Giving Back...in a BIG way!

After a long career in technical education, university administration, software development, consulting, and management of a non-profit organization, Paul Zeiger is doing what he loves, teaching yoga.

For 21 years, Paul has taught the elements of the oldest known exercise routine, 11 of those years specializing in the aging body, and the last 5 years specializing in Parkinson disease.

Paul Zeiger in traditional yoga sitting position.

His wife Carolyn, Ph. D., has over 45 years experience in clinical, organizational, and health psychology.  Ms. Zeiger has held various adjunct faculty positions in the Psychology Departments of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Arizona.

In addition, Carolyn and her sister co-authored Doing it all isn't everything: A Woman's Guide to Harmony and Empowerment.  Plus she is the co-founder of a Parkinson's caregiver support group in Denver and assists Paul in classes.

At age 76, Paul has lived with Parkinson's for more than 7 years.  "My own body provides a laboratory," he tell his students. Zeiger and his colleague, Nikki Reese, conduct weekly yoga classes for those diagnosed with PD.



Sponsored by the Parkinson Association of the Rockies, the hour-long sessions introduce students to exercises they can use to help them maintain agility and prevent falls in their daily routine.

Carolyn in classic triangle pose.

Traditional cat pose.

Traditional cow pose.

Zeiger has students use a chair for support especially when doing twist-like poses to increase range-of-motion.  Among the benefits yoga provides those living with PD are physical symptoms such as stiffness, balance and movement; it helps reduce muscle atrophy caused by lack of use; it helps to restore deep breathing techniques; it strengthens mental alertness; and it increases circulation and augments flexibility.

Nikki helps Christy while Paul supports Henry.

Steve and Larry use chairs for stability.

The meditation element of class improves mood.  The atmosphere in Zeiger's classes is one of total support and encouragement.  Nothing is forced on students.  Sensing that some poses may be a problem for some students, Nikki and Paul will tell the class, "If you have any discomfort doing this, stop."

Larry and Steve reach for the floor, to stretch back muscles.

Both instructors can be found providing individual instruction throughout class.  It may be supporting ones arm as a student attempts a certain pose.  It may be fine tuning a part of a students body into the desired pose.

Nikki helps students obtain maximum benefit from positions.

Larry and Nikki enjoy walking around the classroom to music.

All of it is done with the confidence and experience of a professional instructor.  Both Nikki and Paul regularly attend workshops and classes conducted by highly respected professionals in the field.  They pass what they have learned on to their students, many times adding a twist of their own to make the pose or exercise as effective as possible.

Paul adds a spacer block between the knees to maintain proper body alignment.

At the end of class, students lie on a mat for what is called Shavasana.  With soft music in the background, students are told to think of their body blending into the floor, to relax their entire body including the lower jaw and the tongue.

Each class ends with a few minutes in Shavasana.

Both Paul and Nikki have held certifications in traditional schools of yoga.  In addition, they have studied the therapeutic aspects of yoga and the insights contributed by related disciplines.  They are continually evolving the forms used in light of issues that are specific to PD.

Two classes are offered at the Scheitler Recreation Center every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to Noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.