 Chair yoga is a great alternative to keeping consistent with or even starting a yoga practice. Finding a way to relieve stress is a question that I hear regularly and as we work more and relax less, our bodies begin to tighten and the health risks are numerous; ranging from mental and physical stress, tension and strain, to high blood pressure, inability to sleep well and obesity. Using yoga and pranayama techniques will aid in reducing and possibly getting rid of unhealthy stress. Comments that I hear about chair yoga:
Well, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Chair yoga will give your mind and body both a challenge as each pose will focus on the deeper muscles of the body but with support of the chair which will allow for less strain and easier balance providing you with the ability to better focus on proper alignment with each pose. Who benefits from chair yoga? Everyone! Seniors: Especially as we age and /or our mobility changes, getting up and down swiftly from the mat to standing poses can be a challenge. Using a chair, whether sitting down or using it for balance, plus modified yoga poses will bring the same benefits as a traditional mat practice allowing you to bend and twist with a stable base, Office Workers: Is your job causing you physical and mental stress but don't feel you have the time to take a fitness or yoga class before or after work? Do you sit hunched over your desk or cell for long periods of time with little movement? After a day in the office do you have a stiff neck, sore lower back, tight upper back, hips or shoulders? Sitting all day is not good for any of us, and if your workload keeps you too busy to stop and take a walk or attend a regular fitness/yoga class before or after work, performing a few yoga poses and stretches at your desk or somewhere in your office or work station can give you amazing benefits not only to keep your body limber and flexible but it will allow your mind to refresh. You won't need a yoga mat or special clothing and you won't even have to leave your desk! Students: studying in the library or in your bed or dorm room, whether at your desk or on your bed, with poor posture for hours on end is not good for your health, it places unnecessary strain on the lumbar spine, over stretches the mid to upper back and shortens the chest and hips, leading to neck, shoulder, and low back pain. Children: sitting still all day can be tough for little ones and teens. Chair yoga requires nothing additional from the standard classroom set up and helps students find more focus and confidence, especially great on a day that is stressful; plus it provides both a physical and mental break from studying and helps channel their energy. Chair yoga doesn't have to be a long series of poses, even a brief breathing exercise and a few poses can reap benefits for both children AND teachers! Remember, depending on the sequence of poses, your practice can either be energizing or calming, whichever you are needing at that very moment. Take a class with me or a private lesson or invite me to your workplace. Even 5 minutes can bring great benefits. Give it a try & let me know what you think!
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