Empowering Veterans: Weekly Online Movement Classes with Gail Pickens‑Barger

Empowering Veterans: Weekly Online Movement Classes with Gail Pickens‑Barger

Join me on the Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio, via the WellnessLiving platform, for free weekly classes designed to enhance strength, flexibility, balance, and resilience. These accessible sessions offer physical, emotional, and mental support for Veterans across the nation. In 2024, 76% of participants reported decreased distress, and 72% saw reduced pain.

Chair Tai Chi with a Splash of Yoga with Gail PB
Chair Tai Chi with a Splash of Yoga with Gail PB

📅 Wednesdays — Alternating: Chair Tai Chi & Gentle Yoga for Back Care

Every other Wednesday (1:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST), I alternate two foundational classes:

🔹 Chair Tai Chi for Beginners

A 45 to 60-minute seated class that blends:

  • Yang-style Tai Chi forms, Shaolin muscle-sinew exercises
  • Qigong detox movements, mobility drills for fingers, hands, eyes
  • Acupressure and gratitude-based breathwork relaxation

Benefits:

  • Helps relieve chronic pain
  • Enhances posture, balance, strength, and sleep
  • Boosts circulation, lymph flow, digestion, and emotional regulation

Gear needed: Just one sturdy chair


Beginner Friendly Gentle Yoga for Back Care class online through Veterans  Yoga Project
Gentle Yoga for Back Care Beginners Class on Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio

🔹 Gentle Yoga for Back Care

This 60-minute class is designed for all levels and especially beneficial for people with back pain, arthritis, or joint limitations.

What to Expect:

  • Gentle yoga stretches and flows, either seated or on the mat
  • Tools and techniques that support spinal alignment and mobility
  • Breathing practices for stress relief and better circulation

Helpful Props:

  • Yoga strap, block, mat or chair
  • Optional: blanket, wall, or table for support

Fall Prevention Yoga Class using Two Chairs, Yoga Strap and Blocks for Improving Strength and Balance
Fall Prevention Yoga Class. Using Two Chairs, Yoga Strap and Block for Improving Strength and Balance

✅ Fridays — Chair Yoga for Fall Prevention

Join me every Friday at 1:00 PM CST / 11:00 AM PST for this energizing 60-minute session designed to improve balance, body awareness, and strength in a safe and supportive way.

Key Features:

  • Chair-supported balance exercises
  • Strength-building movements to reduce fall risk
  • No floor work required—great for people with limited mobility
  • Mindful breathing and body awareness to calm the nervous system

What You’ll Need:

  • Two chairs (one for movement, one for support)
  • Strap, yoga block
  • Optional: TheraBand, blanket, wall

💬 Side Note: Recent Student Reviews

Here’s what students are saying about these life-changing classes:

“I was experiencing level 6 pain in my hip and leg… After Gail’s class, my pain dropped to level 1. So grateful!”
JA, July 25, 2025 – Fall Prevention Chair Yoga

“Gail PB is amazing! I’ve had two knee replacements and still get a great workout.”
RM, July 24, 2025 – Gentle Yoga for Back Care

“Fantastic teacher! The practices make me feel better after class. The 3-step is really helpful—thanks Gail!”
LC, July 12, 2025 – Fall Prevention

“Gail’s Chair Tai Chi is wonderful—good for both body and mind. Would love to see even more of these classes!”
NW, July 16, 2025 – Chair Tai Chi

“I love Gail’s classes. They challenge me to get stronger and improve my balance. I’m thankful these are free.”
DA, multiple reviews from June–July 2025

“Gail’s knowledge is deep, and she presents with humor and warmth. Her Chair Yoga is one of my weekly must-do’s!”
DL, July 2, 2025 – Chair Tai Chi


🧘 Why These Classes Matter

  • Free for Veterans: Sponsored through the Veterans Yoga Project & VA partnership
  • Accessible and inclusive: No need to get on the floor
  • Safe and effective: Gentle movements adapted to your body’s needs
  • Whole Health support: Stress relief, pain reduction, emotional balance

📋 Weekly Snapshot

DayClassDurationFocus Area
Wednesday (alternating)Chair Tai Chi45 minMind-body connection, mobility
Wednesday (alternating)Gentle Yoga for Back Care60 minBack pain relief, strength & stretch
FridayChair Yoga for Fall Prevention60 minBalance, fall risk reduction

📝 How to Join

  1. Visit VeteransYogaProject.org
  2. Register for a free account on the WellnessLiving platform
  3. Reserve your spot for the class—and let’s move, breathe, and heal together

Let’s make mindful movement a part of your weekly wellness!
Reach out anytime if you have questions or need help getting started.


Additional beginners yoga classes for back challenges with Gail P-B.

For those of you taking my online beginning yoga classes, I’ve include a few fan favorites here for you to enjoy. Additionally, a Yoga Nidra Meditation & Chair Tai Chi with Gail PB.

Hello, I’m providing some links to previously recorded classes, in case you need to take another class with me, prior to us coming together next Wednesday. I teach regularly on Wellness Living Online Studio classes for Veterans Yoga Project. Enjoy!

Videos:
https://youtu.be/RrhmFnQ18vA

I’m also including a seated chair tai chi video:

and lastly a 43 minute Yoga Nidra practice, which in my opinion is part II in reducing chronic daily pain.