ABOUT
Gentle Seated Yoga is an accessible activity particularly suitable for people living with mobility and/or health challenges. Carefully designed to promote self-care whilst improving physical and mental wellbeing, the activity offers a gentle way to ease back into exercise and stay active. In each session, participants are led through gentle movements and poses to relaxing music, with all activity taking place seated on a chair. Each participant is encouraged to adapt how they engage according to their own individual needs, with a range of options to choose from.
The activity was developed by qualified hatha yoga instructor Imogen Hayward, recipient of Active Suffolk’s Unsung Hero Award 2022 for her efforts to make yoga accessible to all. From its humble beginnings as a pilot for 15 participants at Woodbridge Library in June 2022, our Gentle community has grown to welcome over 300 registered participants.
Imogen Hayward
“Having practised yoga for over 15 years, I completed my 200-hour training to become a qualified hath yoga instructor in March 2022. Soon after this I realised that I wanted to specialise in chair/seated yoga and completed additional training for this in March 2023. My aim is to make yoga accessible to all who would like to practice; everyone and every body. For me yoga is about breath, movement, stillness and relaxation – helping people to feel at home in their body.”
IMPACT
85% of participants say sessions improve their mood
76% feel increased mobility
73% feel sessions improve their fitness levels
Attendees report that Gentle Seated Yoga helps to:
Support recovery from illness
Improve social connections
Boost energy levels
18% of our regular participants have been referred to us by a healthcare professional
What People Say
“Going to Gentle classes helps me maintain my flexibility and movement. It’s invaluable ‘time out’ from my family carer responsibilities, and very motivating to have a physical activity I can do. The relaxation at the end is very calming, a little oasis. So, all round health and well-being benefits.”
“For me, the best thing about Gentle is feeling that I am taking responsibility for my own health and wellbeing … gently.”
“[Attending Gentle] has complimented the exercises given to me by my hospital physio.”
“The difference between before and after a Gentle seated yoga session is remarkable. The sessions leave me feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready for the day ahead.”
CLASSES
Join us for weekly in-person classes or online via Zoom. Please find details of our current classes below.
No special equipment or sportswear is required for any of our sessions. For safety, we collect basic info and emergency contact details for all participants. All data is stored safely and confidentially in accordance with GDPR guidelines.
In-person sessions
Friday mornings at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU
Winter Term 2026
Friday 16th, 23rd & 30th January 10:30-11:30
Friday 6th, 13th, 27th February 10:30-11:30
NB No session on Friday 20th February
No booking required – just turn up!
£5 per participant
Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before session start time
Online sessions via Zoom
Thursdays 13:00 – 14:00 on Zoom, suggested donation of £5 per person
Click on a date below to register in advance for an online class
For safeguarding reasons, upon booking you will be asked for your telephone number and emergency contact number.
If you have any questions or concerns please raise these with Imogen before the session via email: gentleseatedyoga@gmail.com.
Imogen will offer a range of options for participation in exercises, but only you will know what is right for you on any given day. All activities are optional, and you can rest or leave the session at any time.
“It’s indescribable how much better I feel afterwards. Thank you.”
CONTACT US
For more info, email us: gentleseatedyoga@gmail.com
Gentle Seated Yoga CIC 