Getting Fit: Chair Yoga

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

As part of my effort to lose weight and regain some strength, and overall mental health, I started taking yoga classes via Meetup groups. Fortunately, for me and so many others who have handi-capable body challenges, there are classes to make adaptable provisions. Before knee surgery, I took part in adaptable yoga classes until I felt like I could practice at home, returning whenever I needed to tweak my movements. Knowing that knee surgery would affect my abilities to do mat work I started taking chair yoga classes. Although I took a silly break, I am back at it again.

Yoga helps in several areas, much of which affects my health. As an insomniac from childhood, who NEVER took a nap, yoga helps me to relax which also helps with focus, another long life issue. After years of Yo-Yo dieting, my metabolism has taken a beating and yoga helps get that back on track. Stronger muscles also help with weight loss.

Aging brings with it a chance of bone loss and loss of flexibility. Yoga helps with both. In the long run, this also serves to protect from injury. A long time ago a co-worker asked me why I took yoga classes and I told her it was so I could jump in my pants both legs at a time. Disclaimer: this is not possible, so don’t try this at home. Digestive issues have also been an issue, but yoga helps with this. It also helps not to drink with a straw (free non-yoga tip for tummy issues-and another post).

If you have groups such as Meetup, local recreation groups, gyms, or school programs, it helps to attend so you can get an idea about form and technique. Since this is not available everywhere, I highly recommend checking online for videos. I use YouTube videos for chair yoga. Just go there and search and you will find several videos. Test them out and find what works for you. I have used a variety because I get bored easily with exercise. Plus, a variety helps to focus on different areas of the body.

You Call This Yoga website and article about Chair Yoga

This is a video I tried this morning and love it!

This video is with my local Yoga teacher, Howie Shariff

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and I always recommend checking with your medical professional before attempting changes in activities.