Chair Yoga

Chair yoga asanas or poses are performed, as the name implies, while the participant is seated in a chair. It is a gentle yoga that is accessible to those who have are recovering from an injury and can't get down on the mat, for those with limited mobility such as seniors, people with physical handicaps, or it can even be a great introduction for an able-bodied person who thinks they might not be flexible enough for a traditional hatha yoga class that uses mats. Chair yoga is also a good introduction to yoga for those who are morbidly obese and can't get up and down on the floor.

As with any new exercise routine you should always check with your doctor to make sure that you can handle it. Some doctors and physical therapists are actually recommending that their patients try chair yoga when they are recovering from an injury or surgery that prevents them from doing their full yoga practice.

While chair yoga is very gentle, it still offers the same benefits as the more traditional forms of yoga such as greater flexiblity, more supple muscle tone, improved breathing and a more focused mind.

In chair yoga, the chair is the principal prop, but some teachers incorporate yoga mats, straps and blocks as well. All of these asanas as well as many others are modified so that they can be done using the chair for support:

Sun Salutation

Forward Bend

Tree pose

Warrior poses

There are several DVD titles available that contain chair yoga routines. Chair yoga classes are often offered at senior centers, assisted living facilities and rehab facilities.

People with limited mobility will enjoy the benefits of doing yoga, but it also gives them a chance to join a fun, engaging physical activity with a group.

So, if you thought that yoga was something beyond your reach because of you are not able to get down on to the mat, or get up again, then you should give chair yoga a try.

For links to chair yoga videos, and other articles about chair yoga visit my blog: http://chairyoga.tumblr.com/