If you have ever wanted to try yoga but had reservations about getting down on the floor to do the movements and motions, you might be excited to learn about chair yoga. Chair yoga, as its name implies, involves stretches, twists, and balance exercises done while seated in a chair. It is a gentle activity that allows people of all ages and fitness levels to experience the benefits of yoga — including people with mobility issues or disabilities that make it challenging to take part in traditional yoga.
What Are the Benefits of Chair Yoga?
Chair yoga offers many of the benefits of traditional yoga but with the comfort and support that comes from being seated. Chair yoga is a fantastic way to improve overall well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving physical agility and overall health. Benefits of chair yoga include:
Flexibility: Chair yoga involves seated stretches and poses that promote muscle and joint flexibility.
Strength: Chair yoga, as the name suggests, uses a chair for support and resistance to improve muscle strength.
Balance: Chair yoga includes balance exercises that improve both your balance and coordination.
Stress: Like traditional yoga, chair yoga is an effective way to lessen your stress levels and relax.
Versatile: Chair yoga is great for people of all fitness levels and can be done anywhere — at home, on a break from work, or here at the YMCA of Greater Whittier!
Accommodating: The chair provides stability, making it a good option for people who have difficulty standing or performing traditional yoga movements.
Try Chair Yoga With Us
If you are interested in yoga and are looking for a low-impact, accessible form of exercise, chair yoga can be a helpful way for people to experience the benefits of yoga like improved flexibility, stress relief, and well-being.
Best of all — we offer chair yoga here at the YMCA of Greater Whittier. Check out the schedule, find one that works for you, and come try it!
As always, if you have any health conditions or injuries, consult your healthcare professional before starting chair yoga or any other exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.
