yoga

Curious about chair yoga? Wondering if it’s worth trying out? Read on to discover a fresh perspective on this yoga class variation and benefits it has to offer. 

1 – More Approachable

The more streamlined sporty vinyasa style classes that are popular with able-bodied younger adults definitely have their place, but for those that find it too challenging or intimidating to try these styles of yoga, chair yoga may be a better fit. Others may like the idea of chair yoga simply because they are too mentally and physically exhausted at the end of a stressful day to approach a higher intensity class. 

2 – Build Awareness

Yoga is more than just exercise; it’s a gateway to increased awareness of our thoughts, emotions and a link to our physical abilities. It’s a way to connect our mind (thoughts) to our body and where we are holding tension. 

3 – Benefits of Variation

Chair yoga is an approachable and effective way to to mobilize our joints and muscles, link those movements with our breath, and build awareness of our physical abilities and areas of challenge. For those of us that exercise or do yoga on a regular basis, chair yoga provides variation from the usual yoga postures. 

4 – Get Deeper

We can find a deeper stretch in Side Angle Pose or in Standing Big Toe to Head because of the support and balance assist that the chair offers. We can get better at breathing in poses because we can sit up taller in Warrior 1 and Warrior 2. With our spine straighter, the lungs have more ability to expand. We can get deeper in our lunges because we don’t have to support our entire body weight. 

5 – Great way to start or end the day

Chair yoga is an accessible, inclusive and “can do” form of yoga that can be a stand alone workout, a way to unwind at the end of a stressful day, or a way to wake up in the morning and gently ease into the day. It’s also a great option for those with limited mobility or that spend long hours sitting at a desk.

Interested in giving it a try? Here is a Flostate Chair Yoga class you can do today. If you like these poses, you can incorporate them as modifications into the workouts we do together virtually. Just keep a chair nearby and slide it over during classes!