Yoga Junkie Studio, in Niceville, now offers specialty Yoga in Chairs for those with physical limitations every Thursday at noon. In 2006, Co-owner and Certified Yoga Instructor Kristy Souto trained with Liz Franklin in Ft. Lauderdale for Yoga in Chairs for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), and upon returning to Northwest Florida, began teaching the local MS population, supported by a grant from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF).

After seeing firsthand the progress students achieved including strengthening their balance, mobility, flexibility and overall mindset, Souto opened up the class to anyone that might benefit from using a chair during yoga. Yoga Junkie Studio now welcomes students that also suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Parkinson’s and post-operative issues.

Steffany Moonaz, Ph.D., a health behaviorist and yoga research consultant in Baltimore, Maryland, and founder of Yoga for Arthritis, writes, “If done correctly, modified yoga brings the same physical, mental and spiritual health benefits as regular yoga—helping to prevent muscle loss, improve joint stability and diminish pain and stiffness.”

Souto states, “I am really, really proud of our studio. I love that someone who walks with two canes or rides a scooter on bad days has a place every week to do yoga. These students have a support group; a tribe, that accepts and encourages them. If they can't stand today, they don't need to be embarrassed, and they can get as much from their class as someone without these limitations can receive from one of our standard yoga classes.” She suggests that interested participants speak with their doctor before attending to be sure these exercise are okay to add to their exercise routine.

The MSF provides information and education to the MS community about health and wellness options that are used for symptom management, pain relief and improved physical and emotional health and well-being. A health and wellness program offers educational materials and referrals, as well as the opportunity to participate in alternative therapies in a structured setting, led by qualified instructors like Souto. Classes such as tai chi, yoga, chair yoga, Pilates and others are offered to MS patients free of charge, thanks to the grant.

The studio submits a new grant proposal for the project every six months to MSF and a progress report about the participants in the program to be sure the Yoga in Chairs class supports the Foundation’s guidelines.

For students without MS, there is a reduced per class fee of $5. Location: 1157 John Sims Pkwy., Niceville. To preregister (required) call 850-279-6980 or visit YogaJunkieStudio.com.