Rediscovering the Accessibility and Adaptability of Yoga: A Return to Its Roots

In today’s fast-paced world, modern yoga classes often place a heavy emphasis on movement and poses (Asanas), sometimes at the expense of breathwork and the deeper aspects of the practice. The trend towards flowing sequences, where the breath is reduced to a simple ‘inhale’ and ‘exhale,’ often leaves little room for true exploration of the breath (Pranayama) or for adequate restoration, with Savasana often rushed. While these classes can offer benefits, a crucial question arises: where has the true adaptability and accessibility of Yoga gone? 

Yoga offers a wealth of benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, improved mindfulness, better posture, joint alignment, increased strength, and enhanced flexibility. But are these benefits fully realised if we neglect to address the way we breathe or fail to tailor the practice to meet the individual needs and Body Type (postural effects in common asana) of each practitioner?

Explore the details of our Adaptive Therapeutic Yoga course.

The Importance of Breath and Individualised Practice

Breathwork is central to Yoga, far more than just an accompaniment to movement. Conscious breathing, or Pranayama, is essential in influencing the nervous system, shifting from stress responses to a state of balance. However, if we bring our daily stress-breathing patterns into our Yoga practice without making necessary adjustments, are we truly gaining the full benefits of Yoga?

Additionally, many modern Yoga classes involve holding poses only briefly, which can undermine the development of strength, stability, and proper joint alignment. Without the inclusion of props (to support efficient personal alignment), modifications, or alternatives, how can we cater to the diverse abilities and Body Types that students bring into the studio? Yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level, flexibility, or the presence of injuries. Unfortunately, many people leave classes feeling inadequate or, even worse, injured due to a lack of appropriate modifications and individual attention.

The Traditional Roots of Yoga: A Practice for Every Body

Traditionally, Yoga is a practice that explores the body through breath in Asana, eventually leading to stillness and comfort in the mind. The goal is to find ease in the body so we can connect deeply with our minds, free from distractions. By exploring the breath and learning to manage the flow of energy (Prana) throughout the body, we create an ideal environment for physical, mental, and emotional healing.

This is where the real benefits of Yoga are realised, and they are not reserved for the ‘fit,’ ‘agile,’ or ‘flexible.’ The Yogalates lineage follows the teachings of Krishnamacharya, placing emphasis on a practice tailored to the individual’s needs. This approach is almost prescriptive, involving the application of adjustments, props, and layers to each Asana so that students can explore their unique bodies and find ease, even in challenging poses.

Yogalates: Bridging Tradition with Modern Needs

At the Yogalates Academy, we are dedicated to bringing back the adaptability and accessibility of Yoga. Our 350-hour Teacher-Training course, which is equivalent to a comprehensive 500-hour programme, covers everything from Anatomy and Physiology to understanding Body Types, common conditions, and injuries. We also delve into the use of props and modifications to make Yoga accessible for everyone.

Introducing Our Adaptive Therapeutic Yoga Course

To make these teachings more accessible, we’ve developed the Adaptive Therapeutic Yoga course (Parts 1&2), now available as a stand-alone, online programme. This course is split into two parts, each offering 30 hours of in-depth training. It is perfect for Yoga teachers, Pilate’s instructors, and physiotherapists, or anyone who works with the general public and encounters individuals requiring adaptations.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding Body Types: How to read and support various Body Types, knowing what to avoid.
• Posture and Alignment: Explore common postural misalignments and how they apply to foundational pose groups.
• Modifications and Props: Learn how to use props and offer pose modifications to accommodate varied abilities, conditions, and injuries supporting the individual to find their personal footprint on the mat.
• Common Conditions and Injuries: Gain insights into conditions such as lower back issues, SI joint dysfunction, knee and hip problems, shoulder girdle conditions, anxiety, arthritis, and high blood pressure. You’ll learn what is beneficial for these conditions and how to create personalised practice programmes.
• Breathwork and Restorative Yoga: Understand how Pranayama and restorative practices can influence overall well-being.
• Ayurveda: Explore this sister science of Yoga and how it can guide individuals towards receiving the benefits they seek.

This course is registered with Yoga Australia and qualifies for CPD points, ensuring that you’re not only expanding your knowledge but also meeting professional development requirements.

Find out more about our Adaptive Therapeutic Yoga course.

Join Us in Making Yoga Accessible for All

By equipping yourself with these skills, you’ll be able to confidently guide any BODY through a practice that is accessible and inclusive. Whether you are leading general classes, specialised group sessions, or offering private programmes, this course ensures that everyone can experience the full range of Yoga’s benefits.

Explore the details of our Adaptive Therapeutic Yoga course.