Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center invites cancer patients and caregivers to try yoga as a way to support the mind, body and spirit during and after treatment. This free class is open to people on all levels, from first time beginners to advanced practitioners, and is a very gentle and therapeutic yoga practice.
Yoga is an ancient practice of linking breathing to movement to create an overall sense of well-being and balance. Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages in any physical condition. One of the oldest known mind-body practices, yoga dates back 5,000 years originating in India. It has been reported that yoga promotes relaxation and has been shown to lower stress, anxiety and fatigue.
The Benefits of Yoga
A basic principle of yoga is to cultivate self-awareness by balancing body, mind and spirit and never pushing beyond one's limits. With regular practice, yoga's benefits for cancer patients and survivors include:
- A sense of well-being
- Incorporation of relaxation and stress reducing techniques into everyday life
- Reduction of fatigue
- Relief from anxiety
For those interested in a sample relaxation session, try out a free 20 minute audio clip from the Yoga Program.
Class Schedule
Yoga classes are now available virtually. See below for class descriptions and times. All classes are subject to change.
Virtual Yoga Classes
Please join instructor Tali Ben-Josef for virtual yoga classes designed to support the mind, body, and spirit during and after treatment. This free class is open to people of all experience levels, from first time beginners to advanced practitioners, and is a very gentle and therapeutic yoga practice.
- Mondays: 10 to 11 am
- Thursdays: 10 to 11 am
To register, please email RadOncPatientEngagement@uphs.upenn.edu.
Virtual Chair-Based Yoga Classes
Led by Michelle Stortz, these chair-based yoga classes are designed to ease the side effects of treatment, reduce anxiety, improve quality of sleep and adapt to participants' needs. The classes are sponsored by Pennsylvania Hospital virtually.
Classes are held on Zoom twice weekly:
- Mondays: 1 to 1:45 pm
- Thursdays: 4 to 5:30 pm
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. There is a cost for the Thursday classes. For more information or to register, call 215-242-1366 or email Michelle Stortz at M@MichelleStortz.com.
Giving back to the Yoga Program
If you would like to help support the efforts of Penn's Integrative Oncology Yoga programs, you can make a gift to the Yoga Program Fund at the Abramson Cancer Center online.