Students at the Vancouver Yoga Show Chair Yoga Teacher Training Workshop had fun today – but somewhat of a surprise – they learnt the Macarena and the Hora dances (adapted for the older or less mobile adult). Yoga instructor, Annette Wertman, suggests that dancing is a good way to practice balance, cognitive skills (such as attention, body awareness and concentration) and loosen up…. all at the same time!
This workshop focussed on understanding the why, who for, where and how of teaching Chair Yoga.
Some of the things the students said they learnt included:
that traditional poses can be modified (like Downward Dog), that touch can be an important part of teaching, that humour is an important ingredient of a class, that yoga toes are very beneficial, that there are lots of ways to encourage good yoga breathing, that it is essential to inhale to lengthen the spine (before moving into an asana) and that it is really, truly, all about building relationships and connecting with people!
Oh yes…. don’t forget the Mantra – SBD!
Annette will be presenting Chair Yoga Fusion and Chair Yoga for Balance & Flexibility at the upcoming Toronto Yoga Show in March 2013.
