Introduction: Yoga is a practice that offers numerous physical and mental benefits, and it can be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. Modified yoga, also known as adaptive yoga, is specifically designed to accommodate diverse needs, including those with physical limitations, injuries, or disabilities. In this article, we will explore the concept of modified yoga and provide a guide to adapted yoga poses that can be practiced by individuals of varying abilities.

1. Understanding Modified Yoga: Modified yoga focuses on making yoga poses accessible and inclusive for individuals who may have difficulty performing traditional poses. It emphasizes adaptation, the use of props, and modifications to meet individual needs. The practice is guided by the principle of “finding what feels good” and honoring one’s body’s limitations.
2. Seated Yoga: Seated yoga is an excellent option for individuals with limited mobility or those who prefer to practice yoga from a seated position. Some modified seated yoga poses include:

• Seated Mountain Pose: Sit with an upright posture, grounding your feet into the floor, and elongating your spine. Take deep breaths, relaxing your body and mind.
• Seated Forward Fold: Sit with legs extended in front of you. Hinge forward from your hips, reaching towards your toes or as far as comfortable. Feel the stretch in your hamstrings and spine.
• Seated Twist: Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Twist your torso to one side, placing your hand on the opposite knee. Gently look over your shoulder, feeling the twist in your spine. Repeat on the other side.

3. Chair Yoga: Chair yoga is suitable for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues. It utilizes a chair for support while performing various yoga poses. Some examples of chair yoga poses include:

• Chair Cat-Cow: Sit tall on a chair with feet flat on the floor. Inhale, arch your back, and look upward (Cow Pose). Exhale, round your spine, and drop your head forward (Cat Pose). Repeat the flow, syncing breath with movement.
• Chair Pigeon Pose: Sit on the edge of a chair with one ankle crossed over the opposite knee. Gently press down on the raised knee, feeling the stretch in your hip. Repeat on the other side.
• Chair Warrior Pose: Sit with one leg extended in front and the other knee bent, foot on the floor. Raise your arms overhead, stretching through the fingertips. Switch sides and repeat.

4. Wall Support: Using a wall for support can provide stability and assistance in modified yoga poses. Some wall-supported poses include:

• Wall-supported Downward Dog: Stand facing a wall, place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Step back, keeping your feet hip-width apart. Push your hands into the wall and hips toward the ceiling, creating an inverted V shape with your body.
• Wall-supported Tree Pose: Stand with one side facing the wall. Place your hand on the wall for support as you lift one foot and rest it against your inner thigh or calf. Find your balance and hold the pose. Repeat on the other side.

Conclusion: Modified yoga is a practice that embraces inclusivity and enables individuals of all abilities to experience the benefits of yoga. By adapting poses to meet individual needs, modified yoga empowers everyone to explore movement, improve flexibility, and find peace of mind. Whether through seated yoga, chair yoga, or wall-supported poses, there are various ways to engage in a modified yoga practice. Remember to listen to your body, make adjustments as needed, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery and well-being through modified yoga.