Source: www.health.harvard.edu/exercise
One aspect many practitioners love about yoga in general is how welcoming and inclusive it can be. The ancient movement and meditation practice can work for everyone.
Chair yoga is exactly what it sounds like: Every yoga pose is performed while seated in a chair or while standing, but holding onto a chair for added support.
Could chair yoga be right for you?
Anyone can try chair yoga -there are no prerequisites to giving it a try, other than curiosity and a desire to improve your fitness, flexibility, and strength.
Chair yoga is especially helpful for anyone who has difficulty balancing, standing for a long time, or getting up from or down on the floor, where yoga is traditionally performed.
Chair yoga is also a great option for a quick stretch if you'll be sitting for a while, such as on a long car ride or plane trip or at your desk during a busy workday.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has been linked to a long list of health benefits, and larger, longer-term studies are in progress. Based on what we've learned thus far, the perks of a regular yoga practice may include:
In one study, older adults experienced greater stress reduction after participating in a six-week chair yoga program, compared to those who participated in six weeks of chair aerobics, walking, or social games.
At Greenbriar Woodlands, our Chair Yoga class meets Wednesday mornings. For further information check the Pine Cone Press and Channel 22. This program is for residents only. Payments are made directly with the instructor.