Yoga for Survivors

The Yoga for Survivors® program evolved from Laura’s own cancer diagnosis in 2003. Its mission is to share the healing path of yoga with cancer survivors worldwide by providing safe, accessible classes to survivors of any type of cancer, at any stage of recovery.  Yoga was one of the cornerstones of Laura’s healing and since 2005 she has established and taught Yoga for Survivors® classes in clinics, hospitals, cancer centers, and yoga studios in Colorado.

Laura trains other yoga instructors who want to teach cancer survivors, and presents at conferences and workshops.  You can view the schedule for upcoming events here.  If you are interested in reading what others have to say about Yoga for Survivors® please visit the press page.  If you are interested in hosting Laura for an event at your facility contact her business manager Kendra.

Classes

Laura teaches two weekly classes in Boulder, Colorado, for survivors of any type of cancer at any stage of recovery. These are small classes in which you receive personal attention and plenty of safe, gentle instruction.  1) Yoga for Survivors is appropriate for cancer patients and survivors at any stage of recovery, and 2) Yoga for Healing is for people with cancer, as well as any other illness, chronic disease, pain, or injury.  To find out when and where classes meet please check the class schedule. If you are interested in classes outside of Boulder, you can find a list of other teachers who have trained with Laura, and their class information here.

Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Survivors

  • Decreased stress and pain, and increased well-being
  • Improved quality and quantity of sleep
  • Restored strength and range of motion, improved lymphatic flow
  • Enhanced energy, digestion, joint health, circulation, respiration, and endocrine function
  • Camaraderie with other (wonderful) yogi-survivors
  • Soothe anxiety, increased sense of groundedness
  • Be more comfortable in your body, mind, and spirit when you have been diagnosed with cancer

Pre-Requisites & Information

Classes include postures that safely stretch, strengthen, and relax the body. Group class is appropriate for you if:

  1. You are reasonably mobile and can move independently
  2. Your needs can be addressed in a group setting
  3. All surgical incisions are healed
  4. Your platelet count is 20,000+
  5. Complete and submit the health questionnaire

Participants practice at their own pace; class is as gentle or challenging as you make it. You do not have to be experienced, coordinated, or feel good to come to class. Just come!

For those people who don’t match the above criteria, 1-on-1 sessions are available.

Before Your First Class
All classes are drop-in, meaning that you do not need to pre-register – just show up. However, you MUST contact the instructor prior to your first class. No exceptions. It is crucial that we are aware of your health history in order to maintain a safe and positive environment.  Please arrive at your first class at least 10 minutes early. Thank you for your cooperation!

What to Bring
Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable (but not overly baggy) clothes in which you can move freely. You may want to dress in layers.

Classes in Other Locations

These teachers have trained with Laura and offer classes or privates in the communities listed below. Teachers who have completed the full training program are listed as “Certified.” Other listed teachers are in the process of completing their certification. Please contact the teachers directly for more information.

Name Certified Location Website Phone
Heather O’Brien Yes Arvada, CO www.indigoelephantyoga.com 303.229.2378
Maureen Sagan Cortes Yes Colorado Springs, CO 719.229.9357
Erika Banuelos
(Bilingual-Spanish)
Yes Denver, CO 303.668.1515
Keri O’Connell Yes Denver, CO www.omoftherockies.com 303.549.7526
Tiffany Gossett Yes Golden, CO 303.947.5857
Molly Armour, RYT Yes Lafayette, CO 307.413.8313
Elena Haykin Yes Longmont & Aurora, CO www.haykinyoga.com 303.810.2204
Nina Darlington Yes Steamboat Springs, CO www.yogacenterofsteamboat.com 970.879.3208
Nancy Stannard Yes Woodland Park, CO www.gentleyoga4healing.com 626.332.2748
Julia Horn Yes Philadelphia, PA www.formayoga.com 484.535.1251
Lynn Andrews Yes Milwaukee, WI www.renewedyoga.com 414.507.1904
Stephanie Francois Yes Paris, France www.yogacontrelecancer.fr 33 (0)6 85 35 75 28
Michele Lawrence No Durango, CO www.yogadurango.com 970.946.8961