Chair Yoga
Great for Everyone!
By Pat Richter, M.P.A.
If you are a person who has given up on yoga, take heart, there is a type of yoga that can benefit everyone regardless of injuries. age, and disabilities — chair yoga.
Chair yoga offers all the benefits of yoga without the worries of getting down and up from a mat on the floor, and is the gentlest type of yoga available, helping build strength, flexibility, and balance from the safety and security of a seated position.
You can remain seated or stand and use the chair for support during chair yoga. Some teachers add props — such as foam or wood blocks, adjustable straps, blankets, and light weights — or use the chair creatively to perform classic yoga postures without over-stressing the body. Chair yoga also helps calm the mind through centering and breathing exercises, active poses, and relaxation through guided meditation. Even experienced yoga practitioners find chair yoga helpful, especially when recovering from an injury or surgery. For those who spend hours at a desk, just a 15-minute break of chair yoga restores alertness and stretches cramped muscles.
Chair yoga may be offered through Zoom in the privacy of your home, or at a yoga studio, community center, assisted living facility, or recreation program for adults with special needs. It’s best to attend a class that is taught by an instructor with a specific certification in chair yoga. As always, check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
If you would like me to conduct a chair yoga class for you or your group, let me know!
Pat Richter, M.P.A. is a certified chair yoga instructor. Learn more at www.patschairyoga.com or call her at 732-383-5780.
