This course is intended for anyone living with arthritis, movement limitations, or chronic pain. It provides information and instruction that help to make yoga more accessible. It can be done by anyone who is looking for a gentle introduction to yoga practices that may facilitate improved health and wellbeing. This course may also be of interest to yoga professionals who teach diverse students with different needs and limitations.
It includes lecture material, 4 full yoga classes designed for people with arthritis, a guided meditation, and a written manual with poses and variations for a range of abilities and limitations.
Participants will gain an understanding of how and why yoga can be useful for people with arthritis and the practical tools to begin exploring yoga at home. It is not necessary to do the practices from beginning to end. Feel free to do them in short segments or jump around to the parts of the practice that feel most relevant and useful.
(Please be sure to consult your doctor to find out whether any kinds of movement should be avoided. If any of the movements are too challenging or cause increased pain, skip them or find a way to adjust for greater ease and comfort. If any discomfort persists, be sure to tell your doctor.)
We hope that you find this course both informative and useful.
This course includes video, audio, and digital downloads. The yoga classes require a chair, a wall, a yoga mat, and additional props such as blocks and pillows. General household items can be used instead of formal yoga props. Some of the classes require students to get onto the floor and back up to standing. All instruction is provided in English.