The next Osteoporosis and Yoga Workshop is Saturday, March 9th, 2024. Learn what postures to avoid and how you can modify postures to gain the same benefits and target, while being safe for your bones. Learn more on our event page.
Osteoporosis affects 24 million Americans. The most common injury related to osteoporosis is bone fracture, which is especially common in the spine and hips. According to Duke Integrative Medicine, some yoga poses may be risky for aging adults, who are more likely to have osteoporosis. Poses that put too much strain on the front of the middle and lower spine, such as seated or standing forward bends to reach the toes, may increase the risk of fractures in the spine.
Yoga poses should be chosen or modified so that they do not cause load to the bones that have been impacted by osteoporosis, but instead promote balance, strength, and calm. There are many yoga teacher training programs that emphasize the strict alignment of the pose and the goal of obtaining the most difficult version of the pose, but should be taught to teach to the purpose of the pose and how to offer it to a variety of participants, including seniors. Poses that may be beneficial rather than harmful for osteoporosis include tree, plank, and warrior II poses. The use of props such as bolsters, blocks, blankets, and straps may help modify poses to reduce risk of injury.
For years, SAM Sather, a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) has been working with seniors and training yoga teachers on how to safely guide seniors through a carefully chosen practice. Dogwood Studio offers Osteoporosis and Yoga (and daily life) workshops and weekly classes. The last workshop was October 27th and the next will be February 2nd, 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Cost: Early Bird: $45, after December 31st $55. Register here. You will need to sign in to your Mindbody account to register, and it is easy to create an account if you do not have one.
The training is approved by IAYT for Yoga Therapists for certification maintenance credits. SAM is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) and this course can qualify for maintenance for certified yoga teachers.
For more information, contact info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com
Testimonial
“While visiting Carborro, NC, I attended "Osteoporosis & Yoga" Workshop and "Joint Freeing Yoga" at Dogwood Studio. Combining scientific, medical information with demonstration of modified yoga poses to minimize risk of fracture was a unique approach for me. The guided practice with the assistance of Sam and Rachel enabled me to now safely get down on the floor and back up again and fully participate in these classes. With this total experience, I am confident and motivated to move forward in activities that will improve my health.”