From Fashion Week to Chair Yoga: How One Professor Found a Wellness Routine on GetSetUp

At 64, Shawn, a college professor of fashion and a fashion business consultant, juggles the excitement of Fashion Week with the deeper focus of personal wellness. But when her regular yoga studio closed during the pandemic, she searched for something more consistent and accessible.

“I found GetSetUp by accident. My in-person yoga class shut down, and I was looking for something to do from home. I tried some online classes, but they were only once a week. That’s when I came across GetSetUp.”

Now, she uses the platform regularly for yoga, cooking, sewing, and other creative classes, all of which are covered through New Jersey’s aging and senior services programs.

Why Yoga Was the Gateway

It was her 85-year-old mother who originally introduced her to yoga. 

“We’re in a new phase of life,” she shared. “Yoga is great for mental clarity, flexibility, and balance.” 

On GetSetUp, she found a deeper understanding of the practice.

“I’ve learned so much, especially about posture, breathing, and alignment. I used to focus only on whether I was doing the form correctly, but now I understand why it matters, and that changes everything.”

She credits instructors like Guide Twyla, her favorite, for breaking things down with compassion and clarity.

“I like working with someone older, with gray hair; it makes me feel seen. The guides are fantastic. They give you different ways to get the same results, based on your space, your health, or even if you’re in a chair.”

A Lifelong Learner’s Dream

As an educator, she values the structure and purpose GetSetUp brings to each session.

“You have learning objectives and class notes. I’ve never seen that before. I save the notes in my journal. It’s a game changer.”

She’s also exploring sewing, cooking, and creative expression, and says the platform’s variety of content creates a personalized learning “smorgasbord.”

“Some days, I want yoga. Other days, I want to make something for a friend. I like feeling that I can choose.”

The Power of Compassionate, Adaptive Instruction

One of the things she appreciates most about GetSetUp is how inclusive the instructors are in their approach.

“So often in other settings, you’re told there’s one right way to do something. But GetSetUp Guides say, ‘Here’s a different way to achieve the same result.’ That makes all the difference.”

She noticed that the instructors always offer modifications, whether you’re standing, lying down, or sitting in a chair.

“They offer options based on your space or health. If you’ve had a knee injury, like I have from basketball and tennis, you’re not made to feel guilty. That flexibility is so important.”

The Guides’ adaptability makes GetSetUp classes feel welcoming, personalized, and empowering.

“You don’t always think about adjustments until you need them, and GetSetUp understands that. It doesn’t matter where you live or what equipment you have. You can still show up, participate, and benefit.”

She also loves that the instructors reflect the diversity of learners.

“Some are more zen, others are more energetic. There are different personalities and delivery styles, but they all bring authenticity. It’s not just content for the sake of content, it’s real teaching.”

Creating Space for Wellness and Growth

She has designed rituals around the classes, logging in from her laptop and treating her office as a sacred space for wellness.

“I tried using my phone, but the texts and distractions didn’t help. Now I use my laptop in a designated space during a designated time. I even tell people, ‘I’m not available. I’m in my yoga meeting.’ That makes me take it seriously.”

And it’s not just about movement, it’s about mental and emotional wellness.

“GetSetUp creates space for emotional wellness. These practices are no longer just exercise; they’re about aligning your mind and body.”

Why Helen Makes a Difference

She also uses Helen, GetSetUp’s digital assistant, to find classes that match her needs and appreciates that the tool feels personal, not pushy.

“At first, I didn’t think I needed Helen. But I realized she’s not here to replace anyone but to assist. She’s non-judgmental, user-friendly, and helpful. I like that I can ask questions and not feel ignorant.”

Helen has helped her narrow down the yoga and wellness classes that work best for her body and routine.

“She makes good suggestions based on my habits. She drills down with questions so I can find the right class for me. That’s a great add-on.”

Advocating for Community and Connection

Beyond yoga and wellness, Shawn sees GetSetUp as an essential space for lifelong learning and social connection, especially for older adults.

“I’m filled with gratitude that something like this exists. Seniors are often invisible, but this keeps us engaged. It’s not just a passive experience. It's a real way to connect and be in community.”

She even shares it with her friends, many of whom are looking for creative outlets like knitting, art, or learning something new together.

“I had lunch with a friend and shared it with her right away. She’s 74 and wants to get more involved with creative classes. I told her GetSetUp is a great way to meet people and be in the community right from home.”

For this professor, GetSetUp isn’t just an online platform; it’s a powerful tool for holistic health, lifelong learning, and human connection.

“GetSetUp keeps us engaged in life. It’s something that pays itself forward. It’s a real game changer.”