Student Success in Chair Yoga
Just over a year and a half ago, I started teaching my grandma chair yoga. Right after I finished my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in December of 2024, she expressed that she always knew she should be doing yoga and wanted to start. Since traditional yoga on the floor wasn’t something her body could accommodate, I adapted vinyasa poses so they could be done in a chair.
“I’ve been wanting to try yoga for the last 40 years, but I just haven’t made it a priority.”
As she’s gotten older (she just turned 84!), her body has started to show its age by presenting with arthritis, more limited mobility and lessened grip strength. Her goal from the beginning was to become more mindful, being the matriarch of the family has its stressors, and increase strength and mobility while lessening pain in her arthritic joints.
Since those first few classes, we’ve ironed out some of the quirks and have started a practice that’s been really beneficial for her. In July, I travelled to Minnesota to become a certified chair yoga instructor. Taking a course that was specific to chair yoga taught me new ways of teaching to a variety of abilities so I’ve been able to cater our practices to her needs even more. Through our weekly classes, she’s learned different movements that she can do on her own, in between our classes. She can now do things that she hasn’t been able to do in years, like raising her arms above her head, crossing her legs and she has less neck and shoulder pain. Yoga has given back her youth and mobility in an empowering way that medications and physical therapy has done for her in the past. She is less willing to jump to anger and stress while being able to accept what may come. She tells me time and time again, “that is exactly what I needed. If only I had started sooner.” She has taught me not to wait to start doing something that is good for me and the importance of starting young.
While the needs of her aging body continue to change based off of mental needs and physical demands, we’re adapting how and what she is practicing during our weekly sessions. Now, her goal is to sustain the range of motion she has gained and continue to feel mindful in her day-to-day experiences. We both feel so lucky to be able to practice yoga together. I get to spend time with my grandma and help her do something for herself. She has always been so selfless and willing to help all of her family members; this is a small thing that I can do for her in return for all of the ways she has supported me throughout my life. Yoga has given both of us so much.
What has yoga given you?
If you would like to share your story about how yoga has affected you, respond to this newsletter with your story and maybe some pictures. Our yoga community is here to support you and others that may be experiencing similar things. Inspire others with YOUR story.
