A Retreat into Accessible Chair Yoga Practice and Teaching
With Liz Oppedijk, Francesca Sanlorenzo, Julie Kidd, Steph Shanti Bosanko
LAKSHMI VOELKER
CHAIR YOGA
TEACHER TRAINING
25th-29th November 2026​, Wales, UK
For the first time, the Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga (LVCY) Teacher Training will be offered as a residential retreat at Mandala Yoga Ashram.
Rooted in over 40 years of adaptive Yoga tradition, this training offers you the skills and confidence to bring Yoga to those who may otherwise be unable to access it – older adults, people with disabilities, those with limited mobility, and anyone for whom floor-based yoga is not available.
The Lakshmi Voelker Method was created in 1982, by Lakshmi Voelker, and it is internationally respected for its clarity, structure, and adaptability. Its thoughtfully developed “Levels of Flexibility” system allows teachers to meet every student exactly where they are, ensuring that each practice remains both safe and empowering.
You will learn how to teach chair yoga in a wide range of settings, including community venues, healthcare, specialist groups, and private sessions, as well as adapting practices for wheelchair users and those with chronic health conditions.
What is Included?
​​Five days of immersive group training
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Partner and small-group practice
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Self-study and reflective components
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Practical and written assessments
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One-to-one mentoring and personalised feedback
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A 200-page training manual (digital copy) and access to a video library
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Guidance in sequencing, adaptation, breathwork, and additional modalities such as acupressure and Do-In self-massage
Who is the training for?
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Yoga teachers and therapists
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Healthcare and wellbeing professionals
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Carers and support workers
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Exercise specialists and community facilitators​​​
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Those without a yoga teacher qualification will need to complete an 8-hour Basic Yoga Techniques prerequisite - not included in the retreat fee.
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Required Reading: The book, Get Fit Where You Sit: A Guide to the Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga Method by Lakshmi Voelker and Liz Oppedijk, is required reading for the course. This book must be acquired separately and is not included in the retreat fee.
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The Ashram Setting
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Further information
Places are limited to ensure high-quality mentoring.
​Supported Rate £515 | Standard Rate £620 | Benefactor Rate £720
Costs include all tuition, shared accommodation, food and unlimited hot drinks.​​
Arrive by 5pm to settle in and enjoy supper, served at 6.00pm.