In this blog we feature an article written by Garth Mclean from the latest issue of Yoga Magazine, August 2024 Issue 256

Garth McLean’s journey with Iyengar Yoga emphasises accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptive practice, transforming lives, especially those with health challenges.

“As a student, practitioner and teacher of Iyengar Yoga I can certainly attest this to be true — provided access to the practice is also accessible”.

If claims that ‘yoga is for everyone’ are to hold true, it is vital to have access to a venue where yoga is being offered; especially for those who may be mobility challenged, or for anyone who may feel unsure, unwelcome or excluded.

Reasons why some feel yoga may be inaccessible to them include: geographic location; perception of what yoga is; physical disability; acute or chronic health conditions; discrimination based on race, heritage, age, body image and size; sensory loss (blind, deaf, aphasia/ speech deficits); language barriers, socio-economic conditions; trauma survivors; mental health challenges; developmental learning and social interaction disorders; and a vast array of other cultural discriminations such as gender identity; sexual preference; incarceration; any combination of the above, and more.

Thankfully, most general class offerings welcome and integrate culturally diverse populations free of bias. To address specific health conditions (musculoskeletal, systemic, neurological), sometimes specifically designed classes or individual session(s) are required.

Some examples of neurological conditions I’ve worked with that can benefit from an adapted practice include: Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, post-Stroke, MND/ALS, limb amputees, persons in wheelchairs, and a wide range of other mobility and health challenges such as cancer, post-surgery recovery, mental health challenges and more.

To download and read the entire article follow the link below:

To purchase the full magazine featuring this article you can visit www.yogamagazine.com

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