Chair Yoga Teacher Feature: Meet Michelle Szulczewski

Michelle Szulczewski - Chair Yoga Teacher

One of the most rewarding parts of Inspire Movement Coaching is seeing our graduates share their passion for yoga with others.

Today, we're absolutely delighted to introduce Michelle, a wonderful graduate of our Chair Yoga Teacher Training.

Tell us a little about yourself and what first brought you to yoga.

A friend introduced me to yoga in 2000 through Rodney Ye videos. I bought many of his videos and sporadically practiced yoga into 2018.

That year, I had gluteus minimus tendon repair surgery and suffered a post-surgical pulmonary embolism (PE). As a surprise in my recovery, my husband bought me a class membership at a local yoga center. I am so fortunate that he did because learning about pranayama and practicing on a regular basis helped me regain low normal lung function and range of motion and flexibility in the hip that had surgery. Also, I started integrating yoga into my weekly workout schedule on a regular basis.

Right after the PE, I discovered I had osteopenia and took a weekly yoga course focused on healthy bones and joints which helped me reverse the bone loss.

What drew you specifically to Chair Yoga and to teaching this style of practice?

Michelle Szulczewski – Chair Yoga Teacher

I was drawn to chair during my 500-hr YT training in 2024 when my 84-year-old dad was hospitalized with pneumonia, severe COPD, and congestive heart failure. After being released from the hospital, he did not want to stay at a rehab facility and wanted to go home.

Recovering at home, I worked with him by teaching him chair yoga and different breathing techniques. He was my first official chair yoga student and inspired me to teach others. I saw how much he enjoyed it and that he was proud of himself for being able to do yoga.

After my experience with him, I started to help others through teaching chair yoga. A friend who has POTS asked to learn chair yoga since she is not able to do yoga on the mat. My husband who has limited flexibility wanted to practice yoga to improve his golf game so I suggested chair yoga.

In January 2026 I started teaching chair yoga as a sub at local senior community centers near where I live.

What do you enjoy most about teaching and the community that has developed around your classes?

I teach at community senior centers near where I live and treasure the relationships I have made with my students. I love the insightful questions asked during practice, their suggestions such as incorporating weights, and that they laugh at my corny jokes during class.

My goal for each class is that students have fun, stay safe, be mindful, and enjoy the poses.

Are there any moments or experiences from teaching that have been particularly meaningful or rewarding for you?

I began teaching at one of the senior community centers as a long-term sub in March 2026 and have expanded into teaching my own courses. The students have embraced my style of teaching and enjoyed the classes.

This has allowed me to branch out from subbing to having two additional courses during the fall session and adding on a yoga for healthy bones and joints for the winter session.

Michelle Szulczewski’s Chair Yoga Class Setup

What are you excited to explore next, and what are some of your hopes or dreams for your teaching in the future?

Part of my 500-hr YT training was yoga for osteoporosis and in winter I am adding a yoga for healthy bones and joints at one of senior community centers.

Also, I flourish when working one on one with students and hope to pursue yoga therapy certification. In the future, I would like to have my own business and work with individual clients.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a Chair Yoga teacher but perhaps doesn’t yet feel confident enough to take that first step?

I would suggest teaching to someone you know and over time you will become more confident which will lead to wanting to teach to a group.

Also, taking a chair yoga teacher certification course and observing other teachers that teach chair yoga. I feel the more training in the various chair yoga techniques, poses, and modifications, the more confident you will be in helping students feel comfortable and enjoy the poses.

If someone would like to learn more about your classes, attend one of your sessions, or connect with you, where can they find you?

Currently I teach chair yoga courses for Anne Arundel Community College at various Anne Arundel County Senior Activity Centers. To learn more about my courses search for the courses at aacc.edu or contact me at mdszulczewski@aacc.edu.

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Inspired to Explore Chair Yoga Teaching?

Explore our Chair Yoga Teacher Training programme

Chair Yoga offers a wonderfully accessible approach to yoga, making mindful movement, breathing practices and relaxation available to a diverse range of students.

Whether you're an experienced yoga teacher looking to expand your skills or someone passionate about sharing accessible yoga, our online Chair Yoga Teacher Training programmes offer the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and develop your confidence.

Explore our Chair Yoga Teacher Training programmes at Inspire Movement Coaching.

Chair Yoga Teacher Training