Why Chair Yoga?
Yoga is good for everyone, from kids to seniors! If you’ve never tried yoga, have physical limitations, or would simply prefer a gentler workout, why not give Chair Yoga a try?
What is Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga was first introduced to the fitness world as a modified version of regular yoga for individuals with health implications and the elderly; but since then, chair yoga has gained many new fans.
Now more than ever, people are sitting at their desks or traveling more. It’s important to bring movement in to our modern lifestyles and daily routines.
Chair Yoga is the perfect way to fit in a yoga session on your lunch break, at your desk, in the morning at the breakfast table or even in the train or airplane.
What are the Benefits of Chair Yoga
Wondering what some of the benefits are when it comes to transferring your yoga skills to a chair? Let’s look at a few.
- Strong body
- More flexibility
- Reduced stress levels
- Better coordination
- Pain management
All of these benefits increase happiness, energy, focus and chase away the Monday blues. Chair Yoga is a simple, relaxing way to get your body and mind feeling better.
4 Poses for Chair Yoga
Ready to try out chair yoga for yourself? Check out these 4 poses for Chair Yoga and for more purchase my book on Chair Yoga.
#1. Assisted Neck stretch
We carry a ton of tension and stress in our neck and shoulders. Use this stretch to release the issues in your tissues. Place one hand over your head on the opposite ear.
Gently let the head fall to the side as you stretch the neck and top of the shoulder. Hold for 5 breaths and then switch sides.
#2. Cat/Cow
Inhale and arch your back to look up at the ceiling. Exhale through your spine, pulling your abdominals in and rounding your back.
Repeat this movement five times to relieve back, hip, shoulder and neck tension.
#3. Eagle Arms
Banish any shoulder aches with this move. Stretch your arms out to each side. Next, bring one arm under the other in front of you at shoulder height.
While bending your arms at the elbows, twist your arms so your palms meet each other. Hold for five breaths, then unwind and repeat with the opposite arm on top.
#4. Forward Fold
End your chair yoga routine with a forward fold to bring oxygen to the brain and stretch the entire back body. When you fold forward you let the spine release and relax.
Stay for 5 to 8 breaths before coming back up to sit and notice how much happier and refreshed you feel.
I am so excited that my book, Chair Yoga was featured on eBookDaily! It feels so great to share my knowledge and help people on their yoga journey.
I hope Chair Yoga is something you journey towards and reap the benefits from in 2020 as well.
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!