified asana in the wrong way, then show them the proper movement or pose. It is important to help students who require yoga posture modifications in a way that is not embarrassing. 

4: Give Students Permission to Stop Their Yoga Routines

Your students should feel okay about stopping during a routine if they feel any discomfort or shortness of breath. Students who need to stop can sit in a relaxing asana on a mat or chair until they are ready to continue with the rest of the class. 

5: Provide Specialized Devices to Adapt Postures

To help the students who need to adjust their postures throughout a yoga routine, provide specialized devices. There are pillows and plastic devices that are formed into specific shapes to support the back, neck or knees to minimize a student’s discomfort while helping to prevent an injury to a joint or tendon.