Jivana Heyman – Chair Yoga 101

Jivana Heyman – Chair Yoga 101

Check it out: Jivana Heyman – Chair Yoga 101

Many folks feel insecure about starting yoga because it can seem like a difficult and even dangerous activity. But there are safe, effective ways of practicing yoga. Join Jivana Heyman, the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, for a five-week workshop that will explore how to practice asana safely in a chair. You’ll learn how adapting the practice can offer the same physical—as well as emotional, mental, and spiritual—benefits. Workshop sessions have been pre-recorded and are available on demand.

This workshop, previously recorded on Zoom, covers all the fundamental elements of a holistic practice. You’ll discover: how to build strength and flexibility through a chair yoga asana practice; nervous system regulation and relaxation through skillful breathing exercises; and how to cultivate focus through meditation. Whether you are a teacher eager to share accessible sequences or a student seeking an adapted practice, Jivana’s workshop will teach you how to make yoga available to all.

Scholarships:
All available scholarships have been fulfilled; applicants have been notified.

Continuing Education Credits:

Chair Yoga 101 qualifies for 7 non-contact continuing education hours.

What you’ll need:

– 2 sturdy chairs (at least one without arms)
– 2 blankets
– 1 bolster (or firm pillow)
– 1 yoga strap (or belt)
– 2 yoga blocks (or large books)
– Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body, by Jivana Heyman
– Designated practice space

Curriculum:

Preview: Introduction to Chair Yoga 

1. Welcome

2. Discussion: Keeping the Yoga in Chair Yoga

3. Practice

4. Questions

Session 1: Chair Yoga for Strength & Stability 

1. Welcome

2. Discussion: Preparing for Practice & How to Build Strength in Chair Yoga

3. Workshop: Strengthening in Asana

4. Asana Class: Chair Yoga for Strength (including some standing poses using the chair for support)

5. Homework: 5/5/5 Practice

Session 2: Chair Yoga for Flexibility & Freedom 

1. Discussion: What are the Benefits of Flexibility/Releasing Expectations

2. Workshop: Focus on Safe Stretching

3. Asana Class: Chair Yoga for Flexibility

4. Homework: Reflection on Personal Attachments and Where to Let Go

Session 3: Chair Yoga for Relaxation & Non-attachment

1. Discussion: Relaxation and the Nervous System/Using the Breath

2. Workshop: Bringing Ease into Chair Yoga Practice & Accessible Breathing Practices

3. Asana Class: Balancing Effort and Relaxation

4. Homework: Record Your Own Guided Relaxation

Session 4: Chair Yoga for Focus & Meditation 

1. Discussion: Making Meditation Accessible

2. Workshop: Bringing Meditation into Chair Yoga Practice

3. Asana Class: Chair Yoga for Focus and Meditation

4. Quiz