VA offers free online and in-person yoga classes and mindfulness training to Veterans across the nation. VA hosts these classes through a partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, Inc., which is maintained by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP).
The classes provide a no-cost opportunity to Veterans seeking to improve their mental, physical and emotional health through yoga and mindfulness practices.
VA and Veterans Yoga Project are working together to make more Veterans aware of the benefits of yoga while offering more classes. This partnership also provides local VA medical centers with opportunities to connect with Veterans Yoga Project instructors to provide yoga classes and mindful resilience training to Veterans, either in-person or virtually through VA-approved telehealth platforms.
“Through this partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, we are addressing top VA priorities, expanding Veteran access to care and enhancing the overall health of Veterans,” said Kimberly Pugh, health system specialist within VHA National Center for Healthcare Advancement & Partnerships. “Including yoga and mindfulness into their health care routine provides Veterans with additional tools to manage stress, improve physical health and build resilience.”
72% of Veterans saw a reduction in pain
The Veterans Yoga Project is a nonprofit organization that helps Veterans, their families and communities recover and build resilience through yoga and mindfulness training. In 2023, Veterans Yoga Project reported that 75% of Veterans who took part in their programs felt less distress and 72% saw a reduction in pain.
The partnership between VA and Veterans Yoga Project focuses on several key goals:
- Teaching Veterans about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for their mental, physical and emotional health.
- Making access to yoga classes and mindful resilience training easier for Veterans.
- Encouraging local partnerships between VA medical centers and Veterans Yoga Project instructors.
- Offering free yoga and meditation classes to Veterans in their communities.
Classes reduce pain and stress
“Veterans Yoga Project is proud to partner with VA and deliver yoga and mindful resilience practices as a primary service to America’s Veterans,” said Brianna Renner, CEO of Veterans Yoga Project. “As an integral part of VA’s Whole Health initiative, together we have the ability to empower more Veterans to live, thrive and actively belong. With a robust teacher network and over a hundred free yoga classes weekly, we are dedicated to growing the impact of our classes to reduce pain and stress and support as many Veterans as possible.”
This partnership shows VA’s commitment to changing the way health care is delivered to Veterans, focusing on personalized, whole-person care. Yoga is part of VA Whole Health System of Care, which gives Veterans supportive health options.
To take a free class, visit Veterans Yoga Project’s website.
For more information about VA partnerships, visit the HAP website.
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How do I get start the Yoga class?
Who f-cking knows. It looks like scam to me
Can vets take this and do seated postures?
Good morning, I am an OT with home-based primary care and many of the vets I see have chronic pain. Would you recommend this class for vets who would have a difficult time with floor-type postures? Could they do these seated? Thanks!
Sadly I was taking the in person yoga classes at the Lake Baldwin VA location in Orlando, Fl.. I was thoroughly enjoying the in person classes, going through a # of instructors who I think were volunteers. One by one they left due to work schedule changes or the last volunteer took a full time job and was not able to continue. I have not heard anything about any new class starting back up and I am very disappointed that a replacement instructor has not been found. Come on VA/Lake Baldwin!!! Do Better and GET IT DONE!!
Do y’all have any programs for
Widows
I’m a veteran and interested in the yogurt classes how do I get started?
I would consider trying a yoga class to see if it would make me a little more flexible
Three years ago I was diagnosed with painful neuropathy. It affected my job and turned my life upside down. Two years ago i started a yoga home practice and slowly improve. Today my balance has dramatically improved, over all health is great, neuropathy has disappeared and I feel great ! Yoga gave me my life back
I would like Silver Sneakers, so I could go to the YMCA.
Thank you..
As a disabled Veteran .. still serving and an active SVO… the merits of yoga .. on many platforms.. yes .. when appropriate .. including family members…importantly here..the inclusion of and dedicated practice of Yoga via virtual on line viewing classes..
Affords opportunities for Veterans living in all environs… how ever from personal experiences… benefits provided to Veterans living in rural and remote locations
Thank you
Yoga is rooted in Taoism. I could try witchcraft which is in the same category.
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NO THANKS!
I like try class
Yes, I would love to do Yoga
Thank you for offering this veteran yoga/flexibility classes.
I’m not seeing instructions for in person yoga of where you would go. I’m in Reno Nevada.
Hello,
I am interested. How can I join the yoga group?
Thank you,
Anita
Signing up for the Yoga project – they want entirely too much info or sell your soul to WELLNESS who bombards you with emails
My husband is 100% disabled he can get the free yoga class being hus wife can I get into a class
Use this link Terrea – Veterans Yoga Project, Inc.
at the beginning of article there is a blue link – you must put your email etc…
I am interested. I am in constant pain all the time. I had back surgery back in August 2019. I still have the same problems. Sciatic nerve damage. Also, my IT bans are so tight, making my body stiff. I would like to get into this program.
How can I join the clasd
Transcendental meditation is a good way to start they also have yoga. You can set up free introductory classes with them and they will come to you
That really don’t answer my question
I concur,
I was introduced to to the practice of TM in High School in 1977.
I have been trying to find a TM instructor or entity to attend a check up appointment .
Possibly because of my various medications and the affect on my mental abilities to relax.. still well aware of my mantra.. my ability to to relax naturally.. is very difficult… my mind /thoughts seem to block my efforts to meditate…
I would appreciate a point of contact .. I will pursue accordingly..
TY