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Michael Jay welcomes Jivana Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga and a leading voice for inclusive teaching. Jivana shares how AIDS activism drew him back to yoga, eventually centering his work on adaptive classes for marginalized communities. They discuss how studio owners can remove physical, financial, and cultural barriers to help “every body” feel a true sense of belonging.
Key Points
Jivana’s Journey
Learned yoga from his grandmother; returned to it during the AIDS crisis for self-care.
Taught at a San Francisco hospital for people with HIV/AIDS, refining accessible teaching methods.
What Is Accessible Yoga?
Goes beyond props—embraces universal design, inclusive class titles, and deeper yogic teachings.
Recognizes that physical ability doesn’t correlate to inner peace.
Studio Culture & Community
Cultivate a welcoming space: chairs, flexible pricing, clear class descriptions.
Focus on relationships—small gestures like introducing newcomers can transform the studio vibe.
Practical Tips
Offer variations in mixed-level classes.
Provide short private sessions for absolute beginners before group classes.
Couch and chair yoga can encourage home practice and draw in more diverse populations.
Resources & Links
https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/couch-yoga/
https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/training
https://www.accessibleyogaschool.com/accessible-yoga-podcast-30-years
https://www.instagram.com/jivanaheyman/
About Jivana Heyman
Founder of Accessible Yoga, author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body and Yoga Revolution: Building a Practice of Courage and Compassion. Through workshops, trainings, and events, he promotes an inclusive approach to yoga’s deeper message of unity and social justice.
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