Here at My Yoga Teacher, we truly do believe that yoga is for everyone. Every body. No matter the shape, size, fitness level.
But what about people with disabilities? Debilitating illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer?
How can these people, who may not have full use of their limbs, do yoga?
Our answer is, there’s a yoga for that.
When we say everyone can do yoga, we mean it. And when we say yoga benefits everyone, that’s the truth.
At My Yoga Teacher, we offer over 35 different types of yoga class, even chair yoga, which is a form of adaptive yoga we’ll be talking about here! If you haven’t checked out the amazing classes My Yoga Teacher offers, taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, we invite you to grab your 2-week free trial here! No credit card needed.
In the meantime, let’s talk about the rise of adaptive yoga for people who may not think (or feel) like yoga is for them.
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Adaptive yoga is a form of yoga that adapts the movements to a person’s physical abilities. While there are almost always excellent modifications to every yoga pose, there are still many people who aren’t able to benefit from yoga due to physical limitations.
It makes yoga accessible to all, whether seated, standing, or down on the floor.
This is why more and more yoga studios are creating adaptive yoga classes!
Common props for adaptive yoga are chairs, straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and even walls. These props are also used for many other types of yoga, but are imperative for people who want to practice yoga but are wheelchair bound, have prostheses, or suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses such as MS or cerebral palsy.
Instructors of adaptive yoga also realize that the poses aren’t everything. Breathing exercises and meditation remain an important part of any yoga practice, including this one!
Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States lives with a disability that majorly impacts their life?
If you are one of those people, we are here for you! If you’re not, we want to bring awareness to the topic of how yoga can positively impact special populations.
Because people with disabilities (physical or otherwise) are vastly underserved in the United States – and probably the world as a whole – it’s imperative that we make sure they have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. These populations are even more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, heart and lung disease, and compromised immune systems.
Adaptive yoga allows disabled people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to experience benefits such as:
This population wants the same things as anyone else! To feel and be healthier, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
One of the most popular forms of adaptive yoga is chair yoga. The chair is not only used as a prop for many forms of yoga, it’s often what keeps people with disabilities mobile and independent.
Also known as “wheelchair yoga,” chair yoga isn’t just for people in wheelchairs! It’s designed for anyone who struggles with practicing yoga standing up.
Here are some yoga poses that work well for people who need to sit or are unable to stand due to a disability:
Traditionally, this pose is practiced on hands and knees on a yoga mat. If you’re familiar with this pose, you’ll be able to easily implement it into your life while sitting as well!
Cat and cow pose is also beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time at a desk or who sit a lot in general for work.
If you’re unfamiliar with cat-cow stretch, have a look at the images below or join any of the classes on MYT! We also offer Chair Yoga for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries, so come check it out!
Just like Standing Forward Bend, this pose still stretches the lower back muscles, glutes, and hip flexors. While you won’t get the hamstring stretch that you would normally get with Standing Forward Bend, there are other adaptive yoga poses that we cover in class that do!
Chair Forward Bend also improves circulation and awakens the senses like the traditional version does as well.
Is there anything better than a good side stretch in the morning?
Believe it or not, extended side angle pose is very adaptable to various different disabilities. The image below is just one way you can modify this pose. And it feels oh so good to stretch out that rib cage and open the lungs when you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.
People confined to wheelchairs, beds, or sit a lot in general, often have problems with tightness in their hips and lower back.
That’s why pigeon pose is a great chair pose!
A note for paraplegics: You may want to recruit some assistance bringing your legs and feet into position for this pose. Remember, those muscles, tendons and ligaments still need to be stretched!
Many times, people who are chair or bed bound have digestive problems, trouble moving their bowels, and spinal issues. Twisting postures are great for alleviating tight back muscles and for getting the digestive system moving!
Plus, spinal twists can be done with no assistance at all. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push it further than it wants to go.
This adaptive yoga pose can be done lying on your back or sitting in a chair. It’s best done using a strap. For those who have little or no feeling in their legs, this pose is an important stretch to help maintain muscles, which can easily atrophy if left immobile for long periods of time.
Single Leg Stretches also release tension in the lower back, hips, and hamstrings!
There are many other adaptive yoga poses for people with disabilities. There are even yoga classes that help strengthen, tone, and lengthen the muscles for yogis who suffer from debilitating illnesses.
Special populations need just as many, if not more, tools to help them cope with the effects of their illness or injury. Every aspect of their daily life can be affected by their disability, causing physical, emotional, and mental harm.
Adaptive yoga is an excellent tool for those people to alleviate the stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval that comes from their disability.
We hope you’ll join us at My Yoga Teacher for one of the many classes offered for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability levels! If you haven’t checked us out yet, get your 2-week free trial here and join us on the mat, from a chair, or wherever you are able!
Namaste.
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{"slug":"adaptive-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps. Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl9p94kd7jqju0bk8jd63p38z","slug":"get-together-goa-2022","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"MyYogaTeacher Get Together in Goa – 2022","createdAt":"2022-10-26T06:24:30.993627+00:00","coverUrl":"mir0nb2aj5flsxgq1poi.jpg","content":{"text":"WOW, Goa with our teachers, staff, and a few members was SO MUCH FUN!!\\n\n\\nPeople have been reaching out for pics and stories, so I thought I'd share \\nthe highlights here\\n. Also, you can follow us \\non\\n Facebook\\n or \\nInstagram\\n, we have more great pictures and short videos\\n there.\\nDecompressing from Travel - Massage & Sound Healing\n\\n\\n\\n\n\\nAfter planes and taxis to Goa, we were all ready to start relaxing and enjoying ourselves. We arrived to a host of masseurs giving us foot and shoulder massages. After that, \\nRohan\\n and \\nStuti\\n led us in a BEAUTIFUL sound healing ceremony. It \\nmelted away any tensions\\n from the travels and started the MyYogaTeacher Get-Together on the right foot!\\n\\nWelcome Ceremony\\n\\n\\n\\nJitendra, CEO of MyYogaTeacher, welcomed everyone and shared the vision of our community – \\nmaking the world healthier and happier\\n. Every yoga session led by a teacher, every yoga session joined by a community member, brings more consciousness, peace, joy and health into the world.\\n\\nDrum Circle on the Beach\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nShivayogi\\n and his talented friends facilitated a drum circle. We were all given djembe drums and many of us \\nspent the night drumming in (astonishingly) synchronous rhythm\\n, while others danced to the beat. Most people described it as a magical night.\\n\\nTai Chi to Start 2nd Day\\n\\n\\n\\nThe next morning, we woke up early and tired from the drum party that went late into the night. Kannan led us in a grounding and energizing Tai Chi session on the beach. We learned to \\nstay rooted and firm in the earth, while fluid and supple in our movement\\n. It woke us up and gave us a collective energy that took us laughing and chatting all the way through breakfast.\n\nOh, and breakfast at the resort was AMAZING!\\n\\nWater Sports & Pool Time\\n\\n\\n\\nThe afternoon was full of banana boat rides, parasailing, speed boating, and hanging out by the pool. It was a blast!\\n\\nAward Ceremony\\n\\n\\n\\nMy personal favorite part of the MyYogaTeacher Get-Together in Goa was the award ceremony. \n\\nWe recognized so many teachers and staff members individually - for all their \\ndedication and passion to making MyYogaTeacher the beautiful community of yogis that we've become\\n. Every single person, member, staff, and teacher has \\nmade MyYogaTeacher a place of healing, connection, joy, and collective evolution\\n. We are all so proud of what we're doing here together!\n\\nAfter recognizing teachers for milestones like 3,000 hours of teaching on the platform, giving out \"Buddha Award\" for employee of the year, and singing happy birthday to TWO of the event participants...\\n\\nWE DANCED\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe band played all the Bollywood hits from the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. I didn't fully understand it, I'm told it was nostalgic. But what I did see was an \\nentire room full of people swept up in a dancing frenzy\\n full of energy and joy. Everyone, and I mean E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E., even me, grooved on the dance floor, \\nsmiling, laughing, and jumping with infectious joy\\n. It was incredible! \\n\\nMorning Meditation\\n\\n\\n\\nAfter another late night of celebration - a beachside meditation led by \\nSandeep\\n was \\nthe perfect way to start the day\\n. Finding presence as the waves gently rumbled on the shore, we began our final day in Goa together.\\n\\nGoodbye Goa… for Now\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd finally, we said goodbye. Words and pictures can't capture this special experience, and don't do it justice. \n\\nI want to thank each and every teacher, member, and staff\\n who joined the event and made it the magical experience it was. I want to thank every one of us for being there in spirit and making MyYogaTeacher the incredible community of yogis that it has become.\\n\\nI hope you join us next year. The time and place isn't set yet. But we'll try to organize it with plenty of time for you to make travel plans. (COVID, rains in Bangalore, and other random events caused us to plan this event last minute).\\n\\nYou're invited to our next MyYogaTeacher Get-Together in India! (time and place TBD)."}},{"id":"ckkbfg4e05djn0c71cwzspefh","slug":"yin-yoga-for-back-pain","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"7 Yin Yoga Poses to Cure Back Pain","createdAt":"2021-01-24T17:40:03.942282+00:00","coverUrl":"ckkbfg4e05djn0c71cwzspefh_image_2.jpg","content":{"text":"There is honestly no pain like back pain.\\n\\nThat’s not to say back pain is the worst pain in the world, but it may seem that way to you, as it does to many people.\\n\\nEvery movement you make requires your back, and when it’s injured, tensed up, or spasming, all movements are painful movements.\\n\\nNot to mention the mental and emotional stress that accompanies pain.\\n\\nMany times, structural problems aren’t even the cause of back pain. Actually, stress and immune problems are the most common causes.\\n\\nIt is possible to cure back pain with yoga. Maybe not all back pain, but a lot of it.\\n\\nYin yoga is a slow practice of holding poses while encouraging your muscles to release and relax. It’s also a meditation practice to ease anxiety and stress due to the pain.\\n\\nThe Emotional Connection to Back Pain\\nOften, injury occurs due to unregulated emotions. We’re angry, sad, hurt, anxious, stressed. It affects our posture and how we move. And our body is out of alignment. We make more mistakes and don’t think clearly when we’re experiencing negative emotions.\\n\\nThe flip side of the coin is injuries and pain cause us to be more emotional.\\n\\nWhichever the case, the result is the same. Muscles around the injury spasm and contract to protect the weakened area, which results in pain.\\n\\nAnd the cycle of emotions from pain causes muscle tension which causes more pain. It’s a circle…\\nGood news though! There are plenty of yin yoga poses for back pain you can do to achieve relief.\\nWith that being said, we invite you to try the yin yoga for back pain poses below as a part of a regular yin yoga practice, specifically for lower back pain. Or check out \\nmyYogaTeacher’s Back Pain Program\\n for multiple classes and 3 free 1 on 1 sessions with an expert trainer!\\n[CTA-YIN]\\n1. Butterfly Pose\\n\\nButterfly pose is a common stretch for back pain. Used in many types of yoga practices, this pose also helps stretch and lengthen the neck and release the hip flexor muscles.\\n\\nIn a seated position, bring the bottoms of your feet together and let your knees fall open. Your heels should be a good distance from your body so that the opening between them is a diamond shape.\\n\\nSlowly round your back and fold gently into the pose. Hold for 1-5 minutes.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Caterpillar Pose\\nCaterpillar pose, aka seated forward bend. This pose is amazing for lengthening the ligaments that run along your spine, as well as your hamstrings. It also compresses your abdomen, aiding in digestion. Bonus.\\n\\nIn a seated position, stretch your legs out straight in front of you, fold forward from your hips. Round your back slowly and drop your head. Allow your legs to relax and your feet to fall inward or outward. Hold for 3-5 minutes.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Sphinx Pose\\n\\nIf you’re someone who sits a lot or has issues with the curvature of your lower spine, this pose is the one for you. Sphinx pose opens up your chest, lungs, and stretches your lower back. It is also a great pose to replace Cobra Pose if you have weak or sore wrists.\\n\\nLay on your belly with legs straight out behind you, tops of feet stretching out against the floor. Rotate your thighs inwardly by rotating your outer thighs towards the floor. This will help broaden out your back and open the sacrum. \\n\\nThen, set your elbows on the floor underneath your shoulders, forearms out and parallel to each other. Palms flat on the floor. Draw your lower belly away from the floor slightly and gently.\\n\\nHold pose for 1-3 minutes. (See headline image for reference!)\\n\\n4. Banana Pose\\n\\nBanana pose is kind of a whimsical pose that stretches and lengthens the superficial muscles of the lower back and deep back muscles. The goal is to improve shoulder mobility and cure lower back pain.\\n\\nLying flat on your back, legs outstretched, reach your arms above your head and stretch them out towards the wall behind you. Take one hand and grab the wrist of the other arm and pull gently.\\n\\nMove the leg on the same side as the wrist you're grabbing and move it towards the outer corner of your mat. Take the other leg and move it towards the center of the mat and cross your ankle over that of the other one.\\n\\nSo you’ll look like a...banana! Hold for 3-5 minutes.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n5. Reclining Twists\\n\\nReclining twists are perfect for releasing tension in the lower back and stretching out the hip and gluteal muscles. Don’t underestimate this common pose used in many post exercise routines by people everywhere!\\n\\nBegin by lying flat on your back. Bring your knees to your chest and stretch your arms out in a T, palms up facing the ceiling. Inhale and release your knees over to one side as you exhale. Lengthen your spine down towards the ground. Press your shoulder blades down towards the floor. Hold this pose on each side for 1-5 minutes.\\n\\nIf this yin yoga for back pain pose is too intense using both legs, try extending one leg out and down towards (or onto the floor). Or, if your bottom knee doesn’t reach the ground, try putting a block or blanket.\\nYou'll definitely feel relief from your lower back pain after completing both sides of this pose!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Eye of the Needle Pose\\n\\nThis is a nice, deep hip opening pose that releases tension in the lower back. Spend some time with this pose on each side. You’ll feel the difference in your back after this yin yoga pose!\\n\\nLay flat on your back, knees up, feet flat on the floor. Cross the right ankle over your left knee, creating a figure four. Lift your left knee up towards your chest and reach through the figure four with your right hand. Reach your left hand around your left thigh and grab your right hand or wrist.\\n\\nBe sure to keep your head on the floor or place a pillow under your head for more comfort! Hold this pose 1-5 minutes on each side.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n7. Child's Pose\\n\\nEnjoy the deep relaxation and meditation of prayer pose. This yin yoga for back pain pose is adaptable for all levels of fitness and is an excellent stretch for lower back pain.\\n\\nFeel free to use a block, pillow or blanket under your forehead if you aren’t able to rest it comfortably on the floor.\\n\\n\\n\\nThere are many ways to relieve back pain with yoga. Yin yoga is one of the best ways because you spend time in each pose relaxing, breathing, meditating. You become more aware of where you’re holding tension in your body and you’re better able to release it. The meditation aspect also reduces depression, anxiety, and stress. Which is better for your body, including your back.\\n\\nNeed more yin yoga poses than what we’ve provided here? \\nWe invite you to take part of our Back Pain Program, where you’ll get 2 weeks of unlimited group classes.\\nClasses like Yoga for Back Pain, Yin Yoga, Yoga for Core Strengthening, \\nGentle Yoga\\n, and Chair Yoga. \nCheck out our latest article on \\n5 Yin Yoga Poses to Loosen Up Hips\\n\n\nAlso, we feel the best way to relieve back pain through yoga is by working 1 on 1 with a specialized trainer. That’s why with our Back Pain Program, you’ll get 3 free 1 on 1 sessions (a $300 value at any studio)! Learn more about our program here! \\n"}},{"id":"ckjzsnznc20t50a348322km3t","slug":"yoga-back-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"6 Ways Yoga Provides Natural Back Pain Relief","createdAt":"2021-01-16T14:16:50.985153+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-cliff-booth-4056723.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’ve ever experienced any sort of back pain, you’ll know exactly how debilitating it can be. After all, your back and all its parts are what keeps all the rest of your body parts moving.\\n\\nWhether it’s from an injury, osteoporosis, \\narthritis\\n, muscle atrophy, job related, or due to poor core strength, back pain is...well, a pain.\\n\\nRelief from that sort of pain can be hard to come by and may require multiple types of treatment options.\\n\\nYoga for back pain is almost certainly a safe and good one. \\n\\nRestorative and recovery yoga poses can help alleviate ongoing back pain without you ever leaving your house (or spending any money).\\n\\nLet’s talk about how yoga can provide natural, safe pain relief.\\n\\n1. Yoga is mind-body therapy\\n\\nYoga isn’t just physical. It’s also mental. \\n\\nYoga movements are designed to bring harmony to your inner and outer self. By using your breath and moving through recovery yoga asanas, you will naturally release tension from many areas of your body, including your back. Those muscles will relax. And you will experience less pain.\\n\\nLess pain equals less stress because of the pain.\\n\\nAnd less stress creates an even more meditative, relaxed state. It’s like a circle where all the parts of your yoga practice work together for a common goal.\\n\\nPracticing yoga for back pain even a few minutes a day will create body awareness and help you notice where you’re holding tension that might be contributing to your discomfort.\\n\\n2. Tight hamstrings contribute to back pain\\n\\nYour legs may not be the first thing you think of being the cause of your pain, but often they are a big contributor to it. \\n\\nTightness in your hamstrings creates increased stress on your lower back and can lead to sciatica and lower back pain. Your hamstring muscles are attached from your hips, down the back of each thigh and stop behind your kneecaps.\\n\\nYoga is an excellent way to cure back pain that is a result of tight hamstrings!\\n\\nIf you sit for long periods of time or are primarily sedentary, your hamstrings are probably pretty tense and would benefit from a consistent yoga practice.\\n\\n3. A stronger core is key to back pain relief\\n\\nWe know you’ve heard it before, but we’re saying it again. Strong abdominal muscles are imperative to back health.\\n\\nThere’s a reason core strength is a part of almost any exercise regimen you hear or read about.\\n\\nWeak core muscles mean your back and spine are doing all the heavy lifting to keep your body upright. Over time, this puts a ton of undue stress on your back causing...you guessed it. Back pain. Or even i\\nnjury\\n.\\n\\nThe good news is yoga isn’t just about stretching. It’s about strengthening and toning. As a matter of fact, increasing core strength is an integral part of almost any yoga class. \\n\\nYou don’t have to do an endless number of monotonous crunches to develop excellent core strength.\\n\\nYoga combines poses and breathwork that require you to use your core muscles consistently throughout the flows.\\n\\n4. Sleep better, hurt less\\n\\nHave you ever done a nice calming yoga practice before bed? If you have, you’ll understand why we believe a yoga for back pain session will help you sleep better.\\n\\nWhen you sleep, your brain and body recover from the stress and tension of the day. That’s kind of the point. But if you’re in pain, it’s hard to sleep. And if you’re not sleeping well, your body (and back) aren’t healing.\\n\\nIt’s a vicious cycle.\\n\\nWe encourage you to seek out a nice, calm, meditative yin yoga practice with a focus on relieving back pain and make it a part of your nightly routine. \\n\\n5. Yoga releases endorphins\\n\\nIf you’re not familiar with endorphins, they are the feel good chemicals that are released into your body when you exercise, get excited about something, or eat something yummy!\\n\\nEndorphins have also been shown to block pain signals from entering your brain. They help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to back pain. So it makes sense that doing things that release this important hormone as much as possible will benefit you.\\n\\nYoga is one of those things. There is nothing like finishing your yoga practice in corpse pose and experiencing that natural and safe high that comes from the release of all the tension in your body.\\n\\nNot to mention, yoga is probably THE safest and most natural way to relieve back pain. \\n\\n6. Happiness is a pain killer\\n\\nHave you ever noticed when you’re happy, you don’t notice pain as much? That’s because your pain levels are probably lower.\\n\\nBeing unhappy affects your mental, physical, and (obviously) emotional health. Relationships, immunity, gut health, pain levels. Unhappiness makes focusing on tasks and making good decisions harder.\\n\\nIt just wreaks havoc on your life.\\n\\nAny kind of physical pain detracts from you happiness. We’ve already discussed how stretching, toning, meditating, and sleeping reduce stress on your back and body, and provides pain relief. Which, in turn, will make you happier.\\n\\nHowever, a consistent regular yoga practice is just...well, fun. It’s an activity that just feels good. \\n\\nDoing activities that make you happy are, themselves, helpful for pain relief!\\n\\n\\nThis isn’t an exhaustive list of how yoga cures back pain. It’s just the beginning! Yoga is safe for all ages, all fitness levels and can be practiced almost anywhere you feel comfortable. And while it’s not a cure all for every ache, pain, or injury you may have, it certainly is an excellent way to help you feel better fast.\\n\\nAre you looking for the perfect yoga class to ease your back pain? Free yourself from discomfort with myYogaTeacher’s experienced yoga instructors. They have a long history of success! You can \\nget your free trial here!\\n No credit card required!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"ckmw44kt43y1k0c8107r78vo7","slug":"chair-yoga-practice","author":{"name":"Gourangi","teacherMytSlug":"gourangi-1","pictureUrl":"Gourangi-1.jpg"},"title":"7 Best Chair Yoga Poses To Practice Anywhere (Benefits & Complete Guide)","createdAt":"2021-03-30T14:25:43.568064+00:00","coverUrl":"chair_yoga_ckmw44kt43y1k0c8107r78vo7.png","content":{"text":"If you have mobility or balance issues or are just looking for a gentle way to practice yoga, chair yoga poses might be just what you're looking for! Chair yoga is a great way to bring yoga into your life even if you need a bit more support for your body in your practice. In this article, I'm going to share more information about what chair yoga is, its benefits, contraindications, and wrap up with some real life chair yoga poses to get you started with chair yoga.\\n\\nWhat Is Chair Yoga?\\nChair yoga is an inclusive practice that utilizes a chair as a supportive tool in modified yoga poses. This form of yoga is ideal for individuals of all ages, abilities, and physical limitations, including those with injuries, flexibility challenges, or mobility restrictions. \\nThe focus of chair yoga is to perform traditional yoga postures, known as asanas, while seated, providing stability and balance during the practice. The chair serves as an aid in maintaining balance in both standing and floor-based postures\\n\\nChair Yoga Benefits\\nChair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be beneficial for individuals of all ages and physical abilities. Let's take a closer look at the benefits mentioned in the content:\\nImproved strength, balance, and flexibility\\n: By performing various poses while seated or using the chair as a support tool, chair yoga can help improve overall strength, balance, and flexibility. This is especially helpful for individuals who may have difficulty with traditional yoga postures due to physical limitations.\\nReduced stress\\n: Like other forms of yoga, chair yoga incorporates deep breathing and mindfulness, which can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.\\nImproved focus, awareness, and confidence\\n: Chair yoga can help individuals improve focus and become more aware of their bodies and movements, leading to increased confidence in their physical abilities.\\nLess physical pain\\n: By performing modified yoga poses in a supportive environment, chair yoga can help reduce physical discomfort and improve overall physical health.\\n\\nOverall, chair yoga is a gentle, yet effective practice that can offer a wide range of benefits to individuals of all ages and physical abilities.\\nChair Yoga Contraindications\\nWhile chair yoga poses are gentle, there are still some contraindications or limiting factors that might keep you from participating in a chair yoga practice. Even though there are many benefits of chair yoga, ultimately, you should consult your physician if you're unsure whether you should be participating in chair yoga. Here are a few reasons you may not want to practice chair yoga:\\nRecent heart attack\\nRegular chest pains\\nAcute infection\\nIf you have high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, joint problems, or have had a hip replacement, please contact your doctor for approval.\\n\\n7 Best Chair Yoga Poses To Practice Anywhere\\nThere are a number of yoga poses that can be done seated or using a chair. Some of the poses we're including here will be greatly modified from their original form, but others are just slight modifications. Before you get started, make sure your chair (a sturdy chair with a back) is on a stable, non-slip surface so it doesn't move around with you.\\n\\n1. Seated Mountain Pose\\n\\nMountain Pose is a great chair yoga pose to start with. Take a seat on your chair with your feet flat on the floor and engage your core. Focus on your breath, taking a deep breath in as you lengthen your spine. On the exhale, ground yourself into the chair through your sit bones. Make sure the shoulders are rolled down and back and relax your arms at your sides. Stay here, focusing on your breathing and keeping your core gently engaged for a minute or so.\\n\\n2. Seated Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nSit in your chair with your feet firmly on the ground and your spine long and tall. Place your hands on your thighs, just above your knees. Inhale and tilt your pelvis forward, arching your lower back and lifting your heart towards the sky. On the exhale, round out your lower back, creating space between your shoulder blades and tucking your chin toward the chest. Repeat this sequence five times.\\n\\n3. Seated Chandrasana Pose\\n\\nChandrasana is a lateral bend that will help stretch the sides of your body. Start from a seated position in your chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor. On the inhale, reach both of your arms up toward the ceiling. Grab your left wrist with your right hand and stretch over to the right on the exhale. Inhale and come back to center. Next, grab your right wrist with your left hand and stretch over to the left on the exhale. Inhale back to center. Repeat this sequence five times.\\n\\n4. Seated Uttanasana Pose\\n\\nUttanasana is a forward fold that lengthens the back of the body. If you have high blood pressure, do not let your head drop below your knees.\\nFrom a seated position, bring your hands to your thighs, just above your knees. Keep your bottom grounded on your chair and fold forward until you can rest your elbows on your thighs. If you'd like, you can fold forward until your torso is resting on your thighs. Rest in this pose for about a minute and return to an upright seated position slowly.\\n\\n5. Seated Twist Pose\\n\\nTwists are great for creating space in your spine, improving blood flow, and aiding with digestion. From a seated position, inhale and sit up tall. On the exhale, bring your right hand across your left knee and your left hand behind you on the chair. Stay here for five breaths before inhaling back to the center and repeating on the other side.\\nIt's important to be gentle with your body in seated twists. Many people find it a lot easier to overdo these stretches so don't go as far as you possibly can, just go to where the twist feels comfortable.\\n\\n6. Down Dog with Chair\\n\\nDown dog is an excellent pose for strengthening your arms and core, lengthening the sides of your body and hamstrings, and building up your hip stabilizing muscles. Here we're going to use the chair as a prop.\\n\\nStand behind your chair with your hands on the back of it. Walk your feet a little farther from the chair, keeping your feet hip-distance apart. Your torso will begin to fold forward. Find a challenging position where you can still maintain even breaths and stay here for 5–10 breaths before slowly walking your feet back toward the chair.\\n\\n7. Chair Surya Namaskar (Chair Sun Salutation)\\n\\nYes, you can even do a sun salutation from a chair! No matter whether you’re doing chair yoga because of mobility issues, disabilities, or just need a break while seated at your desk, a seated sun salutation is a wonderful option.\\n\\nSit on your chair with your feet close together and join the palms together at your heart, namaste. Extend the spine and torso upwards while keeping your sit bones grounded on the chair. Close your eyes and begin breathing slowly and deeply. Stay here for at least six breaths.\\n\\nInhale, raising your arms above your head, keeping your palms together. Extend your arms beyond your head and shoulders and exhale completely, taking the gaze either up to the sky or straight in front of you. Stay here for four breaths.\\n\\nFrom here, exhale and bend forward at the hips, taking your hands down to the floor if you can and resting your torso on your thighs. Stay here for four breaths. If you have trouble breathing in this pose, feel free to place a cushion on your thighs.\\n\\nNow, inhale and come up, sitting straight up on your chair. Exhale. On the next inhale, raise your right leg up and hold the right thigh, bending your knee into your chest for a low lunge variation. Stay here for six breaths or more. If it feels nice, you can deepen this stretch, resting your nose on the knee of your bent leg, and hold the pose for another six breaths. Exhale your foot back down to the floor.\\n\\nOn the next inhale, raise your arms up over your head again, slightly arching your back, and stay here for six breaths. Once again, move into a forward fold and stay here for four breaths before repeating the low lunge variation on your other leg. Exhale your foot back down to the floor.\\n\\nInhale, raising your arms up over your head, arching your back, and stay in this pose for eight breaths this time. Exhale into a forward fold and stand for eight breaths. Bring your arms up over your head again, stretching deeper, and stay here for 10 breaths.\\n\\nRepeat the sun salutation sequence at least one more time. If you'd like, you can end your practice in Savasana with your legs bent and your lower legs resting on the seat of the chair.\\n\\nIncrease Strength, Flexibility, and Mental Focus With Chair Yoga\\nOne of the biggest chair yoga benefits is that it consists of modified poses that are done while seated or using a chair as a prop for support and stability. This type of yoga has many of the same benefits as other more traditional types of yoga and is the perfect option for people with mobility issues, injuries, or other health concerns.\\n\\nInterested in trying chair yoga? \\nSign up for a free two-week trial of MyYogaTeacher\\n and join me in my next class! You'll get access to more than 35 live yoga classes every single day, from chair yoga to power yoga to meditation and beyond."}},{"id":"clbuw5g08lm6z09kb5z7ov6xy","slug":"yoga-for-hypertension","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Hypertension: 5 Yoga Asanas to Lower Your Blood Pressure","createdAt":"2022-12-19T14:27:18.678542+00:00","coverUrl":"nlkokdgzajyx8iqo77r6.jpg","content":{"text":"Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that can affect your arteries. Nearly one in three people experience hypertension each year. Since yoga is great for calming the body, it’s great to help you regulate your blood pressure. A regular yoga practice is shown to lower blood pressure naturally over time. According to Yoga Journal, A recent study tested the use of yoga three times a week for people being treated for high blood pressure. The results showed those who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in their blood pressure compared to those who did not. Ready to add yoga into your routine to balance your health? \\nJoin us for a class on our online platform!\\n\\nWhy is Yoga Good for People with Hypertension?\\nBecause we practice deep breathing in yoga, and we give the body permission to “slow down”, our blood pressure will lower while we’re on our mat and long after. While yoga makes us more flexible in life and our body, the same goes for our arteries. Yoga will make our blood vessels more flexible which lowers your risk of hypertension as well as long term effects. If you’re looking to reduce meds and try something more natural, a regular yoga practice is shown to reduce blood pressure by about three to five points.\\n\n\\n5 Yoga Asanas to Lower Blood Pressure\\n1. Child's Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nThis relaxing asana provides a chance to slow down and breathe deeply while also releasing stress and tension from the hips and back. \\n\\n2. Bound angle (Baddha Konasana)\\n\\nThis hip opener helps with blood flow by increasing circulation.\\n\\n3. Seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana)\\n\\nThis pose promotes calmness as all forward bends because your spine controls your body’s nervous system. \\n\\n4. Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\n\\nThis powerhouse pose regulates blood pressure as well as opening the lungs and your heart chamber. \\n\\n5. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nNever skip this resting pose. After a long day of our busy lives, savasana gives us the opportunity to slow down, breath deep and release all our tension and stress. \\n\\nOther Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure\\nAyurveda, an alternative medicine system that’s closely related to yoga suggest lifestyle changes to improve hypertension. Some of which include waking up with the sun, morning movement (like a walk or yoga), gargling warm water and sesame oil, and different combinations of herbs like thyme, ginger and garlic you can add to your meals. \\nCut back on “bad habits”. Reduce your salt intake, limit your alcohol and quit smoking.\\nBe conscious of your rest time. Getting a good night’s sleep can help lower your blood pressure. Aim for a bedtime and try to keep your sleep on track\\nPractice breathwork (pranayama) to reduce stress.You cannot control the world around you, but you can always control your breathing. Adding breathwork practices into your day can help you lower your blood pressure and remain calm in stressful situations. \\nSukha Pranayama \\nis the breath practice most commonly used with patients with hypertension. “To perform this pranayama, sit with the eyes closed and spine straight as in padmasana or sukhasana. After a few normal breaths, inhale slowly for six counts, hold for six counts, exhale slowly for six counts and hold the breath for six counts. This is one round. Complete six to nine rounds then relax for at least five minutes.”-Yogapedia \\n\n\\nWhat type of yoga should I take to balance my blood pressure?\\nWhen choosing a class to take, you want to pick the right class for your condition. These styles will help you slow down your breath and calm the body so you can reduce anxiety to lower your blood pressure naturally. Join us for class to relax and restore.\\n\\nGentle Yoga\\n. In this class you’ll move slowly through asanas taking time for meditation and breathwork. \\n\\nRestorative\\n. This class is great for anyone suffering from any chronic pain or illness. With the help of props, you will hold 4-6 poses throughout the practice which will reduce stress, pain and fatigue. \\n\\nTotal body Yin\\n. This slow meditative practice is a great way to reset and restore. Need an escape from the mundane? Try this class if you’re looking to take a journey on your mat. \n\\nStudies show just 10 minutes of deep breathing can reduce your blood pressure. So grab your mat and join us for a class! The benefits will be long lasting! Ready to get started? Grab your \\nfree two week trial now\\n & join us for hundreds of classes, 1-on-1 sessions events and mor\\n"}},{"id":"clas104kemz1o0bimrwa5ir7s","slug":"yoga-gift-card","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Reasons To Give The Gift Of Yoga This Holiday Season","createdAt":"2022-11-22T09:40:07.784715+00:00","coverUrl":"eomsfhhpzm6rc4ndnem3.jpg","content":{"text":"As the holiday season takes off, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. Trying to be unique or give something that stands out can be difficult. But yoga is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves. Helping them to create space and routine they may not have otherwise. Thinking of giving a \\nMyYogaTeacher gift card\\n for the holidays? There's so many reasons to give the gift of yoga and mindfulness this season! If you’re a yogi, you know the many benefits of yoga and how helpful it is to your day to day life! But maybe there’s someone in your life who has yet to discover the gift of yoga! \n\n\\nHere are the top 10 reasons to give the gift of yoga to someone you love. \\n It’s good for the environment!\\n Gifting a virtual gift card means no wrapping paper. Even if your recipient lives overseas it’s easy to just email the gift right to their inbox!\\nIt promotes self-care! \\nWhen you give the gift of yoga, you’re giving someone you love the chance to take time out of their busy schedule to practice self-care and self love. It’s such a beautiful way to show gratitude to those around us. \\nIt becomes a routine. \\nDid you know it takes 21 days to build a habit? When you give the gift of a month with \\nMyYogaTeacher \\nto someone, it will become part of their routine and lifestyle. And they’ll be grateful you gave them such a beautiful gift. Which brings us to the next reason….\\n \\nYoga creates a community. \\nFor those of us who are still working from home or may live far from those we love, MyYogaTeacher’s online classes give us a chance to create a yoga community while staying home. We look forward to our weekly classes with expert teachers and the friends we make along the way. \\n It’s good for the body! \\nUsually around the holidays we tend to indulge in the name of celebration. Yoga is a great way to balance out celebrating with mindful movement. \\n \\nIt will last long after the holidays.\\n A lot of times, we buy gifts for the moment and the facade wears off quickly. Rather than another useless gadget, yoga gives you the opportunity to learn something new. \\n Yoga can jumpstart your New Year’s goals! \\nMost of us start our fitness goals after the holiday rush. But by giving the gift of yoga, you give your loved ones a leg up on the gym game! \\n If you’re a member, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together. \\nPurchasing a gift card for a friend or family member means you can take classes together even if you’re apart! \\nYoga improves your outlook. \\nIf your loved one has had a tough year or is moving through a hard season in their life, yoga is a great way to increase happiness and overall outlook by introducing them to a mindful practice.\\n It relieves the effects of holiday stress. \\nBetween the shopping, parties and traffic, the holiday season can be \\nvery stressful\\n. Giving the gift of yoga to a stressed out holiday shopper could be just what they need to reset for the end of the year. \\n\n\\nA\\n giftcard to our virtual yoga platform\\n is great for so many people! Having a hard time knowing if it’s right for your recipient? Here’s our top five list! \\nFor that special someone who needs to relax.\\nFor someone in recovery from an injury.\\nFor someone who loves to workout.\\nFor the college student or teacher on holiday break.\\nFor a busy parent. \\nHead over to our website to grab your \\ngift cards\\n so you can do yoga with someone special in your life this holiday season. \\n"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"cktbyfw409yaw0b18awn8495v","slug":"adaptive-yoga","author":{"name":"will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Is Yoga Really for Everyone? The Rise of Adaptive Yoga","createdAt":"2021-09-08T20:29:06.220722+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-03-22T16:33:19.322263+00:00","coverUrl":"ipte1rudiwbacuhs68wr.jpg","seoDescription":"What is adaptive yoga? Learn about how yoga can be adapted for anyone and everyone in this article. Then modify your own yoga practice!","content":{"text":"Here at My Yoga Teacher, we truly do believe that yoga is for everyone. Every body. No matter the shape, size, fitness level.\\nBut what about people with disabilities? Debilitating illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer?\\nHow can these people, who may not have full use of their limbs, do yoga?\\nOur answer is, there’s a yoga for that.\\nWhen we say everyone can do yoga, we mean it. And when we say yoga benefits everyone, that’s the truth.\\nAt My Yoga Teacher, we offer over 35 different types of yoga class, even chair yoga, which is a form of adaptive yoga we’ll be talking about here! If you haven’t checked out the amazing classes My Yoga Teacher offers, taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, \\nwe invite you to grab your 2-week free trial here! No credit card needed.\\n\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about the rise of adaptive yoga for people who may not think (or feel) like yoga is for them.\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhat is adaptive yoga?\\nAdaptive yoga is a form of yoga that adapts the movements to a person’s physical abilities. While there are almost always excellent modifications to every yoga pose, there are still many people who aren’t able to benefit from yoga due to physical limitations.\\nIt makes yoga accessible to all, whether seated, standing, or down on the floor.\\nThis is why more and more yoga studios are creating adaptive yoga classes!\\nCommon props for adaptive yoga are chairs, straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and even walls. These props are also used for many other types of yoga, but are imperative for people who want to practice yoga but are wheelchair bound, have prostheses, or suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses such as MS or cerebral palsy.\\nInstructors of adaptive yoga also realize that the poses aren’t everything. Breathing exercises and meditation remain an important part of any yoga practice, including this one!\\nThe effects of yoga on special populations\\nDid you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States lives with a disability that majorly impacts their life?\\nIf you are one of those people, we are here for you! If you’re not, we want to bring awareness to the topic of how yoga can positively impact special populations.\\nBecause people with disabilities (physical or otherwise) are vastly underserved in the United States – and probably the world as a whole – it’s imperative that we make sure they have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. These populations are even more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, heart and lung disease, and compromised immune systems.\\nAdaptive yoga allows disabled people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to experience benefits such as:\\nRelief from anxiety\\nImproved symptoms of depression\\nMore strength in mobile muscle groups\\nBetter mobility\\nImproved heart and lung function\\nImproved immune health\\nThis population wants the same things as anyone else! To feel and be healthier, mentally, physically, and emotionally.\\nAdaptive yoga poses for the disabled\\nOne of the most popular forms of adaptive yoga is chair yoga. The chair is not only used as a prop for many forms of yoga, it’s often what keeps people with disabilities mobile and independent.\\nAlso known as “wheelchair yoga,” chair yoga isn’t just for people in wheelchairs! It’s designed for anyone who struggles with practicing yoga standing up.\\nHere are some yoga poses that work well for people who need to sit or are unable to stand due to a disability:\\nCat-Cow Stretch\\nTraditionally, this pose is practiced on hands and knees on a yoga mat. If you’re familiar with this pose, you’ll be able to easily implement it into your life while sitting as well!\\nCat and cow pose is also beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time at a desk or who sit a lot in general for work.\\nIf you’re unfamiliar with cat-cow stretch, have a look at the images below or join any of the classes on MYT! We also offer Chair Yoga for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries, so come check it out!\\n\\n\\nChair Forward Bend\\nJust like Standing Forward Bend, this pose still stretches the lower back muscles, glutes, and hip flexors. While you won’t get the hamstring stretch that you would normally get with Standing Forward Bend, there are other adaptive yoga poses that we cover in class that do!\\nChair Forward Bend also improves circulation and awakens the senses like the traditional version does as well.\\n\\n\\nExtended Side Angle Pose\\nIs there anything better than a good side stretch in the morning?\\nBelieve it or not, extended side angle pose is very adaptable to various different disabilities. The image below is just one way you can modify this pose. And it feels oh so good to stretch out that rib cage and open the lungs when you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.\\n\\n\\nChair Pigeon Pose\\nPeople confined to wheelchairs, beds, or sit a lot in general, often have problems with tightness in their hips and lower back. \\nThat’s why pigeon pose is a great chair pose! \\nA note for paraplegics: You may want to recruit some assistance bringing your legs and feet into position for this pose. Remember, those muscles, tendons and ligaments still need to be stretched!\\n\\n\\nSitting Spinal Twist\\nMany times, people who are chair or bed bound have digestive problems, trouble moving their bowels, and spinal issues. Twisting postures are great for alleviating tight back muscles and for getting the digestive system moving!\\nPlus, spinal twists can be done with no assistance at all. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push it further than it wants to go.\\n\\n\\nSingle Leg Stretch\\nThis adaptive yoga pose can be done lying on your back or sitting in a chair. It’s best done using a strap. For those who have little or no feeling in their legs, this pose is an important stretch to help maintain muscles, which can easily atrophy if left immobile for long periods of time.\\nSingle Leg Stretches also release tension in the lower back, hips, and hamstrings!\\n\\n\\nThere are many other adaptive yoga poses for people with disabilities. There are even yoga classes that help strengthen, tone, and lengthen the muscles for yogis who suffer from debilitating illnesses.\\nSpecial populations need just as many, if not more, tools to help them cope with the effects of their illness or injury. Every aspect of their daily life can be affected by their disability, causing physical, emotional, and mental harm.\\nAdaptive yoga is an excellent tool for those people to alleviate the stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval that comes from their disability.\\nWe hope you’ll join us at My Yoga Teacher for one of the many classes offered for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability levels! If you haven’t checked us out yet, \\nget your 2-week free trial here\\n and join us on the mat, from a chair, or wherever you are able!\\nNamaste.","html":"<p>Here at My Yoga Teacher, we truly do believe that yoga is for everyone. Every body. No matter the shape, size, fitness level.</p><p>But what about people with disabilities? Debilitating illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer?</p><p>How can these people, who may not have full use of their limbs, do yoga?</p><p>Our answer is, there’s a yoga for that.</p><p>When we say everyone can do yoga, we mean it. And when we say yoga benefits everyone, that’s the truth.</p><p>At My Yoga Teacher, we offer over 35 different types of yoga class, even chair yoga, which is a form of adaptive yoga we’ll be talking about here! If you haven’t checked out the amazing classes My Yoga Teacher offers, taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>we invite you to grab your 2-week free trial here! No credit card needed.</u></a></p><p>In the meantime, let’s talk about the rise of adaptive yoga for people who may not think (or feel) like yoga is for them.<br></p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><h2>What is adaptive yoga?</h2><p>Adaptive yoga is a form of yoga that adapts the movements to a person’s physical abilities. While there are almost always excellent modifications to every yoga pose, there are still many people who aren’t able to benefit from yoga due to physical limitations.</p><p>It makes yoga accessible to all, whether seated, standing, or down on the floor.</p><p>This is why more and more yoga studios are creating adaptive yoga classes!</p><p>Common props for adaptive yoga are chairs, straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and even walls. These props are also used for many other types of yoga, but are imperative for people who want to practice yoga but are wheelchair bound, have prostheses, or suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses such as MS or cerebral palsy.</p><p>Instructors of adaptive yoga also realize that the poses aren’t everything. Breathing exercises and meditation remain an important part of any yoga practice, including this one!</p><h2>The effects of yoga on special populations</h2><p>Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States lives with a disability that majorly impacts their life?</p><p>If you are one of those people, we are here for you! If you’re not, we want to bring awareness to the topic of how yoga can positively impact special populations.</p><p>Because people with disabilities (physical or otherwise) are vastly underserved in the United States – and probably the world as a whole – it’s imperative that we make sure they have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. These populations are even more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, heart and lung disease, and compromised immune systems.</p><p>Adaptive yoga allows disabled people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to experience benefits such as:</p><ul><li><div>Relief from anxiety</div></li><li><div>Improved symptoms of depression</div></li><li><div>More strength in mobile muscle groups</div></li><li><div>Better mobility</div></li><li><div>Improved heart and lung function</div></li><li><div>Improved immune health</div></li></ul><p>This population wants the same things as anyone else! To feel and be healthier, mentally, physically, and emotionally.</p><h2>Adaptive yoga poses for the disabled</h2><p>One of the most popular forms of adaptive yoga is chair yoga. The chair is not only used as a prop for many forms of yoga, it’s often what keeps people with disabilities mobile and independent.</p><p>Also known as “wheelchair yoga,” chair yoga isn’t just for people in wheelchairs! It’s designed for anyone who struggles with practicing yoga standing up.</p><p>Here are some yoga poses that work well for people who need to sit or are unable to stand due to a disability:</p><h3>Cat-Cow Stretch</h3><p>Traditionally, this pose is practiced on hands and knees on a yoga mat. If you’re familiar with this pose, you’ll be able to easily implement it into your life while sitting as well!</p><p>Cat and cow pose is also beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time at a desk or who sit a lot in general for work.</p><p>If you’re unfamiliar with cat-cow stretch, have a look at the images below or join any of the classes on MYT! We also offer Chair Yoga for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries, so come check it out!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/cdQQKU7iQMKUfGbobZ3h\" alt=\"ChairYoga.jpg\" title=\"ChairYoga.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"286\" /><h3>Chair Forward Bend</h3><p>Just like Standing Forward Bend, this pose still stretches the lower back muscles, glutes, and hip flexors. While you won’t get the hamstring stretch that you would normally get with Standing Forward Bend, there are other adaptive yoga poses that we cover in class that do!</p><p>Chair Forward Bend also improves circulation and awakens the senses like the traditional version does as well.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/SJzAnEdqTdqa9AdEYEb3\" alt=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\" title=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\" width=\"448\" height=\"268\" /><h3>Extended Side Angle Pose</h3><p>Is there anything better than a good side stretch in the morning?</p><p>Believe it or not, extended side angle pose is very adaptable to various different disabilities. The image below is just one way you can modify this pose. And it feels oh so good to stretch out that rib cage and open the lungs when you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/eumxoCraRLmrRUIusxyN\" alt=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\" title=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"782\" /><h3>Chair Pigeon Pose</h3><p>People confined to wheelchairs, beds, or sit a lot in general, often have problems with tightness in their hips and lower back. </p><p>That’s why pigeon pose is a great chair pose! </p><p>A note for paraplegics: You may want to recruit some assistance bringing your legs and feet into position for this pose. Remember, those muscles, tendons and ligaments still need to be stretched!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/H4IpqMiHT9ujDlMuTjDo\" alt=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\" title=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\" width=\"448\" height=\"268\" /><h3>Sitting Spinal Twist</h3><p>Many times, people who are chair or bed bound have digestive problems, trouble moving their bowels, and spinal issues. Twisting postures are great for alleviating tight back muscles and for getting the digestive system moving!</p><p>Plus, spinal twists can be done with no assistance at all. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push it further than it wants to go.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/Jg0uPk3RsW7hClVINRaC\" alt=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\" title=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\" width=\"872\" height=\"800\" /><h3>Single Leg Stretch</h3><p>This adaptive yoga pose can be done lying on your back or sitting in a chair. It’s best done using a strap. For those who have little or no feeling in their legs, this pose is an important stretch to help maintain muscles, which can easily atrophy if left immobile for long periods of time.</p><p>Single Leg Stretches also release tension in the lower back, hips, and hamstrings!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/0qVdZz25R46vEZOwmURU\" alt=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\" title=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\" width=\"778\" height=\"520\" /><p>There are many other adaptive yoga poses for people with disabilities. There are even yoga classes that help strengthen, tone, and lengthen the muscles for yogis who suffer from debilitating illnesses.</p><p>Special populations need just as many, if not more, tools to help them cope with the effects of their illness or injury. Every aspect of their daily life can be affected by their disability, causing physical, emotional, and mental harm.</p><p>Adaptive yoga is an excellent tool for those people to alleviate the stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval that comes from their disability.</p><p>We hope you’ll join us at My Yoga Teacher for one of the many classes offered for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability levels! If you haven’t checked us out yet, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>get your 2-week free trial here</u></a> and join us on the mat, from a chair, or wherever you are able!</p><p>Namaste.</p>"},"category":["yoga","fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Here at My Yoga Teacher, we truly do believe that yoga is for everyone. Every body. No matter the shape, size, fitness level.</p><p>But what about people with disabilities? Debilitating illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer?</p><p>How can these people, who may not have full use of their limbs, do yoga?</p><p>Our answer is, there’s a yoga for that.</p><p>When we say everyone can do yoga, we mean it. And when we say yoga benefits everyone, that’s the truth.</p><p>At My Yoga Teacher, we offer over 35 different types of yoga class, even chair yoga, which is a form of adaptive yoga we’ll be talking about here! If you haven’t checked out the amazing classes My Yoga Teacher offers, taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>we invite you to grab your 2-week free trial here! No credit card needed.</u></a></p><p>In the meantime, let’s talk about the rise of adaptive yoga for people who may not think (or feel) like yoga is for them.<br></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"},{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2>What is adaptive yoga?</h2><p>Adaptive yoga is a form of yoga that adapts the movements to a person’s physical abilities. While there are almost always excellent modifications to every yoga pose, there are still many people who aren’t able to benefit from yoga due to physical limitations.</p><p>It makes yoga accessible to all, whether seated, standing, or down on the floor.</p><p>This is why more and more yoga studios are creating adaptive yoga classes!</p><p>Common props for adaptive yoga are chairs, straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and even walls. These props are also used for many other types of yoga, but are imperative for people who want to practice yoga but are wheelchair bound, have prostheses, or suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses such as MS or cerebral palsy.</p><p>Instructors of adaptive yoga also realize that the poses aren’t everything. Breathing exercises and meditation remain an important part of any yoga practice, including this one!</p><h2>The effects of yoga on special populations</h2><p>Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States lives with a disability that majorly impacts their life?</p><p>If you are one of those people, we are here for you! If you’re not, we want to bring awareness to the topic of how yoga can positively impact special populations.</p><p>Because people with disabilities (physical or otherwise) are vastly underserved in the United States – and probably the world as a whole – it’s imperative that we make sure they have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. These populations are even more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, heart and lung disease, and compromised immune systems.</p><p>Adaptive yoga allows disabled people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to experience benefits such as:</p><ul><li><div>Relief from anxiety</div></li><li><div>Improved symptoms of depression</div></li><li><div>More strength in mobile muscle groups</div></li><li><div>Better mobility</div></li><li><div>Improved heart and lung function</div></li><li><div>Improved immune health</div></li></ul><p>This population wants the same things as anyone else! To feel and be healthier, mentally, physically, and emotionally.</p><h2>Adaptive yoga poses for the disabled</h2><p>One of the most popular forms of adaptive yoga is chair yoga. The chair is not only used as a prop for many forms of yoga, it’s often what keeps people with disabilities mobile and independent.</p><p>Also known as “wheelchair yoga,” chair yoga isn’t just for people in wheelchairs! It’s designed for anyone who struggles with practicing yoga standing up.</p><p>Here are some yoga poses that work well for people who need to sit or are unable to stand due to a disability:</p><h3>Cat-Cow Stretch</h3><p>Traditionally, this pose is practiced on hands and knees on a yoga mat. If you’re familiar with this pose, you’ll be able to easily implement it into your life while sitting as well!</p><p>Cat and cow pose is also beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time at a desk or who sit a lot in general for work.</p><p>If you’re unfamiliar with cat-cow stretch, have a look at the images below or join any of the classes on MYT! We also offer Chair Yoga for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries, so come check it out!</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/cdQQKU7iQMKUfGbobZ3h\" \n alt=\"ChairYoga.jpg\"\n title=\"ChairYoga.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/cdQQKU7iQMKUfGbobZ3h\"\n alt=\"ChairYoga.jpg\"\n title=\"ChairYoga.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/cdQQKU7iQMKUfGbobZ3h\"\n alt=\"ChairYoga.jpg\"\n title=\"ChairYoga.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h3>Chair Forward Bend</h3><p>Just like Standing Forward Bend, this pose still stretches the lower back muscles, glutes, and hip flexors. While you won’t get the hamstring stretch that you would normally get with Standing Forward Bend, there are other adaptive yoga poses that we cover in class that do!</p><p>Chair Forward Bend also improves circulation and awakens the senses like the traditional version does as well.</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/SJzAnEdqTdqa9AdEYEb3\" \n alt=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\"\n title=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/SJzAnEdqTdqa9AdEYEb3\"\n alt=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\"\n title=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/SJzAnEdqTdqa9AdEYEb3\"\n alt=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\"\n title=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h3>Extended Side Angle Pose</h3><p>Is there anything better than a good side stretch in the morning?</p><p>Believe it or not, extended side angle pose is very adaptable to various different disabilities. The image below is just one way you can modify this pose. And it feels oh so good to stretch out that rib cage and open the lungs when you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/eumxoCraRLmrRUIusxyN\" \n alt=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\"\n title=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/eumxoCraRLmrRUIusxyN\"\n alt=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\"\n title=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/eumxoCraRLmrRUIusxyN\"\n alt=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\"\n title=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h3>Chair Pigeon Pose</h3><p>People confined to wheelchairs, beds, or sit a lot in general, often have problems with tightness in their hips and lower back. </p><p>That’s why pigeon pose is a great chair pose! </p><p>A note for paraplegics: You may want to recruit some assistance bringing your legs and feet into position for this pose. Remember, those muscles, tendons and ligaments still need to be stretched!</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/H4IpqMiHT9ujDlMuTjDo\" \n alt=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\"\n title=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/H4IpqMiHT9ujDlMuTjDo\"\n alt=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\"\n title=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/H4IpqMiHT9ujDlMuTjDo\"\n alt=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\"\n title=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h3>Sitting Spinal Twist</h3><p>Many times, people who are chair or bed bound have digestive problems, trouble moving their bowels, and spinal issues. Twisting postures are great for alleviating tight back muscles and for getting the digestive system moving!</p><p>Plus, spinal twists can be done with no assistance at all. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push it further than it wants to go.</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/Jg0uPk3RsW7hClVINRaC\" \n alt=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\"\n title=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/Jg0uPk3RsW7hClVINRaC\"\n alt=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\"\n title=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/Jg0uPk3RsW7hClVINRaC\"\n alt=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\"\n title=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h3>Single Leg Stretch</h3><p>This adaptive yoga pose can be done lying on your back or sitting in a chair. It’s best done using a strap. For those who have little or no feeling in their legs, this pose is an important stretch to help maintain muscles, which can easily atrophy if left immobile for long periods of time.</p><p>Single Leg Stretches also release tension in the lower back, hips, and hamstrings!</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/0qVdZz25R46vEZOwmURU\" \n alt=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\"\n title=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/0qVdZz25R46vEZOwmURU\"\n alt=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\"\n title=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/0qVdZz25R46vEZOwmURU\"\n alt=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\"\n title=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>There are many other adaptive yoga poses for people with disabilities. There are even yoga classes that help strengthen, tone, and lengthen the muscles for yogis who suffer from debilitating illnesses.</p><p>Special populations need just as many, if not more, tools to help them cope with the effects of their illness or injury. Every aspect of their daily life can be affected by their disability, causing physical, emotional, and mental harm.</p><p>Adaptive yoga is an excellent tool for those people to alleviate the stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval that comes from their disability.</p><p>We hope you’ll join us at My Yoga Teacher for one of the many classes offered for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability levels! If you haven’t checked us out yet, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>get your 2-week free trial here</u></a> and join us on the mat, from a chair, or wherever you are able!</p><p>Namaste.</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"adaptive-yoga","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/adaptive-yoga","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"cktbyfw409yaw0b18awn8495v","slug":"adaptive-yoga","author":{"name":"will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Is Yoga Really for Everyone? The Rise of Adaptive Yoga","createdAt":"2021-09-08T20:29:06.220722+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-03-22T16:33:19.322263+00:00","coverUrl":"ipte1rudiwbacuhs68wr.jpg","seoDescription":"What is adaptive yoga? Learn about how yoga can be adapted for anyone and everyone in this article. Then modify your own yoga practice!","content":{"text":"Here at My Yoga Teacher, we truly do believe that yoga is for everyone. Every body. No matter the shape, size, fitness level.\\nBut what about people with disabilities? Debilitating illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer?\\nHow can these people, who may not have full use of their limbs, do yoga?\\nOur answer is, there’s a yoga for that.\\nWhen we say everyone can do yoga, we mean it. And when we say yoga benefits everyone, that’s the truth.\\nAt My Yoga Teacher, we offer over 35 different types of yoga class, even chair yoga, which is a form of adaptive yoga we’ll be talking about here! If you haven’t checked out the amazing classes My Yoga Teacher offers, taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, \\nwe invite you to grab your 2-week free trial here! No credit card needed.\\n\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about the rise of adaptive yoga for people who may not think (or feel) like yoga is for them.\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhat is adaptive yoga?\\nAdaptive yoga is a form of yoga that adapts the movements to a person’s physical abilities. While there are almost always excellent modifications to every yoga pose, there are still many people who aren’t able to benefit from yoga due to physical limitations.\\nIt makes yoga accessible to all, whether seated, standing, or down on the floor.\\nThis is why more and more yoga studios are creating adaptive yoga classes!\\nCommon props for adaptive yoga are chairs, straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and even walls. These props are also used for many other types of yoga, but are imperative for people who want to practice yoga but are wheelchair bound, have prostheses, or suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses such as MS or cerebral palsy.\\nInstructors of adaptive yoga also realize that the poses aren’t everything. Breathing exercises and meditation remain an important part of any yoga practice, including this one!\\nThe effects of yoga on special populations\\nDid you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States lives with a disability that majorly impacts their life?\\nIf you are one of those people, we are here for you! If you’re not, we want to bring awareness to the topic of how yoga can positively impact special populations.\\nBecause people with disabilities (physical or otherwise) are vastly underserved in the United States – and probably the world as a whole – it’s imperative that we make sure they have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. These populations are even more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, heart and lung disease, and compromised immune systems.\\nAdaptive yoga allows disabled people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to experience benefits such as:\\nRelief from anxiety\\nImproved symptoms of depression\\nMore strength in mobile muscle groups\\nBetter mobility\\nImproved heart and lung function\\nImproved immune health\\nThis population wants the same things as anyone else! To feel and be healthier, mentally, physically, and emotionally.\\nAdaptive yoga poses for the disabled\\nOne of the most popular forms of adaptive yoga is chair yoga. The chair is not only used as a prop for many forms of yoga, it’s often what keeps people with disabilities mobile and independent.\\nAlso known as “wheelchair yoga,” chair yoga isn’t just for people in wheelchairs! It’s designed for anyone who struggles with practicing yoga standing up.\\nHere are some yoga poses that work well for people who need to sit or are unable to stand due to a disability:\\nCat-Cow Stretch\\nTraditionally, this pose is practiced on hands and knees on a yoga mat. If you’re familiar with this pose, you’ll be able to easily implement it into your life while sitting as well!\\nCat and cow pose is also beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time at a desk or who sit a lot in general for work.\\nIf you’re unfamiliar with cat-cow stretch, have a look at the images below or join any of the classes on MYT! We also offer Chair Yoga for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries, so come check it out!\\n\\n\\nChair Forward Bend\\nJust like Standing Forward Bend, this pose still stretches the lower back muscles, glutes, and hip flexors. While you won’t get the hamstring stretch that you would normally get with Standing Forward Bend, there are other adaptive yoga poses that we cover in class that do!\\nChair Forward Bend also improves circulation and awakens the senses like the traditional version does as well.\\n\\n\\nExtended Side Angle Pose\\nIs there anything better than a good side stretch in the morning?\\nBelieve it or not, extended side angle pose is very adaptable to various different disabilities. The image below is just one way you can modify this pose. And it feels oh so good to stretch out that rib cage and open the lungs when you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.\\n\\n\\nChair Pigeon Pose\\nPeople confined to wheelchairs, beds, or sit a lot in general, often have problems with tightness in their hips and lower back. \\nThat’s why pigeon pose is a great chair pose! \\nA note for paraplegics: You may want to recruit some assistance bringing your legs and feet into position for this pose. Remember, those muscles, tendons and ligaments still need to be stretched!\\n\\n\\nSitting Spinal Twist\\nMany times, people who are chair or bed bound have digestive problems, trouble moving their bowels, and spinal issues. Twisting postures are great for alleviating tight back muscles and for getting the digestive system moving!\\nPlus, spinal twists can be done with no assistance at all. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push it further than it wants to go.\\n\\n\\nSingle Leg Stretch\\nThis adaptive yoga pose can be done lying on your back or sitting in a chair. It’s best done using a strap. For those who have little or no feeling in their legs, this pose is an important stretch to help maintain muscles, which can easily atrophy if left immobile for long periods of time.\\nSingle Leg Stretches also release tension in the lower back, hips, and hamstrings!\\n\\n\\nThere are many other adaptive yoga poses for people with disabilities. There are even yoga classes that help strengthen, tone, and lengthen the muscles for yogis who suffer from debilitating illnesses.\\nSpecial populations need just as many, if not more, tools to help them cope with the effects of their illness or injury. Every aspect of their daily life can be affected by their disability, causing physical, emotional, and mental harm.\\nAdaptive yoga is an excellent tool for those people to alleviate the stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval that comes from their disability.\\nWe hope you’ll join us at My Yoga Teacher for one of the many classes offered for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability levels! If you haven’t checked us out yet, \\nget your 2-week free trial here\\n and join us on the mat, from a chair, or wherever you are able!\\nNamaste.","html":"<p>Here at My Yoga Teacher, we truly do believe that yoga is for everyone. Every body. No matter the shape, size, fitness level.</p><p>But what about people with disabilities? Debilitating illnesses like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer?</p><p>How can these people, who may not have full use of their limbs, do yoga?</p><p>Our answer is, there’s a yoga for that.</p><p>When we say everyone can do yoga, we mean it. And when we say yoga benefits everyone, that’s the truth.</p><p>At My Yoga Teacher, we offer over 35 different types of yoga class, even chair yoga, which is a form of adaptive yoga we’ll be talking about here! If you haven’t checked out the amazing classes My Yoga Teacher offers, taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>we invite you to grab your 2-week free trial here! No credit card needed.</u></a></p><p>In the meantime, let’s talk about the rise of adaptive yoga for people who may not think (or feel) like yoga is for them.<br></p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><h2>What is adaptive yoga?</h2><p>Adaptive yoga is a form of yoga that adapts the movements to a person’s physical abilities. While there are almost always excellent modifications to every yoga pose, there are still many people who aren’t able to benefit from yoga due to physical limitations.</p><p>It makes yoga accessible to all, whether seated, standing, or down on the floor.</p><p>This is why more and more yoga studios are creating adaptive yoga classes!</p><p>Common props for adaptive yoga are chairs, straps, bolsters, blankets, blocks, and even walls. These props are also used for many other types of yoga, but are imperative for people who want to practice yoga but are wheelchair bound, have prostheses, or suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses such as MS or cerebral palsy.</p><p>Instructors of adaptive yoga also realize that the poses aren’t everything. Breathing exercises and meditation remain an important part of any yoga practice, including this one!</p><h2>The effects of yoga on special populations</h2><p>Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States lives with a disability that majorly impacts their life?</p><p>If you are one of those people, we are here for you! If you’re not, we want to bring awareness to the topic of how yoga can positively impact special populations.</p><p>Because people with disabilities (physical or otherwise) are vastly underserved in the United States – and probably the world as a whole – it’s imperative that we make sure they have the opportunity to experience the benefits of yoga. These populations are even more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, muscle atrophy, heart and lung disease, and compromised immune systems.</p><p>Adaptive yoga allows disabled people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to experience benefits such as:</p><ul><li><div>Relief from anxiety</div></li><li><div>Improved symptoms of depression</div></li><li><div>More strength in mobile muscle groups</div></li><li><div>Better mobility</div></li><li><div>Improved heart and lung function</div></li><li><div>Improved immune health</div></li></ul><p>This population wants the same things as anyone else! To feel and be healthier, mentally, physically, and emotionally.</p><h2>Adaptive yoga poses for the disabled</h2><p>One of the most popular forms of adaptive yoga is chair yoga. The chair is not only used as a prop for many forms of yoga, it’s often what keeps people with disabilities mobile and independent.</p><p>Also known as “wheelchair yoga,” chair yoga isn’t just for people in wheelchairs! It’s designed for anyone who struggles with practicing yoga standing up.</p><p>Here are some yoga poses that work well for people who need to sit or are unable to stand due to a disability:</p><h3>Cat-Cow Stretch</h3><p>Traditionally, this pose is practiced on hands and knees on a yoga mat. If you’re familiar with this pose, you’ll be able to easily implement it into your life while sitting as well!</p><p>Cat and cow pose is also beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time at a desk or who sit a lot in general for work.</p><p>If you’re unfamiliar with cat-cow stretch, have a look at the images below or join any of the classes on MYT! We also offer Chair Yoga for those who struggle with disabilities or injuries, so come check it out!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/cdQQKU7iQMKUfGbobZ3h\" alt=\"ChairYoga.jpg\" title=\"ChairYoga.jpg\" width=\"400\" height=\"286\" /><h3>Chair Forward Bend</h3><p>Just like Standing Forward Bend, this pose still stretches the lower back muscles, glutes, and hip flexors. While you won’t get the hamstring stretch that you would normally get with Standing Forward Bend, there are other adaptive yoga poses that we cover in class that do!</p><p>Chair Forward Bend also improves circulation and awakens the senses like the traditional version does as well.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/SJzAnEdqTdqa9AdEYEb3\" alt=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\" title=\"forward fold 448x268.jpg\" width=\"448\" height=\"268\" /><h3>Extended Side Angle Pose</h3><p>Is there anything better than a good side stretch in the morning?</p><p>Believe it or not, extended side angle pose is very adaptable to various different disabilities. The image below is just one way you can modify this pose. And it feels oh so good to stretch out that rib cage and open the lungs when you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/eumxoCraRLmrRUIusxyN\" alt=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\" title=\"DSC_0038-2sideangleoppside_210211_165549--720.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"782\" /><h3>Chair Pigeon Pose</h3><p>People confined to wheelchairs, beds, or sit a lot in general, often have problems with tightness in their hips and lower back. </p><p>That’s why pigeon pose is a great chair pose! </p><p>A note for paraplegics: You may want to recruit some assistance bringing your legs and feet into position for this pose. Remember, those muscles, tendons and ligaments still need to be stretched!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/H4IpqMiHT9ujDlMuTjDo\" alt=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\" title=\"hip opener 448x268.jpg\" width=\"448\" height=\"268\" /><h3>Sitting Spinal Twist</h3><p>Many times, people who are chair or bed bound have digestive problems, trouble moving their bowels, and spinal issues. Twisting postures are great for alleviating tight back muscles and for getting the digestive system moving!</p><p>Plus, spinal twists can be done with no assistance at all. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push it further than it wants to go.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/Jg0uPk3RsW7hClVINRaC\" alt=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\" title=\"img-9967_orig.jpg\" width=\"872\" height=\"800\" /><h3>Single Leg Stretch</h3><p>This adaptive yoga pose can be done lying on your back or sitting in a chair. It’s best done using a strap. For those who have little or no feeling in their legs, this pose is an important stretch to help maintain muscles, which can easily atrophy if left immobile for long periods of time.</p><p>Single Leg Stretches also release tension in the lower back, hips, and hamstrings!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/0qVdZz25R46vEZOwmURU\" alt=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\" title=\"f9e9eb22cf19b7a5d8f518b0c9f7d6d5-3.png\" width=\"778\" height=\"520\" /><p>There are many other adaptive yoga poses for people with disabilities. There are even yoga classes that help strengthen, tone, and lengthen the muscles for yogis who suffer from debilitating illnesses.</p><p>Special populations need just as many, if not more, tools to help them cope with the effects of their illness or injury. Every aspect of their daily life can be affected by their disability, causing physical, emotional, and mental harm.</p><p>Adaptive yoga is an excellent tool for those people to alleviate the stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional upheaval that comes from their disability.</p><p>We hope you’ll join us at My Yoga Teacher for one of the many classes offered for people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and ability levels! If you haven’t checked us out yet, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>get your 2-week free trial here</u></a> and join us on the mat, from a chair, or wherever you are able!</p><p>Namaste.</p>"},"category":["yoga","fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"4b9c8592-39a6-4441-8280-54094abc08ab","student_uuid":"5d7e7eaa-6d15-4f77-8f57-89e4f6f47a22","teacher_uuid":"481e299f-51d5-46d9-b643-09e6a3aa7c28","teacher_name":"Umesh Balavaradaraju","teacher_first_name":"Umesh","teacher_slug":"umesh-2","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1589549828/teacher/photos/sbx7hdb2bzbkpgvdqmiu.jpg","group_session_name":"Expressive Dance: Nritya and Yoga","group_session_description":"In Sanskrit, nritya means \"dance.\" Explore how your body best expresses itself in this session, a mix of contemporary dance movements, Indian-folk martial dance and yoga. 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