Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga, tailored for accessibility and comfort, is a gentle form of yoga practiced sitting on a chair or using it for support. Ideal for those with limited mobility, Chair Yoga makes yoga poses more accessible while still offering the benefits of increased flexibility and stress reduction.

Chair Yoga is especially suitable for seniors, those with physical limitations, or anyone who spends long hours sitting such as office workers. It offers a way to stretch, strengthen, and improve circulation without the need for getting down on the floor.

The hallmark of Chair Yoga is its adaptability, using a chair to modify traditional yoga poses, making the practice inclusive and safe for all abilities.

Origins of Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga has evolved as a subset of Hatha Yoga, adapted to be more accessible. It brings the principles of yoga to those who may not find traditional forms feasible, incorporating the same principles of mindfulness and physical movement.

The philosophy of Chair Yoga aligns with the broader yoga principles of bringing harmony between mind and body, but with a focus on accessibility and adaptability.

Chair Yoga Practice

Chair Yoga emphasizes gentle movements and stretches that can be done while seated or standing with the support of a chair. It includes modified yoga poses that focus on breathing, stretching, and maintaining flexibility.

Common Poses: Seated Cat-Cow Stretch, Chair Pigeon, Seated Mountain Pose, Chair Forward Bend

Chair Yoga Suitability

Experience Level: Beginner-Friendly (Suitable for All)

Physical Demand: Gentle Movement

Mind-Body Engagement: High Physical with Minimal Mindfulness

Adaptability: Specialized Adaptability

Focus Area: Flexibility & Balance to Strength & Endurance

Notes on Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga enhances joint mobility, reduces stress, improves strength and flexibility, making it particularly beneficial for older adults or those with physical challenges.

Similar Styles

Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga

Equipment

Required: Chair

Nice to Have: Bolster, Yoga Strap

Optional: Yoga Blocks, Yoga Blanket

References

'Chair Yoga: Seated Exercises for Health and Wellbeing' by Edeltraud Rohnfeld

'Chair Yoga For Seniors: Stretches and Poses that You Can Do Sitting Down at Home' by Lynn Lehmkuhl

'The Chair Yoga Pocket Guide' by Amy Zellmer