TESTIMONIALS
Pat H., attending since 2006: “I have never been a person who enjoyed exercising but I have done yoga regularly because it really helps me feel and function better. The math is easy to figure out—an hour of yoga and I’ll feel better for the rest of the day about 12 to 14 hours. For reasons I don’t understand, it makes my meds work longer; so less off time.”
Bill C., attending since 2013: “Since attending, my flexibility, balance and outlook have improved. My neurologist has been amazed by my progress. Peter Lynch, the instructor, says the challenge is within, emphasizing effort, but not risking injury or strain. The group offers support, humor and kinship for those with Parkinson’s Disease.”
Karla I., attending since 2015: “Yoga has helped me tremendously. I quickly discovered many unexpected benefits. My voice is stronger, I sleep better, I move better and I feel more relaxed. I found myself wishing I had begun sooner in life. One would be well advised to stay with it, though, because the benefits increase with time, practice and commitment. The best part is that yoga is fun.”
Terry H., attending since 2010: “It’s like a support group without the angst and it takes the ‘park’ out of Parkinson’s.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why 90 minutes?
A. 90 minutes can seem like a long time, but in order to get all the parts of your body warm and available to the work, we need to move many different ways. You can always take breaks during the live class or even pause a recorded class to do it in parts if you want to break it up. Try a class and find out!
Q. Do I need special equipment and clothes to practice Yoga?
A. You can wear any comfortable clothing, and all you need is a chair and a little space around you to practice. When you attend a class in person, you will be provided with all the needed equipment.
Q. Isn’t yoga only for flexible people?
A. If you aren’t flexible, yoga is for you! Yoga is for people who want, among other things, to become more flexible. Much of the Yoga for People with Parkinson’s practice is done from a seated position (chair or mobility device), or standing, using a chair back for balance.
Q. I thought yoga was just for women.
A. Yoga for People with Parkinson’s classes average equal numbers of men and women.
Q. Isn’t Yoga just stretching?
A. Yoga for People with Parkinson’s classes focus on delivering a well-rounded regimen of stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. Even students who have practiced yoga before are surprised by the workout they get.
Q. What is an “RYT?”
A. RYT stands for Registered Yoga Teacher. This indicates a yoga teacher has completed a 200-hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher-training program and has registered him or herself with the Yoga Alliance. Peter is an E-RYT, meaning Experience Registered Yoga Teacher with over 5000 hours of teaching experience, and has completed two separate 200-hour programs - one at Samadhi Yoga in Seattle from 2009-2010, and one at Seattle Yoga Arts in Seattle from 2012-2013. Peter has also trained and completed certification in PWR!Moves® (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) in 2018.