Adaptive Gentle/Chair Yoga Teacher Training

Program Description
The Adaptive Gentle/Chair Yoga Teacher Training provides a solid foundation for Yoga teachers to know how to adapt traditional Yoga asana for those students who may be limited in movement owing to age, illness, disability, or injury. Through the use of gentle assists, various props and mindful observations, the teacher will receive an overview of how to adapt and teach those students who have all types of limitations and age-related conditions; and how not to feel insecure when working with them.

This course prepares you, the teacher, to adapt, adjust, and accommodate the traditional Yoga class so that students of any age, shape, ability, or disability may enjoy the Hatha Yoga experience safely and comfortably.

Curriculum
Focus on asana (postures); how to adapt for various conditions/limitations
Learn how to work with props including wheelchairs and walkers
Review anatomy and physiology as it relates to various conditions such as osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, spinal conditions, osteoporosis, various cancers, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, etc…learn what to do and not do for specific conditions
Deepen experience through Pranayama (breath work), Meditation, Yoga Nidra (Yogic rest), and Raja Yoga (philosophy)
Learn how to create a safe space/environment for your students
In this training, you will…
Receive an in-depth training manual, specifically designed to support you as you continue to grow as an Adaptive teacher
Gain access to a student portal that provides a centralized location for all your training materials, recordings of the daily practices, and other resources to facilitate a deep immersion
Collaborate with your fellow teachers-in-training during break-out sessions, designed to help to get to know one another
Practice teaching and receive constructive feedback from your trainers and peers
Work one-on-one with people living with specific conditions
Observe and participate in several classes including Gentle Mat, Chair, and Restorative Yoga; Yoga for Arthritis; Yoga for the Heart; Yoga for people living with multiple sclerosis; and Yoga for Osteoporosis
Complete a research paper exploring a physical or mental condition of your choosing and develop a practice to support the student with that condition
Create and design your own Chair/Gentle Mat Yoga class to share as your final practicum
Once you have met all requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Integral Yoga as an Adaptive Gentle/Chair Yoga teacher.

Upon graduation, you can expect to be able to guide people living with limitations confidently and compassionately through a Hatha Yoga experience that is both safe and satisfying. You will be able to teach in many settings, including Yoga studios, gyms, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, veterans’ organizations, schools, prisons, and hospitals.