Chair Yoga: Accessibility Meets Mobility

Today we continue our series where we explore different types of classes that you'll find here at HealthGirl.

So far, we've looked at Back Care Yoga, FUNctional Fitness, Yin Yoga, and Power Yoga, and this week we will discover the benefits of Chair Yoga at HealthGirl.

One of our favourite questions came from a young gentleman who had accompanied his family member to a class, and he asked, "Why should I do Chair Yoga? Isn't that for 'old' people?"

Our answer is always an emphatic Nope! When it comes to yoga, age has nothing (or, at least very little) to do with ability. Chair yoga is a fantastic practice that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, at almost every age, stage and ability level. In fact, while this is a great practice for those with limited mobility, many of our students are considered fully mobile and simply want new ways to stretch and strengthen while they sit in their office chairs.

Chair Yoga is a very gentle series of stretches, strengthening postures and mobility-improving movements done in a sturdy chair at a slow, steady pace. As noted above, this is a great class for those with limited mobility, or who are just returning to exercise after surgery (always with a doctor's permission, of course). It is also great for people who sit for long periods and want ways to stay active while sitting. We use a variety of movements to build strength, flexibility and mobility at your own pace, with lots of modifications to make things more or less challenging as you feel the need.

Here at HealthGirl, we want to give as many people as possible a chance to be active in their own way, and Chair Yoga is a fantastic class for this. For those who can stand for short periods, we do short stretches while standing with the support of the chair. All students are always encouraged to listen to their bodies and only go as far as is comfortable. Those with artificial joints or achy backs may find this especially beneficial. We also have a few students who have progressed from our "Wellness Boost" class, designed for those with post-viral syndrome (also known as "Long Covid") to our Chair Yoga classes as they are slightly more energized than the Wellness Boost Classes.

For this class, we recommend a sturdy chair without side arms and without wheels that can also support your weight if you lean on the back of it. We also recommend some yoga blocks and a belt, non-stretchy scarf or yoga strap to help increase reach and modify any poses to be comfortable. A blanket and pillow may also be handy to help cushion during your practice.

This is a great class for almost anyone - we have a variety of students who use these classes for a variety of reasons and we love it that way!

Currently, we do not have live online or in-person Chair Yoga classes, but our online AnyTime Studio membership has unlimited access to our great variety of recorded classes (from 15 to 60 minutes in length to suit your schedule and energy levels). You can try it risk free for 7 days here: www.HealthGirl.ca/join 

As always, ask your doctor if you are unsure whether you are ready for an exercise program or not. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at [email protected] 

We can't wait to see you on your mat!

Cheers to your good health,

Meghann