Chair yoga

In the latest in a series of interviews with 2020 FHT Training Congress expert speakers, we speak to Richard Kravetz about yoga and how it can support people with disabilities.

Tell us a bit of background about yourself…

I had a career as a chartered accountant in London for 20 years. When my second son was born with special needs, I explored how yoga can support people with disabilities. This shaped my life and career, now I teach yoga full time.

Give us an insight in to your normal day to day schedule…

On weekdays I teach yoga to people with special needs in day centres, residential homes and dementia cafes. On weekends I train yoga teachers and professionals how adapted yoga can be used therapeutically to a wider population.

What interests you outside of work? 

Apart from an active interest in yoga and meditation, I like to walk, watch sport and enjoy live theatre and music.

Are there any other seminars in the programme which you find particularly interesting?

• Cameron Reid “Osteopathic techniques – sport and spine”
• Core Postural Alignment’s Sue Weller and Allyn Edwards “An introduction and demonstration of core postural alignment”
• Emma Gilmore “Additional needs massage”
• Dr Rachael Watson “Rethinking pain”
• Dr Ese Stacey “The gut and environment in muscle and joint conditions.”

What is your Training Congress seminar about?

To demonstrate how people with single or multiple alignments due to disability or ageing can share the therapeutic benefits of yoga, using accessible and user-friendly ideas and techniques.

 

What will attendees of your seminar expect to come away with? 

They will participate in an experiential chair based yoga practice and learn how yoga can be modified to help people with disabilities exercise safely, increase their flexibility, strength and coordination and maintain a higher degree of independence.

Find out more about the 2020 FHT Congress and sign up at fht.org.uk/congress.