The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MSSOC), Interior Health and yoga instructor Suzy Williamson are collaborating to launch a new adaptive yoga class offered weekly on Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Osoyoos Health Centre, 4816 – 89th Street. The first class will be held on January 14.
Adaptive yoga classes are uniquely designed for individuals with chronic conditions that may make movement in a traditional yoga class difficult, such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, head or spinal injuries, or anyone interested in trying a gentle type of yoga class.
There is extensive scientific research that demonstrates the immense mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga for people with neuromuscular conditions.
The instructor, Suzy Williamson, has been teaching yoga since 2014, and practicing yoga for much longer. She feels that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility level.
“Yoga can help strengthen and stretch your body gently and safely, improve the range of motion in your joints, and stimulate the muscles needed for balance and support. It can make you feel more limber, relaxed and mentally clear,” she explained. “Individuals can participate from a chair, from a mat or somewhere in between.”
The MSSOC and Interior Health hope that the adaptive yoga sessions will promote the importance of health and wellness through exercise for people with chronic illness.
“When the MS Society approached us with the idea of offering adaptive yoga to people in the local community who have chronic conditions, we were thrilled to collaborate with them,” shared Dayle Drury, Integrated Care Coordinator, RSW, with Interior Health.
“Through my work with Interior Health, I have found that adaptive exercises are a great need for all communities and this class will allow for more options for wellness activities, especially for people living with chronic illness,” she added.
The first class in the adaptive yoga session will be free and all classes after that will cost $5 per participant.
