February 10, 2025 • 22 mins
Have you ever considered teaching chair yoga? It’s a versatile and accessible style of yoga that opens the doors of the yoga practice to students of all ages, abilities, and levels of mobility. If you’re thinking of offering chair yoga classes, remember it’s not only an opportunity to diversify your offerings but also a chance to serve a wider community of students who may feel excluded from traditional mat-based yoga practices, and opens up a whole new demographic of students for you!
In this episode, I’ll share the benefits of teaching chair yoga, debunk a few myths, offer some practical teaching tips, and include strategies for marketing your chair yoga classes to help you attract a diverse range of students.
I can't wait for you to listen & consider teaching chair yoga!
Click HERE to send me a text & let me know your thoughts on this episode!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Monica (00:00):
Have you ever considered teaching chair yoga?
It's a versatile and accessiblestyle of yoga that opens the
doors of practice to students ofall ages, abilities, and levels
of mobility.
If you're thinking of offeringchair yoga classes, remember
it's not only an opportunity todiversify your offerings.
(00:22):
But also a chance to serve awider community of students.
Who may feel excluded fromtraditional map-based yoga
practices.
And it opens up a whole newdemographic of students for you.
In this episode, I'll share thebenefits of teaching chair,
yoga.
Debunk a few myths.
(00:43):
All for some practical teachingtips.
And include strategies formarketing your chair, yoga
classes, to help you attract adiverse range of students.
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
(01:05):
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you.
If you're a yoga teacher, you'relooking for support.
You love to be in conversationand you're a lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou.
My life as a yoga teacher, thelessons I've learned, my process
(01:26):
for building my business andhelpful ideas, tools,
strategies, and systems I useand you can use so that your
business thrives.
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
(01:50):
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
some laughs along the way.
Now, let's do this.
Together.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm Monica.
And I'm excited for this episodebecause if there are any ways
(02:12):
that I can help you broaden yourreach, I'm certainly going to
share them with you.
During the pandemic, myAlderman's office reached out to
me to teach a number ofdifferent types of classes.
And one series was chair yoga.
It was when we were all home andmoving less than normal and the
(02:32):
classes were initially offeredto seniors live streamed right
into their homes and accessibleon multiple platforms.
The classes were super popularand we realized that people of
all age groups were joining theclasses.
It kind of was perfect timingbecause.
(02:53):
I was navigating frozen shoulderat the same time.
So I had limited and painfulmovement that I had to work
around in my own body.
So to say, I had to get creativein my teaching is an
understatement for sure.
Chair yoga can be incrediblyversatile and an accessible
(03:16):
style of yoga that invitesstudents of all ages, abilities,
and levels of mobility.
If you're thinking of offeringchair yoga classes, remember.
It's not only an opportunity foryou to diversify your offerings,
but also a chance to serve awider community of students who
may feel excluded fromtraditional mat based yoga
(03:40):
practices.
It also opens up a whole newdemographic of students for you.
I talk with you a lot about theimportance of diversifying,
whether it's diversifying thetype of yoga you teach or the
offerings you have available.
Uh, or even the ways in whichyou market.
Diversifying is so key and Idon't want you to ever forget
(04:04):
that.
Okay.
So let's chat about the benefitsof teaching chair, yoga debunk,
a few myths, cover somepractical teaching tips and a
few strategies for marketingyour chair, yoga classes, to
help you attract a diverse rangeof students.
Incorporating chair, yoga intoyour offerings helps you
(04:24):
transform your teaching andallows you to serve more
students in meaningful ways.
Think about accessibility chair,yoga removes the barrier of
getting up and down from thefloor.
Making yoga accessible tostudents who have limited
mobility or balance challengesor students who are recovering
(04:48):
from injuries or surgeries.
Chair.
Yoga is also a great practicefor those who are managing
chronic pain or conditions suchas arthritis, osteoporosis, or
fibromyalgia.
Or students who use wheelchairsor other mobility aids.
When you eliminate physicalbarriers, chair, yoga ensures
(05:11):
that everyone can practice thephysical, mental, and emotional
benefits of yoga.
I've touched on this before, butthink about expanding your
reach.
When you teach chair yoga, itallows you to reach groups that
may not typically attend yogaclasses, such as seniors,
looking for gentle movement andimproved mobility.
(05:35):
Or office workers seeking stressrelief and stretching.
During their Workday.
How about people with chronicillnesses or disabilities who
feel excluded from traditionalclasses or beginners who might
feel intimidated by mat baseyoga or fancy yoga poses?
(05:56):
This expanded reach will notonly help you grow your student
base.
But it also positions you as aninclusive and innovative
teacher.
You can utilize chair yoga tohelp support mental and
emotional wellbeing amongst yourstudents.
Chair yoga is not just aboutphysical movement.
(06:16):
I mean, neither is traditionalyoga, but that's a whole
separate conversation.
Yoga at its core emphasizesmindfulness.
Breathing awareness andrelaxation, which makes it an
excellent option for managingstress, anxiety, and emotional
(06:37):
wellbeing for all age groups, nomatter the physical ability.
There's always the potential forcreating a community.
And depending on where you'reoffering cheer, yoga classes,
you may witness an increase incommunity building.
If you teach chair yoga insenior homes, YMCAs or community
(06:59):
centers, you'll often find moreregular students who are
committed to creating.
A consistent practice becausethey're aware or learning to be
aware about the importance ofmovement as they age.
This consistency can foster asense of connection and
belonging.
(07:19):
And you may find studentssupporting one another in their
journey towards health,wellbeing, and movement gains.
Despite its many benefits chair.
Yoga is often misunderstood.
So let's address some commonmyths myth.
Number one is that chair yoga iseasy or it's not real yoga.
(07:43):
In reality chair, yogaincorporates the same
foundational principles of yoga,mindful movement, breath,
awareness, and relaxation.
Just in a modified format.
While it's accessible chair,yoga can still challenge
strength, balance, andflexibility.
You can get really strategic inyour teaching in order to
(08:06):
accomplish this, ask yourself,how can you teach a full class?
C did.
If on a particular date, manystudents are in wheelchairs.
Or have a very difficult timestanding up.
Or what, if you have a classwhere students are more mobile,
how can you challenge them sothat they also see a benefit
(08:28):
from these types of classes?
Myth number two is that chairyoga is only for seniors, but
the reality is that whileseniors are a significant
demographic for chair yoga, It'salso beneficial for office
workers, people recovering frominjuries and even athletes
(08:48):
looking for more restorativemovement.
Chair yoga is for anyone whowants to enjoy the benefits of
yoga in a more supportive way.
And myth number three is youdon't need to be a trained yoga
teacher to teach chair yoga.
The reality is chair yogarequires a solid understanding
(09:09):
of anatomy, modifications, andsafety considerations.
I honestly believe that if youhave a solid foundation of
those, you can adapt to teachingchair yoga.
If you understand how the bodymoves, you can apply that
knowledge to teaching differentformats.
Proper training, especially ofpain and injuries will help you
(09:33):
guide students safely and withconfidence, especially if they
have specific physical needs.
When teaching chair yoga, thegoal is to create an inclusive,
safe and engaging environmentfor your students.
Here's some practical tips foryou when you're preparing to
teach a class.
(09:56):
First is to understand that thechair is a prop.
The chair is a tool that cansupport a wide range of poses,
including seated, standing, andeven balance poses.
So think creatively with safetyfirst, always in mind.
teach, breathing and groundingpractices at the start.
(10:19):
Begin your classes with agrounding practice so that
students learn to center theirawareness around the present
moment.
Or their breath.
Or a theme you can invitestudents to connect with any of
these while they sit comfortablyand learn to diminish their mind
chatter.
Also, this is the perfect timeto encourage students to always
(10:41):
check in with their bodies andremind them that they have
permission to move at their ownpace.
I love to include a focus onfunctional movement by including
movements that mimic dailyactivities.
Such as reaching, twisting orside, bending to improve
(11:01):
functional mobility.
You're encouraging them tocontinue these types of movement
outside of class.
You also may be reminding themthat they can move in these
ways, which in turn encouragesthem to do them.
if possible, incorporate balanceand standing poses, use the
(11:22):
chair as a support for standingposes like warrior one warrior
two, or maybe tree pose ormodified versions of all of
these poses.
Encourage students to hold ontothe chair lightly for balance
and stability.
And you can change thedifficulty by changing how much.
They hold onto the chair or not.
(11:44):
You should always be striving touse clear and accessible cues.
Your language is so importanthere, probably more than ever.
Your word choice can eitherencourage students to keep
trying, or it can discouragethem because you used language
like the full expression ofoppose.
(12:06):
This is not necessary languageto use.
Offer simple step-by-stepinstructions avoid using jargon,
overly complicated or flowerylanguage.
If you have students withhearing difficulties, this will
probably confuse them and makethem question.
Why they're there in the firstplace and we don't want that.
(12:28):
Provide visual and verbalmodifications for every pose and
be mindful of the volume of yourvoice.
You may need to speak louder,but being careful not to shout.
Use words like gentle, mindful,easy, soft.
Aware notice or withoutjudgment.
(12:52):
So that students understand thatthey have autonomy and power
over their bodies and themovements they choose to take.
Remember to always encouragerest and mindfulness, whether
it's at the beginning of classduring class or at the, in.
Taking a rest and being mindfulof what feels like enough for
(13:13):
right now.
Is always the best message togive.
You could end your classes witha guided relaxation or a
breathing exercise.
Even in a chair, you can helpyour students experience a sense
of deep rest.
For example, in a seated versionof Shavasana.
Focus on breathing or offer ashort guided meditation.
(13:39):
Now you may be wondering how togo about attracting students and
grow your chair, yoga offerings.
That's a great question.
A few ways.
I believe it's important toalways highlight accessibility.
Emphasize that chair yoga is foreveryone regardless of their age
(14:01):
experience or mobility level.
Use inclusive language in yourpromotional materials, such as
yoga for everybody.
Or gentle supported movement forall bodies.
You can create classes fordifferent specific groups.
Classes for seniors partner withcommunity centers, senior living
(14:23):
facilities or retirementcommunities.
Yoga for office workers offerlunchtime classes at local
businesses or coworking spaces.
Or yoga for rehabilitation Workin collaboration with physical
therapists or wellness centersto reach individuals recovering
(14:45):
from injury.
I've taught each of these and Ilove it because the classes are
so different.
But include the same elements.
And I'm reaching differentaudiences as well.
You should always be usingtestimonials and success
stories.
When you do this, it helpspotential students get an
understanding of the benefits orthe outcomes other students are
(15:08):
getting from your classes.
For example with permission,always share the words of a
student who has regained somemobility after surgery.
Or another student from yourdesk, yoga class.
Who has learned tools to helpthem feel less stressed at work?
These would be wonderful wordsto share that would entice
(15:30):
potential students to give it atry.
Then leverage social media, butuse it responsibly.
Post videos or photosdemonstrating simple chair, yoga
poses.
I suggest filming yourself andnot your students.
One way teachers marketthemselves is by FOMO showcasing
(15:50):
full classes so that othersthink they're missing out on
something.
But that's really, in myopinion.
Ego-driven and the more we getout of ego-driven behaviors, the
better effects on our lives.
Hear me out, small classes arejust as beautiful.
Maybe even more and class sizedoesn't mean you aren't making a
(16:14):
difference in those studentslives.
So just film yourself and showthe teaching.
That's really important.
Think about sharing educationalcontent that debunks myths about
chair yoga as well.
And then think about offeringintroductory workshops.
This is a great low commitmentway to get interested students,
(16:36):
to try out a new offering.
Host a free or low cost cheeryoga workshop to introduce the
practice to new students.
Use the workshop to answerquestions, demonstrate
modifications, and showcase thebenefits of chair yoga.
I love workshops because theyinvite questions and
conversations.
(16:58):
And finally think aboutcollaborating with local
organizations to help you marketyour classes.
I partner with libraries,schools, or nonprofits to bring
cheer yoga to their communities.
And offer donation-based classesto make chair yoga, accessible
to underserved populations.
(17:18):
I'll leave you with this.
One thing most people don'tthink about when it comes to
chair, yoga is how effective itcan be for building strength.
Even though it's often perceivedas gentle or easy.
Holding poses with the supportof a chair helps students build
muscular engagement in a safeway.
(17:41):
For example, in a supportivechair pose.
Students can still activatetheir lower body musculature
without the fear of falling.
Or seated leg lifts, engage andstrengthen the quadriceps while
the students are stillsupported, seated in their
chair.
This strength work can be a gamechanger for students who are
(18:03):
rebuilding strength after aninjury.
Or for seniors looking fordifferent ways to maintain their
independence.
Always remember that cheer yogais such a powerful way to make
yoga accessible, inclusive, andtransformative for everyone.
Offering tear.
Yoga shows your commitment tomaking yoga a practice that
(18:25):
truly welcomes every body,regardless of age ability or
experience, it's not just aboutteaching yoga.
It's about creating a spacewhere everyone can feel
supported.
Empowered and included.
Okay.
How are you feeling aboutteaching chair yoga?
(18:48):
The intention of this episode isto help you realize that you
don't have to discount it as oneof your offerings.
You never know.
You may fall in love with apractice and with your students.
Start small, stay inclusive andwatch your classes grow into a
community of students who feelseen, supported, and inspired.
(19:12):
I absolutely loved.
Teaching chair yoga.
It was one of my favoriteclasses to teach.
If you're not already teachingchair yoga, consider it.
It's such a beautiful practice.
And the more people we canintroduce to yoga the better.
When you have a layered approachto your teaching and include
various formats, such as chair,Yan, restorative, and
(19:36):
meditation.
You help introduce students tovarious aspects of the yoga
practice.
And help them realize that it'snot a workout, but a tool to
help them look insidethemselves.
These classes, help studentsfind their way to the practices
that will serve them best.
It's so important for us to havethis conversation so that you
(19:58):
remember that there are so manyopportunities.
For you in the teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding.
And as always, it takes somework to get there.
If you love this episode, let meknow.
I've added a link in the shownotes for you to send me a quick
(20:19):
text message about your thoughtson this episode or any other, I
won't know your phone number.
It's just a neat addition to theplatform I use that allows for
this new and super easy way foryou to communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
don't delete the code.
That's how your message will getto me.
(20:41):
And I would love to know yourthoughts.
Subscribe to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
share with another yoga teacherwho you think would love to be
in on these conversations.
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listen
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
(21:03):
And I would love to hear aboutit.
Don't forget to download theebook sequencing for different
injuries.
The link is in the show notes.
I promise you, it will help youform a foundation for teaching
students with injuries and agingbodies.
The information will also helpyou understand how to
accommodate students ofdifferent accessibilities,
(21:25):
including students who findtheir way to Europe, chair, yoga
classes.
And it'll be a great resourcefor you to return to again and
again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
I've got more exciting teachingscoming soon.
So I'll want to tell you allabout them.
(21:47):
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love for you
to join it so we can always stayconnected.
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
Have you ever considered teaching chair yoga?
It's a versatile and accessiblestyle of yoga that opens the
doors of practice to students ofall ages, abilities, and levels
of mobility.
If you're thinking of offeringchair yoga classes, remember
it's not only an opportunity todiversify your offerings.
(00:22):
But also a chance to serve awider community of students.
Who may feel excluded fromtraditional map-based yoga
practices.
And it opens up a whole newdemographic of students for you.
In this episode, I'll share thebenefits of teaching chair,
yoga.
Debunk a few myths.
(00:43):
All for some practical teachingtips.
And include strategies formarketing your chair, yoga
classes, to help you attract adiverse range of students.
Welcome to the EssentialConversations for Yoga Teachers
podcast with me.
I'm Monica Bright, and I've beenteaching yoga and running my
(01:05):
yoga business for over a decade.
This is the podcast for you.
If you're a yoga teacher, you'relooking for support.
You love to be in conversationand you're a lifelong student.
In this podcast, I'll share withyou.
My life as a yoga teacher, thelessons I've learned, my process
(01:26):
for building my business andhelpful ideas, tools,
strategies, and systems I useand you can use so that your
business thrives.
We'll cover a diverse range oftopics that will help you
whether you're just starting outor you've got years under your
belt and you want to dive deepand set yourself up for success.
(01:50):
I'm so glad you're here.
Listen, I don't take myself tooseriously, so expect to hear
some laughs along the way.
Now, let's do this.
Together.
Welcome back to the podcast.
I'm Monica.
And I'm excited for this episodebecause if there are any ways
(02:12):
that I can help you broaden yourreach, I'm certainly going to
share them with you.
During the pandemic, myAlderman's office reached out to
me to teach a number ofdifferent types of classes.
And one series was chair yoga.
It was when we were all home andmoving less than normal and the
(02:32):
classes were initially offeredto seniors live streamed right
into their homes and accessibleon multiple platforms.
The classes were super popularand we realized that people of
all age groups were joining theclasses.
It kind of was perfect timingbecause.
(02:53):
I was navigating frozen shoulderat the same time.
So I had limited and painfulmovement that I had to work
around in my own body.
So to say, I had to get creativein my teaching is an
understatement for sure.
Chair yoga can be incrediblyversatile and an accessible
(03:16):
style of yoga that invitesstudents of all ages, abilities,
and levels of mobility.
If you're thinking of offeringchair yoga classes, remember.
It's not only an opportunity foryou to diversify your offerings,
but also a chance to serve awider community of students who
may feel excluded fromtraditional mat based yoga
(03:40):
practices.
It also opens up a whole newdemographic of students for you.
I talk with you a lot about theimportance of diversifying,
whether it's diversifying thetype of yoga you teach or the
offerings you have available.
Uh, or even the ways in whichyou market.
Diversifying is so key and Idon't want you to ever forget
(04:04):
that.
Okay.
So let's chat about the benefitsof teaching chair, yoga debunk,
a few myths, cover somepractical teaching tips and a
few strategies for marketingyour chair, yoga classes, to
help you attract a diverse rangeof students.
Incorporating chair, yoga intoyour offerings helps you
(04:24):
transform your teaching andallows you to serve more
students in meaningful ways.
Think about accessibility chair,yoga removes the barrier of
getting up and down from thefloor.
Making yoga accessible tostudents who have limited
mobility or balance challengesor students who are recovering
(04:48):
from injuries or surgeries.
Chair.
Yoga is also a great practicefor those who are managing
chronic pain or conditions suchas arthritis, osteoporosis, or
fibromyalgia.
Or students who use wheelchairsor other mobility aids.
When you eliminate physicalbarriers, chair, yoga ensures
(05:11):
that everyone can practice thephysical, mental, and emotional
benefits of yoga.
I've touched on this before, butthink about expanding your
reach.
When you teach chair yoga, itallows you to reach groups that
may not typically attend yogaclasses, such as seniors,
looking for gentle movement andimproved mobility.
(05:35):
Or office workers seeking stressrelief and stretching.
During their Workday.
How about people with chronicillnesses or disabilities who
feel excluded from traditionalclasses or beginners who might
feel intimidated by mat baseyoga or fancy yoga poses?
(05:56):
This expanded reach will notonly help you grow your student
base.
But it also positions you as aninclusive and innovative
teacher.
You can utilize chair yoga tohelp support mental and
emotional wellbeing amongst yourstudents.
Chair yoga is not just aboutphysical movement.
(06:16):
I mean, neither is traditionalyoga, but that's a whole
separate conversation.
Yoga at its core emphasizesmindfulness.
Breathing awareness andrelaxation, which makes it an
excellent option for managingstress, anxiety, and emotional
(06:37):
wellbeing for all age groups, nomatter the physical ability.
There's always the potential forcreating a community.
And depending on where you'reoffering cheer, yoga classes,
you may witness an increase incommunity building.
If you teach chair yoga insenior homes, YMCAs or community
(06:59):
centers, you'll often find moreregular students who are
committed to creating.
A consistent practice becausethey're aware or learning to be
aware about the importance ofmovement as they age.
This consistency can foster asense of connection and
belonging.
(07:19):
And you may find studentssupporting one another in their
journey towards health,wellbeing, and movement gains.
Despite its many benefits chair.
Yoga is often misunderstood.
So let's address some commonmyths myth.
Number one is that chair yoga iseasy or it's not real yoga.
(07:43):
In reality chair, yogaincorporates the same
foundational principles of yoga,mindful movement, breath,
awareness, and relaxation.
Just in a modified format.
While it's accessible chair,yoga can still challenge
strength, balance, andflexibility.
You can get really strategic inyour teaching in order to
(08:06):
accomplish this, ask yourself,how can you teach a full class?
C did.
If on a particular date, manystudents are in wheelchairs.
Or have a very difficult timestanding up.
Or what, if you have a classwhere students are more mobile,
how can you challenge them sothat they also see a benefit
(08:28):
from these types of classes?
Myth number two is that chairyoga is only for seniors, but
the reality is that whileseniors are a significant
demographic for chair yoga, It'salso beneficial for office
workers, people recovering frominjuries and even athletes
(08:48):
looking for more restorativemovement.
Chair yoga is for anyone whowants to enjoy the benefits of
yoga in a more supportive way.
And myth number three is youdon't need to be a trained yoga
teacher to teach chair yoga.
The reality is chair yogarequires a solid understanding
(09:09):
of anatomy, modifications, andsafety considerations.
I honestly believe that if youhave a solid foundation of
those, you can adapt to teachingchair yoga.
If you understand how the bodymoves, you can apply that
knowledge to teaching differentformats.
Proper training, especially ofpain and injuries will help you
(09:33):
guide students safely and withconfidence, especially if they
have specific physical needs.
When teaching chair yoga, thegoal is to create an inclusive,
safe and engaging environmentfor your students.
Here's some practical tips foryou when you're preparing to
teach a class.
(09:56):
First is to understand that thechair is a prop.
The chair is a tool that cansupport a wide range of poses,
including seated, standing, andeven balance poses.
So think creatively with safetyfirst, always in mind.
teach, breathing and groundingpractices at the start.
(10:19):
Begin your classes with agrounding practice so that
students learn to center theirawareness around the present
moment.
Or their breath.
Or a theme you can invitestudents to connect with any of
these while they sit comfortablyand learn to diminish their mind
chatter.
Also, this is the perfect timeto encourage students to always
(10:41):
check in with their bodies andremind them that they have
permission to move at their ownpace.
I love to include a focus onfunctional movement by including
movements that mimic dailyactivities.
Such as reaching, twisting orside, bending to improve
(11:01):
functional mobility.
You're encouraging them tocontinue these types of movement
outside of class.
You also may be reminding themthat they can move in these
ways, which in turn encouragesthem to do them.
if possible, incorporate balanceand standing poses, use the
(11:22):
chair as a support for standingposes like warrior one warrior
two, or maybe tree pose ormodified versions of all of
these poses.
Encourage students to hold ontothe chair lightly for balance
and stability.
And you can change thedifficulty by changing how much.
They hold onto the chair or not.
(11:44):
You should always be striving touse clear and accessible cues.
Your language is so importanthere, probably more than ever.
Your word choice can eitherencourage students to keep
trying, or it can discouragethem because you used language
like the full expression ofoppose.
(12:06):
This is not necessary languageto use.
Offer simple step-by-stepinstructions avoid using jargon,
overly complicated or flowerylanguage.
If you have students withhearing difficulties, this will
probably confuse them and makethem question.
Why they're there in the firstplace and we don't want that.
(12:28):
Provide visual and verbalmodifications for every pose and
be mindful of the volume of yourvoice.
You may need to speak louder,but being careful not to shout.
Use words like gentle, mindful,easy, soft.
Aware notice or withoutjudgment.
(12:52):
So that students understand thatthey have autonomy and power
over their bodies and themovements they choose to take.
Remember to always encouragerest and mindfulness, whether
it's at the beginning of classduring class or at the, in.
Taking a rest and being mindfulof what feels like enough for
(13:13):
right now.
Is always the best message togive.
You could end your classes witha guided relaxation or a
breathing exercise.
Even in a chair, you can helpyour students experience a sense
of deep rest.
For example, in a seated versionof Shavasana.
Focus on breathing or offer ashort guided meditation.
(13:39):
Now you may be wondering how togo about attracting students and
grow your chair, yoga offerings.
That's a great question.
A few ways.
I believe it's important toalways highlight accessibility.
Emphasize that chair yoga is foreveryone regardless of their age
(14:01):
experience or mobility level.
Use inclusive language in yourpromotional materials, such as
yoga for everybody.
Or gentle supported movement forall bodies.
You can create classes fordifferent specific groups.
Classes for seniors partner withcommunity centers, senior living
(14:23):
facilities or retirementcommunities.
Yoga for office workers offerlunchtime classes at local
businesses or coworking spaces.
Or yoga for rehabilitation Workin collaboration with physical
therapists or wellness centersto reach individuals recovering
(14:45):
from injury.
I've taught each of these and Ilove it because the classes are
so different.
But include the same elements.
And I'm reaching differentaudiences as well.
You should always be usingtestimonials and success
stories.
When you do this, it helpspotential students get an
understanding of the benefits orthe outcomes other students are
(15:08):
getting from your classes.
For example with permission,always share the words of a
student who has regained somemobility after surgery.
Or another student from yourdesk, yoga class.
Who has learned tools to helpthem feel less stressed at work?
These would be wonderful wordsto share that would entice
(15:30):
potential students to give it atry.
Then leverage social media, butuse it responsibly.
Post videos or photosdemonstrating simple chair, yoga
poses.
I suggest filming yourself andnot your students.
One way teachers marketthemselves is by FOMO showcasing
(15:50):
full classes so that othersthink they're missing out on
something.
But that's really, in myopinion.
Ego-driven and the more we getout of ego-driven behaviors, the
better effects on our lives.
Hear me out, small classes arejust as beautiful.
Maybe even more and class sizedoesn't mean you aren't making a
(16:14):
difference in those studentslives.
So just film yourself and showthe teaching.
That's really important.
Think about sharing educationalcontent that debunks myths about
chair yoga as well.
And then think about offeringintroductory workshops.
This is a great low commitmentway to get interested students,
(16:36):
to try out a new offering.
Host a free or low cost cheeryoga workshop to introduce the
practice to new students.
Use the workshop to answerquestions, demonstrate
modifications, and showcase thebenefits of chair yoga.
I love workshops because theyinvite questions and
conversations.
(16:58):
And finally think aboutcollaborating with local
organizations to help you marketyour classes.
I partner with libraries,schools, or nonprofits to bring
cheer yoga to their communities.
And offer donation-based classesto make chair yoga, accessible
to underserved populations.
(17:18):
I'll leave you with this.
One thing most people don'tthink about when it comes to
chair, yoga is how effective itcan be for building strength.
Even though it's often perceivedas gentle or easy.
Holding poses with the supportof a chair helps students build
muscular engagement in a safeway.
(17:41):
For example, in a supportivechair pose.
Students can still activatetheir lower body musculature
without the fear of falling.
Or seated leg lifts, engage andstrengthen the quadriceps while
the students are stillsupported, seated in their
chair.
This strength work can be a gamechanger for students who are
(18:03):
rebuilding strength after aninjury.
Or for seniors looking fordifferent ways to maintain their
independence.
Always remember that cheer yogais such a powerful way to make
yoga accessible, inclusive, andtransformative for everyone.
Offering tear.
Yoga shows your commitment tomaking yoga a practice that
(18:25):
truly welcomes every body,regardless of age ability or
experience, it's not just aboutteaching yoga.
It's about creating a spacewhere everyone can feel
supported.
Empowered and included.
Okay.
How are you feeling aboutteaching chair yoga?
(18:48):
The intention of this episode isto help you realize that you
don't have to discount it as oneof your offerings.
You never know.
You may fall in love with apractice and with your students.
Start small, stay inclusive andwatch your classes grow into a
community of students who feelseen, supported, and inspired.
(19:12):
I absolutely loved.
Teaching chair yoga.
It was one of my favoriteclasses to teach.
If you're not already teachingchair yoga, consider it.
It's such a beautiful practice.
And the more people we canintroduce to yoga the better.
When you have a layered approachto your teaching and include
various formats, such as chair,Yan, restorative, and
(19:36):
meditation.
You help introduce students tovarious aspects of the yoga
practice.
And help them realize that it'snot a workout, but a tool to
help them look insidethemselves.
These classes, help studentsfind their way to the practices
that will serve them best.
It's so important for us to havethis conversation so that you
(19:58):
remember that there are so manyopportunities.
For you in the teaching world.
You know that my goal is for youto love the yoga teaching life
and allow it to be fulfillingand rewarding.
And as always, it takes somework to get there.
If you love this episode, let meknow.
I've added a link in the shownotes for you to send me a quick
(20:19):
text message about your thoughtson this episode or any other, I
won't know your phone number.
It's just a neat addition to theplatform I use that allows for
this new and super easy way foryou to communicate with me.
Once you click on it, it willtake you to your messages, but
don't delete the code.
That's how your message will getto me.
(20:41):
And I would love to know yourthoughts.
Subscribe to the podcast.
So you're always in the knowwhen a new episode drops and
share with another yoga teacherwho you think would love to be
in on these conversations.
Thank you for helping to spreadthe word about this podcast.
And if you've been taking notesin your journal, as you listen
to these episodes, I'm so gladyou are.
(21:03):
And I would love to hear aboutit.
Don't forget to download theebook sequencing for different
injuries.
The link is in the show notes.
I promise you, it will help youform a foundation for teaching
students with injuries and agingbodies.
The information will also helpyou understand how to
accommodate students ofdifferent accessibilities,
(21:25):
including students who findtheir way to Europe, chair, yoga
classes.
And it'll be a great resourcefor you to return to again and
again.
When you download the ebook,you'll be joining my newsletter.
That's just for yoga teachers.
I've got more exciting teachingscoming soon.
So I'll want to tell you allabout them.
(21:47):
The link is in the show notesbelow, and I would love for you
to join it so we can always stayconnected.
All right, that's it for now?
Bye.
Mhm.
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