Chair Yoga
Chair yoga was initially introduced to the modern fitness world as a modification of Hatha yoga, especially for practitioners with health impediments and the elderly.
However, considering all the time people spend sitting at their desks, traveling long flights, or sitting at meetings, chair yoga has gained many fans amongst those who spend hours on a chair.
Chair Yoga can bring movement into our mostly sedentary routines, increase circulation, and exercise even if you need to sit for long periods as part of your daily routine.
In the same way that the body moves through flows of motion and increased flexibility during cycles of traditional yoga, chair yoga implements this practice as well.
Quite frankly, almost any traditional yoga pose or move can be adapted to accommodate chair yoga. Along with increased ranges of motion through holding poses on a chair, breathing techniques or pranayamas are popular within chair yoga and can help in reducing anxiety, and introducing or practicing meditation and spatial awareness.
Another cool thing about chair yoga, especially considering our complicated lives and crowded living spaces; is that chairs don’t take up too much space and are easy to come by, everyone has access to one! Even if you don’t, you can always use a park bench or a low concrete wall.
Additionally, you can achieve more quality and range of movements in a chair that you can think of!
What To Expect From a Chair Yoga Class
In most chair yoga classes, the students sit in a circle, and the class begins with some time for centering and breathing.
Then you can expect some warm-up movements, followed by deeper stretches, all done while sitting on chairs or standing behind them.
Some classes include additional props, like hula hoops, straps, weights, scarves, or exercise balls.
During the class, the students learn to bend and twist with a stable base, lift the lower body while using support, and create strength and flexibility while using props.
Finally, at the end of class, the teacher often leads a group relaxation exercise.
The Benefits of Chair Yoga
Improving flexibility, relieving cramps and stiffness, and creating a happy mental state are a few benefits that chair yoga can provide for our bodies.
Doing chair yoga can help improve physical flexibility and reduce fall risks.
There are also some positive psychological effects associated with this practice, such as elevated mood, a more grateful attitude, and decreased stress and anxiety.
Finally, chair yoga poses can help seniors and people with chronic pain improve their quality of life, lower their blood pressure, improve their sleep patterns, and manage depression.
Some Myths About Chair Yoga
You’re always sitting. Usually, you’ll be seated at the beginning and the end of the classes. But for the rest of the session, you’ll be mostly using the chair and maybe a wall for support.
Chair yoga classes don’t include traditional asanas. Did you know it is possible to perform a warrior III using a chair for arm support. If not, just give it a go!
Chair yoga is only for old yogis. Chair yoga classes allow you to explore movements that you might not explore in a traditional class. So, not only the elderly can benefit from it.
Moving slowly isn’t for the advanced. Moving slowly is often harder than moving quickly. Because we live in a fast-paced world, therefore, the more we slow down, the more awareness we can cultivate.
Is Chair Yoga Good for Everyone?
Chair yoga is an ideal exercise for those suffering from conditions such as chronic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.
It may also benefit people over a certain age who have trouble moving through the up and down motions of traditional yoga.
Chair yoga allows them to stay stabilized. Yoga offers a myriad of benefits with increased flexibility, weight loss, and an improved mental state.
Chair yoga is also an excellent option for people trying to introduce levels of physical activity to their office or desk space.
Along with supplying a ton of physical benefits, chair yoga can relieve workplace stress and tension.
- Lectures 0
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- Duration 3 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 275
- Assessments Yes