50-Hour Online Self-Paced Certified Yoga with Chair Teacher Training for Elderly With 3 Live Hours

Pre-application requirements

No eligibility criteria.

Certifications

• Name of the certification: Chair yoga (chair as prop)

How the training works

• Brief role description: Can work under the supervision of a certified physician or certified yoga therapist and yoga consultant on specific disorders
• Personal attributes: The job requires the individual to have good communication skills, time management, and the ability to understand the body language of the trainees. The job requires the individual to possess key qualities such as self-discipline, confidence, maturity, patience, compassion, active listening, time management, empathy, language proficiency, ability to build caring relationships, friendly and approachable, credibility, etc.
• Duration of course: 6 weeks
• Contact hours: 10 hours (1.5-hour session)
• Non-contact hours: 40 hours
• Assignments, log book, doubt clearing sessions, video recording of sessions in different conditions, material reading, exam MCQ, and practical
• Pre-recorded sessions by a certified international faculty
• Instruction is in English but Hindi and Marathi language can be provided if needed
• Online yoga exam at end of the course
• Online personalized doubt clearing sessions live on Zoom with trainers (up to 10 hours)
• Free complimentary 30 hours of daily yoga sessions (live)
• Complimentary 30 hours of lecture series (Global Yoga Festival) on different topics of yoga including yoga philosophy, classical yoga texts, Ayurveda, yogic food, anatomy, and physiology, etc. (live)
• WhatsApp yoga groups (Swasti Yoga Community) in order to clarify doubts and group yoga activities and study
• All online material will be shared via WeTransfer
• The course can commence 48 hours after the center receives payment or you can schedule to start at a specific date
• This course offers you the option of becoming a certified Chair yoga teacher without having to step out of your home

Course information

In the pursuit of physical and mental well-being, yoga has gained immense popularity worldwide. However, it is crucial to remember that safety should always be a top priority when practicing yoga. Alarming reports of yoga-related injuries and strains have raised concerns, emphasizing the need for a step-by-step approach and the use of suitable props.

Geriatric yoga, also known as chair yoga, is a specialized form of yoga that focuses on gentle movements and modifications to accommodate the needs of older adults or those with limited mobility. By incorporating a chair and props, individuals with limited mobility, seniors, or those recovering from injuries can comfortably engage in a yoga practice that suits their unique needs.

Another key advantages of Chair yoga is its nonjudgmental and non-competitive nature. Yoga should be a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, free from comparison or pressure to perform advanced poses. With Chair yoga, the focus shifts from external achievement to inner well-being, making it accessible to individuals of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

Performance anxiety is another common issue that can hinder one's yoga practice. The fear of not being able to keep up or meet certain expectations can discourage individuals from fully immersing themselves in the practice. Chair yoga offers a supportive environment that reduces performance anxiety, allowing practitioners to explore their bodies, minds, and breath without fear or self-judgment.

Beyond safety and inclusivity, Chair yoga provides a range of additional benefits. It promotes gentle stretching, improves flexibility, enhances circulation, and helps to alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Regular practice can boost energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

History of props

In ancient yogic traditions, props were often utilized to support the practice of meditation and provide physical comfort. One such prop that was commonly used by yogis was called a "danda" or a meditation staff to reduce strain, fatigue and improve the posture of spine.

This comprehensive course equips teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead Chair yoga sessions effectively. Gain an in-depth understanding of anatomy, prop usage, modifications, and sequencing tailored to various needs and conditions.

Key reasons for yoga instructors to join this gereatric yoga aka chair yoga program:

The population of older adults is increasing globally, and many seniors are seeking ways to improve their health and well-being. By offering geriatric yoga classes, you can cater to this demographic and tap into a potentially untapped market.

By offering chair yoga, you can cultivate a sense of community among older adults and create a safe space for them to connect, share experiences, and build relationships.

By helping older adults improve their strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being, you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives.

By adding geriatric yoga to your skillset, you set yourself apart from other yoga instructors and increase your professional value.

Theory syllabus

Unit 1 - Basic principles of yoga with chair

• Concept of yoga: its definition, aim, objectives, and misconception
• Yoga with chair: benefits and eligibility
• Benefits of Chair yoga supported by research studies
• Risk reduction and safety with Chair yoga
• Guiding principles to be followed by Chair yoga assistant
• Prerequisites for chair
• Roles and responsibilities of Chair yoga assistant
• Scope and limitations of Chair yoga assistant
• Knowledge of use of other props: ropes / belt / cushions / special aids

Unit 2 - Props in traditional yoga texts

• Understanding classical definitions of yoga through chair yoga
• Basic knowledge of various yogic texts such as Patanjala Yogsutra, Hathapradipika, GherandaSamhita
• Knowledge of schools of yoga: Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga, and Dhyana yoga
• Concept of klesha
• Concept of chitta vritti
• Practicing Ashtanga yoga, Hatha yoga with chair and its therapeutic importance

Unit 3 - General anatomy and physiology

• Basic knowledge of human body skeleton; organization of body cells, tissues, systems, membranes and glands
• Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the following system
• Muscular, skeletal system; digestive system; respiratory system; cardiovascular system; excretory system; endocrine system

Unit 4 - Yoga with chair in preventive and restorative health

• Yogic concept of healthy living
• Knowledge of vital parameters to assess general state of patients: measurement of blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate and body temperature
• Importance of pre-procedural preparedness for Therapeutic yoga sessions
• Chair yoga for preventive health
• Chair yoga in restorative conditions:

1. Arthritis

2. Cardiovascular disease

3. Cancer

4. Chronic pain

5. Multiple sclerosis (MS)

6. Parkinson's disease

7. Osteoporosis

8. Anxiety and depression

9. Fibromyalgia

10. Stroke recovery

Practical syllabus

• A. Demonstrative skills
• B. Communication and maintenance skills during Chair yoga for patients

Demonstrative skills

• Unit 1 - Shatkarma: Knowledge and ability to perform the practices with chair modification
• Unit 2 - Yogic Sukshma Vyayama and Sthula Vyayama
• Unit 3 - Yogasana with chair support
• Unit 4 - Pranayama
• Unit 5 - Bandha and mudra
• Unit 6 - Practices leading to meditation

Unit 1 - Shatkarma: Knowledge and ability to perform the practices with chair modification

• 1. Neti
• 2. Kapalabhati
• 3. Agnisar

Unit 2 - Yogic Sukshma Vyayama and Sthula Vyayama

• Yogic Sukshma Vyayam
• 2.1 Neck movements
• 2.2 Shoulder movements
• 2.3 Trunk movements
• 2.4 Ankle movements
• Surya Namaskar with chair support (sitting and standing)

Unit 3 - Yogasana with chair support

• 3.1 Standing asana: tadasana, trikonasana, vrikshasana, ardhchakrasna, padhastanasana, parshavkonasana
• 3.2 Sitting asana: padmasana, vakrasana, janusirsasana, paschimottanasana, ardh ushtrasana, gomukhasana, mandukasana
• 3.3 Prone lying asana: makarasana
• 3.4 Supine lying asana: setubandhasana, viparitkarniasana, ardhahalasana, uttanpadasana, halasana, chakrasana, shavasana

About Swasti Yoga Center

Swasti Yoga Centre is an ISO 9001:2015 certified yoga center under Ministry of AYUSH (Govt. of India) for quality education, training, therapy, and research in yoga. They are accredited by Yoga Certification Board (YCB) and an associate center of Indian Yoga Association (IYA).

• 8-plus years of experience
• 35-plus countries students
• 3000-plus instructors certified
• 10000-plus students taught

The team of experienced educators, MD doctors and yoga professionals are committed to guiding you through this journey of self-discovery and personal growth.