Liability Waiver & Release

Please read this Release & Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk (the “Agreement”) carefully before you begin your membership. It affects your legal rights. By agreeing, you accept the terms below on behalf of yourself, your heirs, and anyone acting on your behalf.

1. What the practice involves

Yoga for Heart offers gentle Hatha yoga instruction from Motoko Nakamura, RYT-500, delivered online: live sessions over Zoom and pre-recorded practice videos you follow on your own, at a place and time you choose. A typical practice includes physical postures and movement, stretching, balancing, breathing exercises (pranayama), and relaxation or meditation. You practice at home or another location of your choosing, without an instructor physically present.

2. Assumption of risk

I understand that yoga is a physical activity and that participating carries inherent risks that cannot be eliminated no matter how much care is taken. These risks include, but are not limited to: muscle strains, sprains, and tears; joint, back, or neck injury; slips and falls; dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; and, in rare cases, cardiovascular events or other serious injury. I understand these risks may result from my own actions, the actions of others, my physical condition, or the nature of the activity itself.

Knowing these risks, I choose to participate voluntarily and I assume full responsibility for any and all risks of injury, illness, or loss, known or unknown, that may come from participating.

3. Online, self-guided nature of the practice

I understand that because instruction is delivered online, the instructor cannot see me clearly, cannot physically assist or correct me, and cannot supervise my surroundings the way an in-person teacher could. I accept full responsibility for:

• practicing in a safe, clear, non-slip space with enough room to move;
• using suitable, stable equipment and a device I can see and hear clearly;
• working only within my own comfortable limits, moving slowly, and stopping immediately if I feel pain, strain, dizziness, or discomfort;
• modifying or skipping any pose or movement that does not feel right for my body on any given day.

4. Medical fitness and clearance

I confirm that I am participating of my own free will and that I am, to the best of my knowledge, physically able to take part. This practice serves people with heart conditions and other health histories, so I understand it is especially important that I have consulted, or will consult, my physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, and that I follow their guidance. I will not rely on the instructor for medical clearance.

I agree to disclose relevant injuries, conditions, pregnancy, and limitations through the health intake and to keep that information current. I understand it is my responsibility to tell my instructor about anything that affects my ability to practice safely, and to re-check with my healthcare provider if my health changes.

5. Not medical advice

I understand that Motoko Nakamura is a yoga instructor, not a physician, and that nothing offered through Yoga for Heart, whether in live sessions, videos, written materials, or conversation, is medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for care from a qualified healthcare professional. I will not use this practice in place of medical care.

6. Release and hold harmless

In exchange for being allowed to participate, I release, waive, and discharge Motoko Nakamura and Yoga for Heart, together with any assistants, contractors, and representatives (the “Released Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, and liability for injury, illness, loss, or damage of any kind arising out of or related to my participation, including claims based on the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought by me or on my behalf arising from my participation. This Agreement does not release the Released Parties for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be waived under applicable law.

7. Media

Live sessions may be viewed by the instructor in real time. I understand my camera use is my choice, and that I am responsible for my own privacy and surroundings while participating.

8. Governing law and severability

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [YOUR STATE], without regard to its conflict-of-law rules. If any part of this Agreement is found unenforceable, the rest remains in full force and effect, and the unenforceable part will be applied as narrowly as the law allows.

9. Acknowledgment

I have read this Agreement, I understand it, and I agree to it freely. I understand that by typing my name and agreeing, I am signing this Agreement electronically and giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue for ordinary negligence. I confirm I am at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in my state) and legally able to enter this Agreement.