International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation

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Yoga at the IWMF

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Chair Yoga – Pull up a chair for self-care!

Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that can improve quality of life for those affected by chronic illness. All levels are welcome to attend this gentle, inclusive yoga practice. Care for your body, mind, and spirit with easy movements and simple breath techniques. Both seated and standing options are available.

Our 45-minute Zoom classes incorporate the following:

  • Breath exercises for reducing stress, coping with fatigue, and supporting the immune system
  • Repetitive, slow flow movement to encourage blood and lymph circulation, lubricate the joints, and increase mindfulness
  • Hand, lower limb, and foot motions to address peripheral neuropathy
  • Yoga poses to improve balance and steadiness
  • Gentle stretches to energize the whole body
  • Meditations such as body scans to facilitate mindfulness, connection, acceptance, and relaxation
  • Optional community support chat (unrecorded)

What our WM friends are saying:

“These classes have become really important to me, and for the first time since I was diagnosed six years ago, I have hope. To be able to see and share with people who understand is the greatest healing experience for me.”       –Beth G.

“I’ve been doing last Monday’s session every day this week. I do feel much better! More agility and better balance. Thank you for opening my eyes to this great resource.”  – Ron D.

To join the mailing list for Chair Yoga, reach out to our Wellness Program Coordinator: anngrace@iwmf.com

Instructor: Ann Grace MacMullan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

Ann has been joyfully sharing the gift of yoga and meditation in community, corporate, private, and healthcare settings since 2015 with a wide range of students of all mobility levels and ages. She enjoys uplifting the WM community through breath-connected movement, and by creating a supportive community on Zoom. Her father was diagnosed with WM in 2019.

Keep up with our weekly recordings: Chair Yoga Class Library

Gentle Mat Yoga

Roll out your mat with the WM community! This gentle 60-minute mat class moves at an easy pace, with mindful transitions up and down to the floor. Expect to use a range of yoga tools, such as breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga postures. We will leave time for a rest pose at the end. No yoga experience necessary.

Our 60-minute Zoom classes feature some of the following:

  • Breath exercises for reducing stress, coping with fatigue, and supporting the immune system
  • Repetitive, slow flow movement to encourage blood and lymph circulation, lubricate the joints, and increase mindfulness and mobility
  • Hand, lower limb, and foot motions to address peripheral neuropathy
  • Yoga poses to improve bone density, balance, strength, and flexibility
  • Gentle stretches to massage the whole body
  • Meditations such as body scans to facilitate mindfulness, connection, acceptance, and relaxation
  • We will leave time for a reclining rest pose (Savasana) at the end.

What to bring: 

  • A yoga mat and a chair for support during transitions and balance poses, if needed.
  • If you have two yoga blocks and a yoga strap (non-stretchy) that would also be helpful, but optional.
  • Water or something to stay hydrated.
  • two pillows and a blanket to feel supported and comfy for the rest pose at the end of class.  

What to wear: Comfortable clothing you can move in, bare feet or grippy socks, OR shoes you can easily slip on and off, if needed, for stability

What our WM friends are saying:

“I loved the mat class!  It was just my speed. I was worried about making the transitions, but with our instructor’s expert advice about how to get up and down most easily and with the relaxed pace, I was able to execute all these moves without pain. I felt wonderful by the end of the class. It was such a great start to the day!” – Anne M.

To join the mailing list for Gentle Mat Yoga, reach out to our Wellness Program Coordinator: anngrace@iwmf.com
 

Instructor: Ann Grace MacMullan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

Ann has been joyfully sharing the gift of yoga and meditation in community, corporate, private, and healthcare settings since 2015 with a wide range of students of all mobility levels and ages. She enjoys uplifting the WM community through breath-connected movement, and by creating a supportive community on Zoom. Her father was diagnosed with WM in 2019.

Keep up with our weekly recordings: Chair Yoga Class Library

Note: The IWMF Wellness Program offers complementary or integrative practices to be used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, with the approval of your doctor.