The Vermont-based LoveYourBrain Foundation (LYB  and Sarasota's Dharma Footprint Project, have co-sponsored a yoga program for traumatic brain injury in partnership with Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio. This studio joins a network of 22 partner studios and clinical affiliates across the United Statess and three Canadian provinces to make yoga accessible to the traumatic brain injury (TBI) community. TBIs are caused by an external blow to the head, resulting in disrupted brain function that can range from mild (such as concussions) to severe. Every year, more than 3 million occur in the US alone.

To develop its program, LoveYourBrain conducted and published four research studies on evidence-based practices of yoga for TBI.  Each class integrates breathing exercises, gentle yoga, guided meditation, and facilitated group discussion designed to foster resilience. The classes also adapt yoga poses to prevent dizziness and headaches, use soft lighting and soothing sound, incorporate strategies to focus attention, and uses empowering TBI-related themes to guide the group discussion.

Pineapple Yoga + Cycling Studio, along with the Dharma Footprint Project will be hosting the LYB Yoga series—for the first time since the pandemic began—from Jan. 8 through Feb. 12. Classes are free for those who have been affected by TBIs or concussions in the SWFL community; for more information, call (941) 210-3739 or email [email protected].