THIS YOGA PROGRAM IS FOR EVERYBODY!
WANT TO BE HEALTHIER & LIVE A LONG, PEACEFUL LIFE
Yoga promotes a longer, happier life by reducing stress, improving physical health and balance, and enhancing mental well-being through a combination of physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. Key poses like Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and Chair Pose (Utkatasana) build strength and flexibility, while poses such as Tree Pose (Vrksasana) improve balance and focus. A holistic yoga practice can support healthy aging by improving digestion, immune function, and cognitive health
RECOVERING FROM A HEART ATTACK OR STROKE
Yoga is a safe and beneficial practice to aid recovery from a heart attack by improving quality of life, reducing stress, and positively impacting heart health risk factors like blood pressure and blood sugar. A yoga program can involve modified poses and breathing techniques tailored for cardiac rehabilitation, with specific benefits including enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved blood lipid profiles. It is crucial to consult with your doctor or a cardiac rehab specialist before starting any yoga program to ensure it is appropriate for your condition and to learn appropriate, gentle poses.
LIVING WITH HEART OR OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
Yoga can be a beneficial complementary practice for managing heart and other health issues by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving circulation, and enhancing mood and quality of life. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting yoga, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, to determine a safe and appropriate practice style. Look for gentle, restorative styles and focus on breathing exercises and relaxation, which are core components of yoga that directly benefit cardiovascular health
WATCH THIS FIRST
WHAT MAKES OUR COURSE UNIQUE
Most yoga classes that focus on healthy aging and the heart are led by teachers who haven’t walked this path themselves. That’s not the case here. I’ve spent the last 30 years living with heart issues, so when I talk about the fear and uncertainty that comes with worrying about your health, it’s not theory—it’s real life. Every part of “Yoga for the Heart” is shaped by that experience.
But there’s more to our course than just my story. My wife, Abby, is with me every step. She’s seen how heart problems and strokes ripple out, affecting not just the individual, but their family, too. She’s here to support your loved ones as well, because healing is a team effort. We know firsthand what it means to face these challenges together.
As yoga teachers and practitioners, we’ve witnessed the difference that mindful movement, breath, and a healthy lifestyle can make. Yoga isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a powerful tool for nurturing your heart, your body, and your mind. The practices we share aren’t just textbook techniques—they’re the same ones that have helped us, and countless others, reclaim a sense of wellbeing and hope.
Our course is built around community and connection. You’ll have a safe space to ask questions, share your journey, and feel understood, whether you’re recovering from a heart event or simply trying to stay healthy. You’ll find our contact information in the section below, “How to contact us.” Please reach out—we really do want to help.
APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
The American Heart Association recognizes yoga as a helpful practice for people dealing with cardiac issues. According to their recommendations, yoga can support heart health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving overall well-being. Incorporating yoga into a cardiac care routine may offer significant benefits alongside other medical treatments.
APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR RETIRED PEOPLE
AARP encourages older adults to give yoga a try, especially as we head into retirement and the years beyond. The organization points out that yoga isn’t just about flexibility—it can help ease joint pain, improve balance, and reduce stress. According to AARP, gentle movement and mindful breathing make yoga a great, low-impact way to stay active and maintain both physical and mental health as we age.
APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION
The American Stroke Association recommends yoga as a helpful form of exercise for stroke survivors because it can improve balance, flexibility, and overall physical function. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are common after a stroke. By focusing on gentle movement and mindful breathing, yoga offers an accessible way for survivors to rebuild confidence in their bodies, enhance coordination, and support emotional well-being during recovery.
HOW YOGA HELPS
Yoga has quietly become one of the best-kept secrets for aging well. For people hoping to stay strong, flexible, and sharp as the years pass, yoga offers a gentle path to healthy aging. Its blend of mindful movement, breathing exercises, and moments of stillness does more than simply stretch the body. Regular practice can help manage stress—one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease and other age-related health problems. By lowering stress hormones and supporting better blood pressure, yoga helps protect the heart and can even slow the progression of chronic illness.
As we age, maintaining muscle tone, balance, and flexibility becomes crucial—not just for heart health, but for overall vitality. Yoga’s low-impact movements support joint health and circulation, making it accessible even for those with physical limitations or chronic conditions. This gentle form of exercise encourages an ongoing awareness of how the body feels, making it easier to notice and respond to changes in health early on.
For those recovering from a heart attack, stroke, or living with a chronic illness, yoga can play a powerful role in rehabilitation. Many rehabilitation programs now include yoga as a safe, adaptable activity for regaining strength and confidence. The meditative side of yoga can ease anxiety or depression that often follow serious health events, while the physical practice helps restore endurance and mobility. With thoughtful guidance, yoga becomes a tailored tool for healing, supporting a return not just to health, but to a fuller, more graceful life.
Dr. Mark Tuthill, Pathologist, Henry Ford Health Systems
David's new yoga course blends his years of experience with genuine care for older adults. The program covers hatha yoga, meditation, and breathwork, making complex concepts clear for beginners while offering depth for seasoned students. Shiva Das thoughtfully explains the impact of meditation and pranayama on heart and mental health, grounding each lesson with scientific research. His compassionate, steady style creates a welcoming space for anyone seeking gentle, practical support for their well-being. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to improve your health, I highly recommend this course and David Shiva Das as a teacher.
Jenny Alderdice, RN EC, Acute Care NP
Yoga for the Heart has been a game-changer for my patients living with chronic illness. The program makes health and wellness feel accessible to everyone, no matter their starting point or physical limitations. It blends evidence-based techniques—like mindful breathing, nutrition, meditation, gentle movement, and community support—into a practical, holistic toolkit. I’ve seen firsthand how it helps people calm their minds, strengthen their bodies, and take charge of their own healing. There’s truly something in this program for everyone. I wholeheartedly recommend Yoga for the Heart to anyone looking to live a healthier, fuller life.
Hal Willens, Cardiologist
As a cardiologist who has thoroughly reviewed “Yoga for the Heart,” I can confidently say that this course is both medically sound and genuinely supportive. The program draws on reputable research and offers accessible practices for those with heart conditions, as well as anyone interested in healthy aging. Its focus on gentle movement, mindful breathing, and self-compassion aligns well with best practices in cardiac care and preventive health. I am particularly impressed by its emphasis on progress and self-care over perfection. “Yoga for the Heart” is an excellent resource for promoting heart health and overall well-being at any age.
REACH OUT TO ME HERE
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about this program.
E-Mail:
yoga4heart@gmail.com
or to set up a short zoom call:
https://calendly.com/coachingwithshivadas/free-15-minute-session
Example Curriculum
- Yoga for the Heart 7 Tenets Introduction (7:20)
- Tenet 1: Harmony with Your Body (5:21)
- Tenet 2: Empowerment Through Breath & Movement (5:16)
- Tenet 3: Acceptance & Kindness (5:11)
- Tenet 4: Lifelong Community (5:18)
- Tenet 5: Integration Into Daily Life (5:52)
- Tenet 6: Nuture Emotional Resilience (6:16)
- Tenet 7: Grow With Curiosity (6:47)
- Conclusion: Healing is a Part of Living (10:30)
- The Principles That Bring Your Practice Alive (1:04)
- introduction to the 5 Principles of Hatha Yoga (4:43)
- Principle 1: The Breath Moves the Body (5:12)
- Principle 2: Inhale is Receptivity & Exhale as Strength (4:02)
- Principle 3: The Breath Guided the Movement (4:19)
- Principle 4: The Intelligent Cooperation of Your Muscles (3:33)
- Principle 5: Yoga, Breathing & Meditation is a Seamless Process (3:32)
- The 5 Principles that make Yoga a Healing Process (4:16)
- A Message from your Guide (2:08)