How to Teach Yoga to the Obese and to Seniors

Yoga is a valuable form of exercise that is often perceived as the domain of the slim and the flexible. If taught correctly, anyone can learn yoga and benefit from its teaching. With some simple modifications, you can teach yoga to the elderly and the obese, and share with them the benefits of increased flexibility and strength, improved coordination and higher levels of energy. If you work with the elderly and the obese, consider what they can do, and build the exercises around their ability.

Things You'll Need

  • Chairs
  • Yoga mats
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1
      It is a big step for an elderly or obese person to decide to learn yoga.

      Start with congratulating your group of elderly or obese yoga students for taking the first step to sign up and do a yoga class. It often takes courage for an individual who is either obese or elderly to sign up to do an exercise class at all, so affirm each person's decision to learn yoga. Tell them of the benefits that they are likely to experience through yoga, and help them to feel good about having taken this first step.

    • 2
      Make a note of any health concerns before the class begins.

      Speak to each person individually before class and ask them if they have any health issues or medical concerns that they wish to discuss. People who are elderly or obese often have health issues and, as a result, some fears about learning yoga. Note their concerns, and make allowances for any other observations that may not have been discussed, such as limited flexibility or not being able to do certain stretches and poses because of their size. Be sensitive to each person's needs.

    • 3
      Apply simple modifications to your class to involve everyone equally.

      Adapt each of the exercises and poses to the physical abilities of your class members. Simple modifications will help you to keep the movements gentle. For example, don't do full rotations of the head; in standing poses, make sure your students don't bring their heads down below the level of their heart; and focus on exercises that build muscles in the pelvic floor. Ensure that each person is doing the poses and exercises correctly by speaking through what they should be doing. Avoid touching class members as this may make them feel uncomfortable.

    • 4
      Do yoga exercises from a chair if it is difficult to sit on the floor.

      Encourage class members to do the exercises while seated on chairs. Some of them might find it difficult, or impossible, to sit down on their yoga mat on the floor. Explain to your students that their goal is to improve from their starting point, and that each person's starting point might be different.

    • 5

      Focus on warming up at the beginning of the yoga class and cooling down at the end. Pace the exercises according to the abilities of your class members and work gently to avoid any injuries or stiffness that might impede their movements.