The practice of yoga can be adapted for all bodies and all experiences. But as I often say to new students asking me about how to get started, it’s very important that you find the right class for you. Many yoga classes are physically strenuous and can be at best, intimidating but at worst, dangerous or downright impossible for people dealing with mobility concerns.
Recognizing a huge need for yoga classes that take into account various stages of physical mobility I began teaching Chair Yoga five years ago. This class removes two of the primary difficulties that people might encounter in a standard Hatha Yoga class: sitting on the floor (and subsequently getting up from the floor) and using the hands and arms to support the weight of the body (as in Downward Facing Dog pose and many others).
In a Chair Yoga class students participate in a full range of yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation and meditation practices. The classes are calming, relaxing and rejuvenating for the body. Anybody is welcome to attend a Chair Yoga class but they are especially suited for older adults and anybody dealing with an injury or illness that causes decreased mobility or pain in the body. It is a gentle class that incorporates healthy movement to keep the muscles, bones and joints of the body healthy and strong.
Wondering what you might see in a Chair Yoga class? Here are some of the postures we practice:
1. Seated side bend, 2. Spinal twist, 3. Warrior 2 pose
If you’re interested in learning more about Chair Yoga, join me for my upcoming session of classes beginning on Tuesday September 16.
If you are a yoga teacher or bodyworker/healthcare provider and are interested in integrating Chair Yoga into your existing work, consider joining me for my Introduction to Teaching Chair Yoga course in February 2015.
Meaghan Burridge 