Delivered by a highly experienced yoga therapist, Yanar Alkayat, founder of Yanar Mind & Movement, the seated yoga classes are designed for all ages and abilities to take part, regardless of mobility or yoga experience. Relatives and carers are also welcome to join in, meet others and move together.
Two classes are available in East London and both are free to attend:
- Seated Yoga at Christ Church, Wanstead Place, London, E11 2SW. Held every Wednesday on a weekly basis from 12pm to 1pm.
- Seated Yoga at St. Bartholomew's Church, 292b Barking Rd, East Ham, London, E6 3BA. Held every second Friday on a monthly basis from 11am to 1pm.
An online chair yoga class is also available, every Monday 11am - 11:45am, starting from £6, allowing people to enjoy movement from the comfort of their home.
You can find out more or book a place by visiting the Yanar Mind & Movement website: https://www.mindandmovement.uk/classes-and-sessions/p/online-chair-yoga
Physical Activity Grant funding from Parkinson’s UK is helping Yanar Mind & Movement to continue the free seated yoga classes in 2025. It is hoped that even more people living locally with Parkinson’s will be able to enjoy the benefits of yoga in the future.
Yanar has her own personal connection to Parkinson’s after her mother was diagnosed with the condition over 15 years ago.
As a result, Yanar decided to dedicate her yoga experience to supporting people living with Parkinson’s, focusing on gentle chair-based movement and relaxation practices to help manage symptoms and enhance daily mobility.
How yoga can support people to live well with Parkinson’s
Yoga is proven to have many physical and emotional wellbeing benefits for people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. These can include:
- reduced stiffness
- better/increased mobility
- better bone health and flexibility
- better mood and feeling of wellbeing
- more energy and improved sleep
- reduced stress and anxiety
- better balance and coordination
- increased muscle strength and joint health
- improved cardiovascular health
Yanar says: “The benefits of yoga postures, adapted for the chair, extend beyond improving mobility, posture and balance – they also lift the mood and support the nervous system, which is especially important when managing a health condition.
“Classes always include gentle, accessible movements to mobilise joints and stretch muscles throughout the body. Breath awareness and relaxation practices such as Yoga Nidra – a guided practice to release physical and mental tension – help manage stress and enhance emotional wellbeing, leaving participants feeling energised and relaxed. I’m excited that this new class funding will bring mindful movement to even more people who need it.”
Roma Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are delighted to be working with Yanar on the new seated yoga classes for people living across East London.
“Yanar continues to support our Parkinson’s UK local group in East London and the free seated yoga classes are one of the most accessible ways for people to be active with Parkinson’s in the city.
“We want even more people from across East London to give seated yoga a try and whether you’re an experienced yoga participant, or you’re just a beginner, it’s open to all ages and abilities.
“Being active when you live with Parkinson’s can be just as important as getting the right dose of medication and it’s a great way to socialise too.
“Our Physical Activity Grant funding and training for exercise professionals is helping more groups to deliver Parkinson’s-specific sessions for local communities and we hope that more people will be able to enjoy an active lifestyle with Parkinson’s.”
For more information about seated yoga classes from Yanar Mind & Movement, visit https://www.mindandmovement.uk/