About

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GAIL PICKENS-BARGER -Yoga & Chair Tai Chi Teacher in Southeast, Texas

 “I’ve spent over 25 years teaching yoga and have specialized in adapting movement for older adults, beginners, and people living with chronic pain. My own experience with scoliosis and specialized training in back care yoga has shaped the way I teach—with an emphasis on moving safely, mindfully, and within your own comfortable range of motion.”

Gail Pickens-Barger serves as a yoga & tai chi instructor for Veterans Yoga Project (VYP), offering specialized classes aimed at supporting veterans’ physical and mental well-being. Her contributions include:

1. Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care

Gail leads a weekly 60-minute class focused on alleviating low back pain. The sessions incorporate:

• Breathing techniques
• Mindful movement
• Meditation
• Guided rest and relaxation
• Gratitude practices

These classes are designed to be accessible for beginners and can be performed seated in a chair or on a yoga mat. Participants are encouraged to have props like a yoga strap, block, and blanket to enhance their practice.

2. Chair Tai Chi

Offered on alternating weeks, this 45-minute class blends Yang Style Tai Chi with Shaolin muscle and sinew exercises, qigong techniques, acupressure point stimulation, and guided relaxation. It’s tailored for individuals with chronic pain, aiming to improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. (Yoga / Chair Tai Chi with Gail)

3. Yoga Nidra Meditation

Gail also teaches Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice that promotes deep relaxation. This practice has been reported to help with insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, and stress, making it a valuable tool for veterans seeking restorative rest.

All of Gail’s classes for the Veterans Yoga Project are free and accessible online. Veterans can create an account and book classes through the VYP online yoga studio at veteransyogaproject.org/vyp-classes. She also offers in-person sessions at the Lakeside Center in Beaumont, Texas. (Yoga / Chair Tai Chi with Gail, Yoga / Chair Tai Chi with Gail)

Participants have shared positive feedback about Gail’s classes, noting significant improvements in managing back pain and enhancing overall well-being.