Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga Teacher Training
A Retreat into Accessible Yoga Practice and Teaching
25th-29th November 2026
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 trainers on the course are inspirational, kind, approachable and full of knowledge and passion for the benefits of chair yoga. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in supporting people to be kind and gentle with their mind and bodies, whilst supporting an increase in functional capacity and strengthening emotional wellbeing.”
Supported Rate £515 | Standard Rate £620 | Benefactor Rate £720
More details
The Lakshmi Voelker Method
Created in 1982, the LVCY method 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 This Retreat Includes
- Five days of immersive group training
- Partner and small-group practice
- Self-study and reflective components
- Practical and written assessments
- One-to-one mentoring and personalised feedback
- A 200-page training manual (digital copy) and access to a video library
- Guidance in sequencing, adaptation, breathwork, and additional modalities such as acupressure and Do-In self-massage
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.
Who the Training Is For
This retreat welcomes:
- Yoga teachers and therapists
- Healthcare and wellbeing professionals
- Carers and support workers
- Exercise specialists and community facilitators
(Those without a yoga teacher qualification will need to complete an 8-hour Basic Yoga Techniques prerequisite - not included in the retreat fee.)
"Thank you again for this very complete high-quality yoga training. … It gives room for my creativity to flourish in my classes, and I feel I have the tools to teach in a safe, accessible, and fun way from now on"
The Ashram Setting
Held in the serenity of Mandala Yoga Ashram, this training is enriched by the ashram’s living yoga tradition. During your stay, you will experience:
- Daily meditation and shared practice
- Mouna (sacred silence) from 9pm until breakfast
- Karma Yoga as part of integrated learning
- Freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan meals
- Time for rest, reflection, journalling, and walking in the peaceful Welsh hills
Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms, supporting simplicity, connection, and community.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by Yoga Alliance. For Minded Institute students, it forms Part 1 of the IAYT-approved Accessible Chair Yoga CPD Pathway and contributes towards professional development recognised by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).
Further information
Places are limited to ensure high-quality mentoring. Book now using the buttons below. Costs include all tuition, shared accommodation, food and unlimited hot drinks. For more information about these rates, please click on "Our Rates Explained" under "Further Details" at the bottom of this page.
Arrive by 5pm to settle in and enjoy supper, served at 6.00pm.
Join Us For Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga
At Our Unique Spiritual Sanctuary
In The Heart Of Wales
Our residential retreats are rare opportunities to go deeper into the mysteries of yoga in one of the few authentic ashrams outside India, with experienced teachers and a supportive community, in an environment of great natural beauty and focused spiritual energy.
" There is a perception that chair yoga is not 'proper' yoga! I think this course disproves that. I found it fascinating that you learn how to adapt mat-based postures to the chair, giving you as much physical intensity if needed but at the same time providing options for accessibility. I really liked the book that supports the course as it clearly lays out the methodology. I think every yoga teacher could benefit from learning this method of chair yoga."
"“If you get the opportunity to take part in Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga training, then embrace it. It will change your practice as a yoga teacher and even deeper than that, as you let the teachings ‘land’ and encompass Kripalu/compassion, it can bring a richness to your heart, body, mind and soul."
Teachings
Expand your understanding of core yogic teachings with our experienced teachers.
Practices
Learn authentic practices to help you deepen your direct experience of yogic teachings.
Community
Journey with a likeminded group of sincere spiritual seekers and ashram residents.
