Gentle Chair Yoga: Training Trainers Model for An Exercise Program for People with Limited Mobility.

Objective:  Participants will learn how to improve breathing, circulation, and range of motion that can help reduce hypertension, stress and depression, from a sitting position. Additionally, participants will learn a training trainers model to train lay leaders how to safely and successfully offer chair yoga in their communities. 

Methods:Gentle Chair Yoga (GCY) is based on Alice Christensen’s Easy Does Yoga program.  Research conducted on this program by the Veterans Administration Medical Center that showed strong evidence that simple Yoga techniques can reduce somatic and psychological complaints. Additionally, the Cleveland Foundation and The Administration on Aging conducted studies evaluating Yoga as a preventive health care program.  Participants will be led through an hour GCY class to experience the effects of the breathing, stretching and relaxation exercises. The session will be led by Kara Ware, a certified yoga instructor.  Following the yoga session, Ms Ware will explain the training trainers process and discuss how it was developed and tested in the Appalachian Region as part of the Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project.

Results:Participants will have innovative ideas on how to make exercise reasonable and rewarding for people with limited mobility and chronic conditions.  Additionally, they will learn how a training trainers program is organized.

Conclusion:Gentle Chair Yoga is an evidence-based program that can help people with chronic illnesses improve their quality of life.