Integrative Yoga for Seniors Professional Training

Integrative Yoga for Seniors Professional Training is an 8 day program for Registered Yoga Teachers that combines the best of evidenced-based research with the ancient wisdom of yoga.  Structured on the foundation of the physiology of aging, this program offers a framework for Registered Yoga Teachers to safely provide specific recommendations when teaching yoga to older adults.

The program will cover:

• How to safely and effectively teach yoga to older adults.
• Health conditions common to seniors including osteoporosis, arthritis, heart disease, chronic pain and joint replacement.
• How specific health challenges may affect yoga practice.
• How commonly-used medications may affect yoga practice.
• Extensive training in teaching skills specific to older practitioners with varied health concerns.
• Yoga practices to help relieve symptoms of common ailments.
• Yoga practices to help improve function and enhance balance.
• Practical strategies for adapting yoga practice to older bodies, minds and spirits.

Upcoming dates and deadlines

March 2023

Registration Open!

Early Registration Deadline: February 3, 2023
Last Day to Register: February 26, 2023

Schedule:

Each Monday will meet: 10 – 1 EST and 3 – 6 EST
Each Sunday will meet: 10 – 1 EST and 2 – 6 EST

• Sunday, March 5th
• Monday, March 6th
• Monday, March 13th
• Monday, March 20th
• Monday, April 3rd
• Monday, April 10th
• Monday, April 17th
• Monday, April 24th

Instructors

• Kimberly Carson
• Carol Krucoff
• Duke Guest Presenters

Program developers Kimberly Carson and Carol Krucoff have extensive experience teaching yoga to vulnerable populations and provide hands-on training in safely modifying postures for older adults, especially those new to yoga.   Faculty lecturers, including Duke physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists and health psychologists cover health conditions common to seniors, such as heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. We also explore special issues related to elderly students, including pain management, fall prevention, and palliative care.

Application Process

• Participation is by application only and registration in each course is limited.
• Applicants must have completed a minimum of a YA approved 200-hour RYT training or equivalent.  Exceptions may be made for those with comparable experience and we recommend submitting an application detailing comparable training.
• There is no application fee.
• To submit an application at any time access the online application by clicking on the orange “Apply Here” button. Please allow up to two weeks for review and notification of your acceptance decision.
• Accepted applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the course.  Standard Duke Integrative Medicine cancellation policies apply.

What Participants Have Said:

“I’ve always felt safety was the primary consideration but I didn’t really have the tools I needed other than my own intuition and common sense, which is valuable of course, but now I have professional and evidence informed information that will allow me to keep my students safe as they experience all the benefits of yoga.”

“Where do I begin? The entire experience exceeded my expectations. The quality of the instruction was superb and I left feeling much more comfortable to work with older adults safely.”

“This program has so much to teach. The information about how our bodies work, the insights into aging, and the lessons in compassion and connection would benefit everyone, not just yogis. This is so much more than an educational experience. It is an experience in what it is to be human.”

“I appreciated the professionalism & integrity Carol & Kimberly bring to this program. I liked the yoga therapy approach to bringing in leaders in different medical specialties to emphasize the aging human body and the conditions we must, as teachers, be keenly aware of.”

Instructors in the Media

Read the article featured in the January 2021 issue of OBM Geriatrics by Carol and Kimberly: Relax into Yoga for Seniors: An Evidence-Informed Update for Enhancing Yoga Practice Benefits by Reducing Risk in a Uniquely Vulnerable Age Group.

Next Avenue by Carol (April 2021): 6 Strategies for Practicing Safe Yoga at Home

The Washington Post by Carol (December 2017): More older people are doing yoga, but they are also racking up injuries

Accommodations Statement

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access should contact us in advance of the program.

Continuing Education Credits Available

Students have the opportunity to earn a total of 50.0 Yoga Alliance continuing education units.

Students have the opportunity to earn a total of 50.0 credits from the International Association of Yoga Therapists.