Why Chair Yoga?

1. Some people can't get down on a mat, or if they do, they have a heck of a time getting back up. 
2. Pain in the body keeps so many underactive, meaning sure, they could move and groove but it HURTS. 
3. Yoga sounds too scary. 

Can you think of other reasons to do chair yoga? 

Harold, not using real names here, has neuropathy, or numbness, in his legs. He's 91 years old, by the way. Gladys is in a wheelchair and tethered to her oxygen supply. Frank can't straighten up. He walked in bent over, his angle about 90 degrees. Now it's 45 degrees and shrinking. 

 

Chair Yoga teaches students how to modify poses so the benefits can be received. Chair Yoga poses teach students how to listen to the body, accept limitations, and respect them. It's never about how far into the pose you can go; it's about moving and breathing mindfully. 

Pushing into a limitation such as tension, inflexibility, or pain is contrary to yoga practice. Oftentimes, the most flexible miss out on the journey because it's so easy for them to accomplish the full expression of a pose. Be grateful for your limitations. They are your teachers.