117: Yoga for Seniors with Chintamani Kansas

Many yoga teachers in our community either already specialize in teaching seniors, or would like to. Yoga can be a wonderful practice for older people and it is important that yoga teachers consider what is most helpful when working with this population. 

We are so lucky today to have Yoga for Seniors expert, Chintamani Kansas, walking us through this conversation. Chintamani has been teaching Yoga for over 20 years and has studied Meditation, Embodied Anatomy, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Thai Massage. 

In 2020, Chintamani launched a series of daily therapeutic yoga classes via Zoom for a community of committed Yoga Lovers, many of whom are active older adults. Yoga for Strong Bones and Core Yoga for Strong Bones classes are designed to stimulate bone density in key areas of vulnerability and eliminate movements that are potentially injurious to people with Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and back pain. People of all ages attend the classes for joint mobilization, stretching, energizing yoga, strength, balance, and relaxation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• common injuries and conditions our students might have

• three rules to keep in mind when teaching people with osteoporosis

• some thoughts about twists in a Yoga for Seniors class

• how to make a “flowy” sequence without the forward bends of a classical sun salutation

• step by step cueing for Downward Dog and why it’s so helpful for seniors

• the kyphosis controversy around bridge pose and how to work with that

• working with hip replacements and how it shows up in Garuda

• the controversy around Side Plank and who it might be good for

• a deep dive into the biomechanics of Child’s Pose and how to make it accessible

• how using empowering language makes you a better teacher for all populations

Learn More From Chintamani:

• Website:  yogawithc.com 

• Instagram:  @yogawithc

• Private Yoga Info:  yogawithc.com/private-yoga

Other Episodes and Resources Mentioned:

• 98: Trauma-Conscious Yoga Is A Philosophy, Not A Specialty Class with Hannah Davis

• 85: The Trans* Yoga Project with M Camellia + River Redwood

• Bone Health And Osteoporosis Foundation

• Yoga-Grip Wrist Alignment props

• Wrist Buddy Yoga Blocks