VA offers free online and in-person yoga classes and mindfulness training to Veterans across the nation. VA hosts these classes through a partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, Inc., which is maintained by the National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP).

The classes provide a no-cost opportunity to Veterans seeking to improve their mental, physical and emotional health through yoga and mindfulness practices.

VA and Veterans Yoga Project are working together to make more Veterans aware of the benefits of yoga while offering more classes. This partnership also provides local VA medical centers with opportunities to connect with Veterans Yoga Project instructors to provide yoga classes and mindful resilience training to Veterans, either in-person or virtually through VA-approved telehealth platforms.

"Through this partnership with Veterans Yoga Project, we are addressing top VA priorities, expanding Veteran access to care and enhancing the overall health of Veterans," said Kimberly Pugh, health system specialist within VHA National Center for Healthcare Advancement & Partnerships. "Including yoga and mindfulness into their health care routine provides Veterans with additional tools to manage stress, improve physical health and build resilience."

72% of Veterans saw a reduction in pain

The Veterans Yoga Project is a nonprofit organization that helps Veterans, their families and communities recover and build resilience through yoga and mindfulness training. In 2023, Veterans Yoga Project reported that 75% of Veterans who took part in their programs felt less distress and 72% saw a reduction in pain.

The partnership between VA and Veterans Yoga Project focuses on several key goals:

• Teaching Veterans about the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for their mental, physical and emotional health.
• Making access to yoga classes and mindful resilience training easier for Veterans.
• Encouraging local partnerships between VA medical centers and Veterans Yoga Project instructors.
• Offering free yoga and meditation classes to Veterans in their communities.

Classes reduce pain and stress

"Veterans Yoga Project is proud to partner with VA and deliver yoga and mindful resilience practices as a primary service to America's Veterans," said Brianna Renner, CEO of Veterans Yoga Project. "As an integral part of VA's Whole Health initiative, together we have the ability to empower more Veterans to live, thrive and actively belong. With a robust teacher network and over a hundred free yoga classes weekly, we are dedicated to growing the impact of our classes to reduce pain and stress and support as many Veterans as possible."

This partnership shows VA's commitment to changing the way health care is delivered to Veterans, focusing on personalized, whole-person care. Yoga is part of VA Whole Health System of Care, which gives Veterans supportive health options.

To take a free class, visit Veterans Yoga Project's website.

For more information about VA partnerships, visit the HAP website.

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