Online Adaptive Yoga

Welcome to MBSOnline! At Mind Body Solutions, the benefits of yoga are waiting for all of us! Our founder, Matthew Sanford has pioneered an approach that teaches universal principles inherent to yoga poses that are accessible to all students, regardless of their level of ability.

The principles of yoga do not discriminate. Yoga poses do!
Matthew Sanford

Whether you live with a disability or care for someone who does, MBS Online is your adaptive yoga resource.

We offer classes six days a week and 24/7 digital access through our website at no cost to the participant. Our live adaptive yoga classes are 100% online and held on the Zoom platform. Classes labeled “Adaptive” are taught from a chair throughout the practice. Classes labeled “Ambulatory” are taught either from a chair or from the floor. Students may attend any class they wish! Our MBS-trained teachers will meet you where you are.  Try out a class or two! Meet new friends from around the world and start living better in the body you have.  Browse Class Schedule

If the whole notion of connecting mind and body seems foreign to you in the body YOU have, take a look at this short video from Matthew that simplifies the whole idea…

MBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. To support our work, please donate here

Frequently Asked Questions

Practicing yoga is both a physical endeavor and a personal journey for any student. Beginning yoga requires personal commitment as well as support and guidance. If you live with a disability, it is especially important to believe yoga is not only possible for you, but that you can experience its wonder and benefits just like anyone else.

Here are some practical benefits from practicing yoga:
  • Increased strength, balance and flexibility — both mental and physical
  • Rhythm, an inward sense of direction and the ability to move through life in a more integrated way
  • The capacity to live more fully within the body
  • An enhanced ability to manage stress
  • A deepened sense of connection with others
  • Hope and a renewed sense of freedom

All our online adaptive yoga classes are one hour and can be practiced either seated in a chair, or on the floor or bed. Classes will include basic movements (yoga poses), a focus on inner awareness when doing those poses and breathing. You may learn to use props such as blankets, blocks and belts.

Our live classes are a “come as you are” environment, meaning you do not need to have a certain level of experience, disability.  There is often a friendly discussion amongst the students and teacher for a few minutes at either the beginning or the end of each class.

You are not required to have your camera on but it is a fun way to get to know one another.

If you have any questions about the practice, you can email our general info or your specific teacher. Their email addresses can be found in the class link.

We welcome people living disabilities both visible and invisible. Many of our students live with partial or total paralysis, amputation, spinal cord injury, severe arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, head injury, spina bifida and cerebral palsy, to name a few.

It’s nice to have a friend, family member or caregiver attend class with you, but is not required.

 

There are four steps in the registration process:

  1. Select the Class Schedule menu from the Online Class header on the main page of our website.
  2. Click the underlined class name you wish to take/register for.
  3. Click the green REGISTER button.
  4. Fill out the registration information, click the waiver, then click FINISH.
  • Once you’ve registered for the class(es) you wish to attend you will receive a confirmation email – one for each class you registered for.
  • Each week thereafter, you will receive an email with the Zoom link for each class, approximately one hour prior to class starting time. Click the Zoom Link highlighted in yellow (see below)  in that email and you will be directed to the Zoom platform waiting room. The teacher will admit you to the class.
  • New to Zoom or need a refresher? Here’s a quick guide.

ALL MBSOnline adaptive yoga classes are:

  • Taught by Mind Body Solutions’ trained teachers
  • 60 minutes in length (not all 60 minutes are moving (in yoga poses)
  • Open to everybody regardless of disability or mobility level.
  • Can be practiced from a chair.
  • Include optional conversation time among students and with the teacher, either before the asana practice begins or afterward.

SOME MBSOnline Classes are:

  • Taught from, or practiced on the floor. These are labeled AMBULATORY classes, however, students are always welcome to practice in a chair

NO two MBSOnline Classes are:

  • The same. Even though all our teachers are thoroughly trained in the MBS method, each has his or her own teaching style. The only way to know which is right for you is to try them on for size!
  • Wear comfortable clothing like shorts or leggings and a T-shirt. Yoga is usually practiced in bare feet but is not necessary.
  • A yoga bolster, block, and strap may be helpful in your practice but are not required. You do NOT need to buy these props! Improvise with what’s around you – pillows, blankets, bath robe sash, an empty box or a book. All can be used creatively to help support your practice. Your teacher will help you. 

Click HERE to receive by email the Matthew’s Monday Class Recording and the Friday Meditation offering.