Hi all,

would really like to attend yoga classes and get into some positive energy type stuff, I think it would do me the world of good. Have looked on the net and phoned about a bit, but as usual, the Average Jo Bloggs is a bit clueless about how a wheelchair user could even think about attending a yoga class in the first place.

So..............I was wondering if any of you can point me in the right direction. Am C5/C6 complete tetra, but quite a good one, bit of triceps and stuff. Even if I can't do all of it, I'd like to do as much as I can and am not shy at giving things a go. I just know there are heaps of different types so would like one where i could participate as much as possible. Would like to go to a class and do it with other people-not do private stuff.

Can anyone help?

Thanks,

Rachel

Well, I like blueberry and strawberry. They're my favorite flavors. Oh, you said yoga, not yogurt.

Hey Rachel,

First of all... I'm no expert. 'Kay?

It might be easiest if you look for either Chair Yoga or Adaptive Yoga. I think they both fall under the umbrella of Hatha yoga, the kind I practice. I'm AB and haven't done any but I know that my instructor offers Chair Yoga classes. Those are poses that use a chair. I think that she uses folding chairs, but the main thing is that I think it doesn't require time on the floor. Hatha yoga uses blocks and other props to help us attain alignment in the poses. It's about breathing and alignment, mostly, and I think that in Chair Yoga the chair is just another prop.

Here are some links that offer info about Chair Yoga.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2047781_do-chair-yoga.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chair_Yoga

http://www.yogainchairs.com/default.asp

Another thing you might look for is an Adaptive Yoga class. I recently read Matthew Sanford's book Waking. He's a pioneer in the field of Adaptive Yoga.

I offer that because those instructors should be somewhat knowledgeable. If that's not what you're looking for then I think any instructor worth his/her salt would be able to involve you. Mine is constantly paying attention to her students and watching for things going on with us anyway. I attend a level two class (which is more advanced than Ms. Rosa's level one and less than her level three, heh ) and I can see how some of the poses we do could be modified. As a matter of fact, it's all about modification one way or another. Using blocks if your hamstrings are too tight, or the wall for balance.

The main thing is to find an instructor who listens to you and always remember that yoga is about the connection between YOUR mind and body. My instructor reminds us constantly to "go only as far as the body allows you." I hope you find what you're looking for and that this helps.

Namaste

Easy miss, i tried to find a yoga class when i travelled to Indonesia 2 years ago and then back in london for 6 months but it was more bother than its worth in terms of time and effort.

I use a yoga mat at home and practice twice a week with Kundalini Yoga DVD by Maya Fiennes, I first saw her programme on skyTV last summer and clicked with it straight away. Its a bit cheesy in places but essential for my spinal cord injury. 3 out of maybe 10 exercises i cant do, so i adapt them slightly. Im also C5/6, my trunk muscles and balance have improved significantly over the last 6 months.

Its worth a serious look.

'Where the latter usually concentrates on holding poses, gradually but subtly deepening them over the course of several long breaths, kundalini features almost constant movement; rapid side arm extensions and seated lifts and drops (a bit like jumping up and down on a trampoline from a seated position) are but two examples of the intense but highly enjoyable routines demonstrated here, and although the entire 60-minute program is done seated, on the back, or an all fours--there are no standing poses whatsoever--it's plenty strenuous enough to provide a good workout. Indeed, even pranayama work like the "breath of fire," featuring short, sharp, powerful inhalations and exhalations, is brisk and intense.' - www.amazom.com/Kundalini-Yoga-Detox-Destress-Fiennes/dp/B000NVKZW4

OOOoooohhhmm...

Hi Rachel I am a Rachel too!
I am a yoga therapist and i have taught yoga to people in wheel chairs and in beds and in between. take a look at theses sites.

http://www.lovingtouchyoga.com/yogafaq.htm

http://blog.easystand.com/2009/03/adapted-...d-for-wheelers/
http://www.matthewsanford.com

yes you can do it. yes it is intense. with the right teacher you will be amazed with your changes.
If you need any help finding a teacher near you.. please find me.
www.yoga-divina. com

Rachel Divine