Photo by Federica Campanaro on Unsplash
Apart from offering traditional Vinyasa Yoga sessions, I also teach Chair Yoga at a local retirement village. What a delight! Who knew you could do Yoga in a chair?
I knew nothing about Chair Yoga until approximately 5 years ago when I broke my ankle. Along with toting around crutches, I had to wear a giant moonboot on my foot for 6 weeks, and sitting in a chair was my only comfortable option during the day. Standing was exhausting, cardio exercise was out of the question and laying down on the floor to do traditional exercises like sit-ups or leg lifts meant I’d have to get myself up off the floor once finished, which is not an easy task with a limb that was bound and gagged by some unsightly footwear.
While surfing Youtube for Chair Aerobics, I came across some Chair Yoga classes. I was surprised to see how well-rounded a Yoga practice can be while seated. A typical Chair Yoga class is set up just like a traditional yoga class on the mat. There is a warm-up, modified Sun Salutations, modified standing sequences such as seated Warrior poses and then spinal twists, forward and lateral bends, hip openers, balance poses and even inversions. The class finishes with some breath work and silent time.
Yoga is for everyone at any age and of any physical ability. Chair Yoga offers so many modifications that it’s an excellent option for seniors, the injured and those with physical challenges. In addition, it’s a great option to release tension if you have a desk-bound job. My Chair Yoga students at the retirement village have improved their posture, their range of motion and have taught me that health and self-care continues at any age. I feel lucky to work with the these young at heart Yoga devotees!
Perhaps you know someone who is injured, has limited mobility, or a tense desk job, suggest he or she gives Chair Yoga a try.