| There is a growing need for more Chair Yoga | | | | teachers, so they can work with seniors in the |
| teachers. Education about the mental and physical | | | | Providence area. The reason: As I have said |
| benefits of Yoga has spread like "wild fire" in the | | | | before, "The demand for Yoga is far beyond |
| past couple of decades; but what about the | | | | what any one of us can do."Think about the cost |
| needs of those who are not so young and limber? | | | | of medical services, prescriptions, and physical |
| In some parts of the world, the number of | | | | therapy. Then, consider the cost of Yoga |
| seniors will outweigh the working population. Italy, | | | | instruction. This is a "no-brainer," but don't expect |
| the United States, and the rest of Europe, will see | | | | to see a big change right away. Nevertheless, |
| senior populations grow rapidly.Within the United | | | | senior centers, assisted living complexes, and |
| States, every seven seconds, someone turns 50 | | | | nursing homes have already caught onto the fact |
| years of age. In 20 years, the number of people | | | | that Yoga is cost effective preventative |
| over 65 is projected to be over 60 million. "The | | | | medicine.This proactive mind-set has also infiltrated |
| writing is on the wall," and there are many | | | | the medical community. It is not uncommon for |
| opportunities for Yoga teachers, senior fitness | | | | Yoga studios to get medical referrals. Medical |
| specialists, and health care professionals.Although | | | | professionals have so many patients that they |
| government bureaucrats will not adjust for | | | | are advising many prevention methods, and Yoga |
| massive senior health care needs, until it is too | | | | is one of them.Do you think all of the Chair Yoga |
| late, that doesn't mean you can't do something | | | | classes will be in senior facilities, 20 years from |
| about it. If you are currently a Yoga teacher, you | | | | now? My bet is some of these classes will be in |
| should learn everything you can about Chair Yoga. | | | | "top name" fitness centers. The fitness industry |
| Continuing education is a big part of teaching, so | | | | will not want to miss the opportunity to tap into a |
| you want to learn about senior fitness, anatomy, | | | | 60 million plus membership market, that will visit |
| physiology, kinesiology, modifications, props, and | | | | them during "off peak" hours.Therefore, look for |
| contraindications.If you are a Yoga student, who | | | | Chair Yoga and senior fitness to explode, in |
| wants to teach seniors, you should learn | | | | popularity, for the next two or three decades. |
| everything you can, and get involved in a Yoga | | | | This age group will be looking at Yoga for |
| Teacher Training program. Chair Yoga teachers | | | | longevity, so it won't be anything close to a |
| should have a solid foundation in Yoga and/or be | | | | "fad."Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of |
| familiar with the physical abilities of seniors.Physical | | | | Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in |
| therapists, and senior fitness specialists, could | | | | North Providence, RI. He has been a certified |
| easily learn Chair Yoga concepts, as well. | | | | Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master |
| However, you must be honest with yourself in | | | | instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, |
| regard to patience and compassion. This type of | | | | four martial arts teaching credentials, and was |
| class is not for the instructor who just wants to | | | | recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of |
| do his, or her, "workout."Sure you can | | | | Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness |
| demonstrate, but you must also assist, modify, | | | | to children, adults, and seniors in the greater |
| and cue those who cannot always hear so well. | | | | Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a |
| Therefore, patience, compassion, and safety, are | | | | Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, |
| of prime importance.This is a direction of | | | | who may be considering a new career as a Yoga |
| employment that could lead to 30 years of job | | | | teacher. |
| security. Currently, I have been training local Yoga | | | | |