Yoga for the physically and mentally disabled: a perfect training program

Anyone who delves into the subject of yoga encounters apparent contradictions: On the one hand, the physical exercises are certainly very strenuous, yet on the other, yoga is supposed to be suitable for everyone . Meditation and breathing exercises are still conceivable, but what about physical exercises for people with disabilities?

Adapt exercises

The solution is quite simple: The exercises are adapted. This works in a similar way to older people, who, due to orthopedic problems with their bones and joints, cannot assume every body position. Whether you're less mobile than before and therefore better off sitting on a chair than on the floor or stuck in a wheelchair, the differences aren't that great, and you can still do many exercises. These are especially good for the back, which is subjected to a lot of strain in wheelchair users, but also in older people, is often painful, and whose muscles are prone to severe cramps.
Back problems affect almost everyone, even younger people. Seated yoga exercises are therefore perfect for coffee and lunch breaks. Just a quick tip.

Everyone benefits

Yoga should lead to relaxation, better posture, and more serenity, but it should also be approached with a relaxed attitude from the outset. It looks great when people stand on their heads or remain in the lotus position for hours – but for many, this is impossible. Especially with yoga, however, the principle applies: the path is the destination. We strive for perfection, knowing that we will hardly ever achieve it (as even the great yogis are convinced!). And the saying: from each according to his ability, applies equally.

The more open-minded we approach the exercises, the better we'll find variations that suit our bodies. Even if you have amputated limbs or are mobility-impaired, you can still strive and make the most of the exercises. Therefore, yoga is truly suitable for everyone. Those who practice at home can order comfortable meditation cushions in various designs, warm yoga blankets that can also be placed over the knees, and soft yoga towels from us, depending on their needs.

More and more offers

People with disabilities are increasingly finding teachers who offer both disability-specific yoga courses and mixed group courses (inclusion courses). Those unsure about yoga can take a few private lessons beforehand so the teacher can assess the extent of their limitations and how they can best integrate you into the class. Special courses are also offered for wheelchair users, for example. Kundalini and Hatha yoga are the main focus of instruction.

People with intellectual disabilities also benefit from yoga. For everyone, yoga is about coordinating breath and movement, learning greater flexibility and deep breathing, and finding inner relaxation. Parents can take some lessons from experienced teachers and pass them on to their children.

Yoga trains coordination, balance, and inner release, the ability to stillness. Suddenly, previously unimaginable poses become possible. Yoga students with physical disabilities may one day experience stirrings in parts of their bodies that they had almost considered dead.
Yoga stimulates, massages, and gets the flow of life going; it helps, among other things, the digestive system, which suffers particularly in wheelchair users. Yoga benefits us all, but especially those who have few other exercise options and want to achieve change in a gentle way (but certainly with some effort). Yoga promotes balance and thus a good mood: One day, you might even stop blaming the weather (or anyone else) for your mood...

Now, the problem is that there isn't a wide range of yoga classes available everywhere, because yoga teachers have to adapt specifically to this and learn a lot of additional skills. However, the internet and disability support services in cities can help.

The right support: Yoga for every body

If there is no yoga practice nearby and no suitable contact person is available, this is by no means a barrier to successful yoga practice. One good way to help is to seek advice from other people online. Their experiences can help clarify many questions or find solutions to your own problems.
This sometimes involves a lot of effort and research. Nevertheless, yoga with people with disabilities is primarily about promoting movement sequences and ensuring relaxation. Guides like "Yoga for Every Body" address this topic and create opportunities for yoga exercises regardless of physical condition. Helpful beginner tips allow a gentle introduction to determine which exercises are well-suited and which are more difficult to perform. This allows you to gradually work towards the ideal combinations and movement sequences and tailor yoga to the individual needs of the disabled person.