Chair Yoga

If you are looking for a less intense workout, there are a variety of low-impact physical activities to take part in. For instance, yoga is another suitable option to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Yoga is an ancient system of health and fitness which originated in India. Today yoga is accepted as a comprehensive exercise to promote control of the body and mind. The yoga principle on healthy diet and the practice of the Asanas (yoga poses) will help balance the endocrine system, tone the abdominal organs, stimulate both the nervous and circulatory system, and reduce stress.¹ One of these gentle exercises is chair yoga. Whether you prefer working out in a group or alone, chair yoga is a gentle fitness activity that will strengthen your abdomen, deepen your breath, and reduce the probability of blood-clot formation in your blood vessels.²

Chair Yoga Overview

Chair yoga allows participants to use a chair for additional support while exercising. Most chair yoga exercises are done while sitting on, leaning on, or holding onto a chair.³ This particular form of yoga is designed for people of all ages, as well as those with limited mobility.

Benefits of Chair Yoga

Chair yoga has helped people with the symptoms of many health issues including high blood pressure, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and chronic pain. This form of exercise is recognized as a complete physical and mental activity.

Where to Partake

Chair yoga classes are often made available at senior fitness centers, retirement facilities, and adult daycare centers.

Chair Yoga Example: Chair Cat Asana²

• Breathing: Inhale as you puff the chest forward. Exhale as you move the point between your shoulder blades backward
• Directions: As you backbend, lead with the center of the sternum elongating your lower spine. As you bend forward, lead with the point between your shoulder blades
• Duration: Five breathing cycles

View additional exercises.