By Kierra Boylan, Chief Wellness Officer, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RCYT, RPYT, YACEP
At the JAM Center, we believe that healing begins with awareness. One of our most impactful programs—Yoga Therapy for Fall Prevention—was born from this understanding.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury in older adults, yet the tools to reduce this risk are simple, accessible, and empowering. Yoga therapy brings those tools to life through breath, movement, and connection.
“Since this class, I just feel so much more conscientious. I’m noticing my breath, how I’m moving, and I’m all around more mindful.”
— Dan, Yoga Therapy for Fall Prevention Client
Why Yoga Therapy for Fall Prevention?
Unlike general yoga classes, yoga therapy is a clinically informed, personalized approach. We focus on safe adaptation, functional movement, and supporting each person's nervous system and body with care.
This series is designed to:
- Enhance strength, balance, and coordination
- Reduce fear of falling
- Support breath awareness and nervous system regulation
- Build mobility and flexibility
- Foster emotional wellbeing and community connection
“Kierra really personalized this class to us. I feel less afraid from falling.”
— Yoga Therapy Client
What We Practice: Key Systems & Movements
Balance relies on the interaction of three key systems:
- Visual – Seeing where the body is in space
- Vestibular – Detecting head position and movement
- Proprioceptive – Sensing limb and joint position
We explore each of these through joint-freeing practices, awareness meditations, breathwork, and supported movement designed to awaken the deep core line—the inner support system that connects feet, pelvis, breath, and spine.
Sample Practices We Introduce:
- Awareness of breath holding (which increases fall risk)
- Joint freeing series (neck, shoulders, wrists, hips, ankles)
- Spine and core support activation
- Balance and gait training
- Self-massage and relaxation techniques
- Seated sun salutations to safely build rhythm and confidence
Each session ends in stillness, allowing participants to reflect, feel changes in their body, and integrate their learning.
Why Breath Awareness Matters
Holding the breath—especially during movement—can trigger a stress response, disrupt spinal alignment, and weaken the body’s natural balance. One of the most powerful tools we practice is noticing and softening the breath, especially during transitions like standing or turning.
“I learned ways to help my recovery from back issues. Also, I learned how I can safely get up from the ground or even just squat down.”
The Role of Aging and Connection
Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), decreased reflexes, and chronic conditions can all increase fall risk. But with gentle, consistent movement and supportive breathwork, these limitations can be softened—and confidence restored.
“I really benefited from Kierra’s insight in this class. We shared stories, learned about one another, and I just learned so much information I can continue using at home. This made me realize I’m not alone.”
Home Practices We Recommend:
- Awareness Practice + Joint Freeing every day
- Notice when you hold your breath—can you soften and breathe instead of brace?
- Try 3 rounds of seated sun salutations daily
- Use 2-minute self-massage to promote relaxation before bed or after waking
“Movement is medicine. Awareness is power.”
Whether you're recovering from injury, navigating chronic health conditions, or simply seeking greater steadiness, yoga therapy offers an empowering pathway forward—one breath and one mindful movement at a time.
Learn more about upcoming sessions at myjamcenter.org, or reach out to us directly. Your body is your home—and we’re here to help you feel safe in it.
Namaste,
Kierra Boylan
Chief Wellness Officer | JAM Center
C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RCYT, RPYT, YACEP