If you want yoga for mobility and arthritis in Liverpool, Shiva Yoga's weekly classes with Mohan focus on strength, mobility and relaxation and are open to all levels. We don't list a dedicated arthritis class, so we'll help you pick the right session before you come.
Can yoga help with mobility and arthritis?
Yoga combines gentle posture work (asana), breathing (pranayama) and relaxation. Versus Arthritis says that yoga's posture and breathing exercises can help general fitness and range of movement, and that it suits people with joint pain when adapted. The NHS lists yoga among low-impact activities that help keep joints moving and muscles strong.
The key word is adapted. A class helps when the teacher changes poses to fit your body, not because of what it's called.
What should you look for in yoga for mobility and arthritis in Liverpool?
Start with the format. If getting down to and up from the floor is difficult, ask before you go. A class called gentle can still include mat work, while a chair-based class keeps you seated or supported. Some teachers in the Liverpool area run chair classes aimed at limited mobility, so it's worth asking about them.
Then put a few direct questions to any teacher:
Is the class built around arthritis, or is it a general gentle class?
How do you change poses if a joint is inflamed or I'm having a flare-up?
Have you trained in adaptive or chair yoga?
Is the venue step-free, with toilets close by and easy transport or parking?
How big is the group, and will you have time to check how I'm doing?
A good teacher will welcome these questions. If the answers are vague, keep looking.
Which Shiva Yoga classes suit mobility needs?
What we offer
We teach weekly public classes across Liverpool, including sessions at David Lloyd in Speke. Our focus is strength, mobility and relaxation, and every class is open to all levels, so you won't be expected to keep up with anyone else. If a one-to-one setting would suit you better, ask us about private classes.
Mohan leads our teaching. He has practised yoga for over 50 years, has taught since 1987 and has been based in Liverpool for more than 25 years. We hold a 5 star average across 78 Google reviews, and Mohan is regularly praised in testimonials.
We also run monthly yoga and wellbeing workshops that combine gentle movement, breathwork and Yoga Nidra, a guided relaxation practice. They're a calm, slower way to try our approach.
Shiva Yoga is a Liverpool yoga school led by Mohan, offering weekly open-to-all classes focused on strength, mobility and relaxation, with more than 25 years of teaching in the city.
What we don't claim
Our public timetable doesn't name a dedicated arthritis class, and we'd rather say so than promise something we don't list. What we can tell you is that our 200+ hour teacher training course is accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals UK and includes Chair Yoga. That means the teachers we train learn about yoga that can be done seated or supported.
Talk to us before your first class
Before starting any new exercise with arthritis, it makes sense to check with your GP or physiotherapist, especially after surgery or during a flare-up.
Then tell us about your joints, what you find difficult and how you'd like to feel. We'll tell you honestly whether one of our classes is the right fit. Contact us and we'll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Liverpool yoga class just for arthritis?
Some teachers in the Liverpool area run chair or gentle classes aimed at limited mobility. Shiva Yoga's weekly classes focus on strength, mobility and relaxation, but we don't list a dedicated arthritis class. Contact us and we'll help you decide if one of our classes suits you.
Do I need to get down on the floor in a gentle class?
Not always, but you should ask. Some gentle classes include mat work and others are chair-based. Tell the teacher in advance so they can suggest the best option for you.
Is yoga safe if I have arthritis?
The NHS lists yoga among suitable low-impact activities, and Versus Arthritis says it suits people with joint pain when adapted. It's sensible to speak to your GP or physiotherapist first, and to tell your teacher about any flare-ups or surgery.
Can beginners join Shiva Yoga classes?
Yes. Our classes are open to all levels, so you can work at your own pace.
Who teaches at Shiva Yoga?
Mohan leads our teaching. He has practised for over 50 years, has taught since 1987 and has been based in Liverpool for more than 25 years.
What should I tell the teacher before my first class?
Mention which joints are affected, whether you've had surgery, and whether you find the floor difficult. Also say what you want from the class, so we can suggest suitable options before you arrive.