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
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.
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
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
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
