Chair Yoga

Seniors practicing chair yoga

Chair yoga is the term generally used to describe a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, or standing using a chair for support. It is not recognized formally as a type of yoga distinct from other types, such as Iyengar Yoga or Ashtanga yoga. However the poses, or Asanas, are often adaptations of Hatha yoga poses.

Frequently the chair yoga student is unable to participate in a traditional yoga class due to the effects of aging or disabilities. Chair yoga classes are sometimes made available at senior fitness centers, retirement facilities, and adult daycare centers.

Chair yoga is usually taught as a way to achieve physical and mental fitness, not as a way of life, as are most other yoga classes in the Western world.

Most people in chair yoga classes have health issues, and many are there because a health care professional that knows about their problems recommended it. A good chair yoga teacher will ask about, and be aware of any limitations the student might have. Chair yoga has helped people with the symptoms of many health issues including: hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, vertigo (medical), multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, clinical depression, and chronic pain.

Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available. Complicated maneuvers and complex movements are not present in a chair yoga class. Within this type of yoga class, you can cover standing, seated, and prone postures. Most of these classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of getting down or up off the floor.

Chair Yoga classes are often seen in senior centers, people with assisted living lifestyles, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and physical rehabilitation units. Clients can learn many kinds of yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ways of relaxation, with the aid of a chair.

References

• GetFitWhereYouSit.com, What is Chair yoga?
• Franklin, Mark, Ten Reasons Not To Practice Chair Yoga (And Why They Are Wrong)
• Jerard, Paul, This is not your Grandma's Rocking Chair 2005
• Jerard, Paul, What is Chair Yoga 2007
• MSNBC, Chair yoga catching on among seniors 2005