Why Chair Yoga?

The Chair Yoga class is one of my favourite classes to teach. It allows my body to wake up and be energized for the day or settle and in the evening, ground myself after a day of work.

Ever since I began my first Yoga Teacher Training in 2016, the idea of teaching Chair Yoga was part of my plan. I recall my teacher saying “grab a chair and start to practice”. So I did!

I teach a vinyasa style of yoga on the chair. Vinyasa is a movement or flow from one pose to the next. Movement, breath, concentration, relaxation. It is partially based on the Power Yoga flow that I teach and partially based on teachings I gleaned from books and online learning.

Chair Yoga is an amazing way to gain many of the benefits of Yoga without the strain of getting down on your mat and getting up again. It allows for support during held poses. It allows those who have joint issues to practice this practice of yoga while feeling safe and secure. It allows for a deepening of poses and stretch. It helps the yogi to relax and focus on breath. Chair Yoga enables the yogi to practice proper body alignment for twists, extentions and various poses while knowing there is support. It helps to increase flexibility and strength. It also helps us to find muscles and body parts we may not have been aware of previously.

I used to think that Chair Yoga was for seniors only. I have learned that it is for any and every body! Women. Men. Younger. Older. Those who hurt and those who don’t. Like any physical program, we can push ourselves to the point of pain, or choose to go easy. I like to suggest that we be kind to ourselves! In saying this, we can physically push our boundaries (with Chair Yoga those boundaries can be pushed with support) or take it easy when our energy is not at maximum (thus kindness may be called for). And, we can all use some support now and again!

For maximum enjoyment and safety during Chair Yoga, I suggest the use of a yoga mat so the chair does not slide and your space is defined. A chair without arms and no wheels is preferred, but you may be able to make it work with some armed chairs. Yoga blocks can provide assist if your legs happen to be shorter and you need the floor closer to you when sitting on the chair (if you have short legs, you know what I mean!). Yoga blocks also are an asset if you have joint issues or low flexibility in hips, knees, shoulders, wrists or elbows. (Please talk to me if you have these concerns and we can individualize part of your practice.) Comfortable clothes to move in and lastly, water. Drinking water helps to hydrate our body and move out toxins that have been released through twisting and movement. So, comfortable clothes, a yoga mat, an armless chair with no wheels, yoga blocks and water… and if you are connecting virtually, access to a computer and internet source!

I hope you will join me for Chair Yoga classes In Person here in Ste-Anne-de-Prescott as well as in and around this area of Eastern Ontario.

Chair Yoga is also ideal to offer to a group of people with varied abilities! Please contact me, Denise, for more information or if you have questions!

Blessings for a beautiful yoga practice today and in the years to come!