Volunteer at American Canyon (Valley View): Chair Yoga Instructor

Description:

Valley View Senior Homes is seeking a volunteer Chair Yoga Instructor to lead safe, gentle yoga sessions for residents who have expressed strong interest in this activity. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with seniors and supporting their physical and mental well‑being through accessible movement practices.

Classes may begin anytime, are typically held in the morning, and take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Sessions occur weekly.

Reports to:

Volunteer Coordinator and the site’s Service Coordinator

Goal of Position:

Teaching a yoga class to give seniors an outlet for physical and spiritual activity and help them enrich their overall wellness.

Specific Tasks:

1. Prepare agenda for each day’s class. This may require some outside work (figuring out exercises, creating worksheets with relevant exercises, etc.). If necessary, contact Volunteer Coordinator or Service Coordinator about getting necessary supplies for specific activity.
2. Lead residents through various exercises. Provide positive feedback and support.
3. Monitor attendance by making sure that all participating residents sign the sign-in sheet.
4. Give the residents instructions or guidelines for the activity (if applicable).
5. Work with residents one-on-one if needed, maintaining the balance between giving them independence and support.
6. Listen to residents if they have ideas or questions about poses and activities. Be open to residents’ suggestions and encourage their feedback.
7. Clean up after your group and encourage the residents to help you. Put the furniture back the way you found it. Leave the room as clean as you found it.
8. If you need any supplies, discuss your requests with the Service Coordinator.

Qualifications:

Physical/Age Requirements:

• Able to remain physically active for the duration of a class.
• Able to move chairs or tables as needed to prepare the space.

Skills/Education/Experience:

• Experience or education in yoga, exercise, or fitness instruction preferred.
• Comfortable leading group exercise activities.
• Friendly, patient, open‑minded, and interested in working with seniors.
• Able to work independently with residents.
• CPR and First Aid certification strongly preferred.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

1. Get the opportunity to share in exercising with others while providing a meaningful service to an underserved senior community.
2. Gain teaching and leadership experience and acquire new skills in exercise instruction.
3. Gain experience working with a diverse group of people, many of whom may not speak English.
4. Know that you are helping seniors maintain their mental and physical health by engaging in exercise.
5. Know that you are providing a healthy and fun experience for seniors, while helping decrease the likelihood of social isolation, depression, and health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle.