Chair Yoga: 5 Good Reasons To Get Started
Contrary to popular belief, everyone can enjoy the benefits of hatha yoga, including the elderly or those with disabilities. This ancient practice is highly accessible, especially when performed seated. We have listed for you 5 good reasons to try chair yoga.
To compensate for a disability.
Many misconceptions about yoga are circulated in the media and on the internet, including the idea that this discipline is only for people who are fully physically able. This preconception is fueled by pictures of acrobatic poses that influencers like to share online. While these poses are indeed part of traditional hatha yoga, they do not represent the only way to practice this discipline.
On the contrary, hatha yoga is an activity accessible to elderly and/or disabled people. It is indeed possible to adapt the poses to each individual's physical abilities, and that's the first good reason to start.
This ancient discipline has also inspired many more accessible variants, such as chair yoga. As the name suggests, this form of yoga requires nothing more than a chair and adapts classic postures like stretches and spinal twists into a seated version.
To stretch at the office.
However, it should be noted that chair yoga is not only for the elderly or those with physical limitations. This variant of traditional hatha yoga is also useful for stretching in situations where it's not possible to practice standing up. This could be when traveling by train or airplane, or when working for long hours in front of a screen.
The second of the 5 good reasons to try this form of seated yoga is the ability to stretch without having to get up from your seat. When circumstances require you to remain seated, at your desk or while traveling, chair yoga exercises allow you to reap the benefits of yoga by stretching your spine and relaxing your sore muscles.
To incorporate yoga into one's daily routine.
In our modern lifestyles, many people would like to practice yoga to relieve stress but don’t have time to commit to a weekly class. Those who would benefit the most from yoga’s health advantages are usually the ones with the least time to practice.
For a sedentary and/or overworked individual, chair yoga is arguably the best way to start yoga and begin experiencing the benefits of this practice.
The poses and exercises offered do not require any special equipment. It's not even necessary to roll out a yoga mat to perform them, which addresses issues of lack of space and time. Seated yoga allows for easier integration of stretching exercises into one's daily routine, at home or at work, and that's another great reason to start without delay.
4- To gently get started with yoga.
For all the reasons previously mentioned, chair yoga is a good start for everyone who feels drawn to this discipline but is hesitant to begin.
As noted in the first paragraph, there are many misconceptions about hatha yoga that might lead you to believe that:
• you are not flexible enough to practice.
• you do not have good enough balance to assume certain poses.
• your physical condition is not good enough to do yoga.
Chair practice, being less intimidating for those who have difficulty standing or moving, allows one to gently initiate at any age. It is also beneficial for people in recovery who need to resume physical activity without the risk of injury.
5- To enjoy the benefits of yoga.
Although the postures and stretches are practiced while seated, chair yoga is no less beneficial or "effective" than traditional yoga.
This variant incorporates the fundamental elements of traditional hatha yoga and provides the same benefits, which include:
- Gentle stretching of the spine.
- Synchronization of movements with breath.
- Body awareness and improved proprioception.
- Mindful execution of exercises and focus on breathing and posture.
- A time for relaxation at the end of the session.
In summary, even if you practice seated, these exercises will help you relieve stress, alleviate back pain, and learn proper breathing techniques! If you're convinced by these multiple benefits and want to try it out, you can find a chair yoga session in the video below:
