CHAIR YOGA HOW TO

You can use a scarf or a belt if you don’t have a strap, and the video also offers modifications for poses without any props.įind it at. This 40-minute practice uses a yoga strap to safely exercise and strengthen the neck, shoulders, and wrists. Chair yoga for neck, shoulders, and wrists Adriene demonstrates poses and breathing in this energetic (and sometimes sweaty) practice.ģ. Chair yoga for a long, strong back and coreĬhair yoga class routines usually focus on sitting up tall and strong to increase strength in the core and back and to lengthen the spine. This class explores using everyday objects as props and starts with a focus on the awareness of your feet for improving balance.Ģ. The internet is a treasure trove of high-quality chair yoga videos to get you started. The next best way to get started is to work with a yoga video.

CHAIR YOGA HOW TO

They can help you learn how to do each pose safely and offer modifications for those poses that are more challenging. If you have never done yoga before, the best option is to locate a qualified and experienced yoga teacher. Start slowly and be consistent in your practice, breathe, and remind yourself that these movements will eventually become easier and more comfortable.

If you are just starting a new exercise routine, you may feel discouraged when some of the poses are challenging. In any pose, sharp and stabbing pain is a clear indication that you need to come out of the pose or use a prop to make it more comfortable.īe patient with yourself as you explore the poses below. Chronic pain conditions can change from day to day, so what felt good one day may be excruciating the next. Once you start a regular home practice, it’s important to listen to your body. A qualified and experienced teacher can help you gain confidence and build a safe home practice. Find a class: A simple Google search can help you locate a yoga studio near you.Mind your balance: If you struggle with balance, make sure you have someone with you as you get started.

A sturdy chair is the first prop to gather, but yoga blocks, a blanket, and a strap or belt can also help. Use props: Props can help make the poses below more accessible and comfortable when you are starting.While yoga is generally recognized as safe and effective for all fitness levels, it’s important to coordinate all treatments – including new exercise. Talk with your doctor: Always check with your primary doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.Gentle chair yoga and seated yoga poses are usually accessible for anyone, even beginners, but there are a few safety tips before you get started. Whether you are a senior looking to maintain good physical condition, a person of any age recovering from an acute injury, or someone who has limited mobility or pain, seated yoga poses are a good option for mind-body wellness and health. These benefits are available to anyone who shows up and practices on a regular basis. Other researched-based benefits of chair yoga for seniors and those with limited mobility include: This study, and a previous study in 2010, indicates that chair yoga for seniors can help reduce the risk (and fear) of falling. For older adults, falling is the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injury, with an estimated 50% of adults over 80 falling annually. These improvements were sustained for three months after the study.įor seniors prone to falling, a small study in 2012 found that chair yoga reduced the risk of falls and also moderated the anxiety many seniors felt around falling. They also saw improvement in walking speed. Consider the following studies.Ī 2017 study published in The Journal of Geriatrics found that chair yoga participants with osteoarthritis who took a 45-minute class twice a week for eight weeks experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain and pain’s interference with daily activities. Wheelchair yoga and gentle chair yoga are practices that strengthen body and mind, with research-backed benefits. What are the benefits of chair yoga for seniors and those with limited mobility?Ĭhair yoga benefits not only seniors but also those with limited mobility due to chronic pain, disability, or acute injuries. Here’s our favorite chair yoga poses, as well as benefits. Fortunately, chair yoga for seniors can accommodate not only the natural aging process but it can also help those with limited mobility stay active. For some, injuries or chronic pain may require a slower pace, while other seniors may just want to be more intentional as they move about their day. Far from the frantic pace of youth and middle age, many seniors have a unique opportunity to take their time in their daily activities. Part of getting older is a gradual slowing down.