UNLOCKING THE BENEFITS OF CHAIR YOGA: 5 REASONS TO START YOUR PRACTICE TODAY

Yoga is a fantastic way to increase flexibility, enhance joint-health, reduce stress, and improve your overall wellbeing. However, for those who have limited mobility, underlying health challenges, injuries, or chronic pain, it can be difficult to do many of the traditional forms of yoga, including those "pretzel-like" poses and getting up and down from the mat. But that’s why chair yoga is the perfect solution!

Chair yoga is designed for all bodies and fitness levels so you can reap the many benefits yoga has to offer without the added strains. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of chair yoga and why it’s worth considering as part of your overall health and wellness routine.

1. It's Low-Impact and Joint-Friendly 

Chair yoga is a great way to get in a low-impact and joint-friendly workout. Since it's very gentle on the joints, it's perfect for those who want to get in shape without putting too much strain on their body. It's also a fantastic way to ease into a yoga practice if you're brand new to it.

In addition, chair yoga can also increase your flexibility without having to get on the floor. Many of the tension-relieving poses can be done seated or standing while using the chair to stabilize. 

2. It's Accessible

Chair yoga is accessible for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. It's especially a wonderful way for those with limited mobility to get in a dose of movement in a gentle and peaceful way.

It can also be done in the complete comfort and privacy of your own home! All you need is a chair, some comfy clothes and you're good to go!

New to yoga? At MOVEHAPPY, you can take our 6-Lesson Beginner Yoga With The Chair Program and master all of the foundational poses in a fun and methodical way. You can do this absolutely free with our 14-day trial (click here).  

3. It's Stress-Relieving

Chair yoga is a great way to reduce stress and to help relax the mind. Through breathing techniques, mindfulness and poses that are gentle and calming, it can help to create a sense of inner peace. A calming and gentle yoga practice can also help to reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, as it helps to release happy endorphins, clear the mind and focus on the present moment.

4. It Improves Strength, Balance and Posture

Chair yoga can help prevent falls and risk of injury by improving strength, balance and posture. Improving strength is a massive benefit of chair yoga, especially as we age it's very important to maintain our strength so we can continue doing the hobbies we love, household chores, activities of daily living, and maintain our independence and quality of life.

Reaping the benefits doesn't have to take long either! Come try this 10-Minute MOVEHAPPY Chair Yoga Mini aimed at reducing back pain: Click here!

5. It's Fun!

Chair yoga is a great way to have a little fun and keep active! There are so many different poses to explore, new ways to move your body, challenge your balance and it can also be a great way to push yourself to try something new (i.e., get a bit out of that comfort zone 😉).

Tips for Getting Started with Chair Yoga

If you’re ready to get started with chair yoga, here's are a couple tips to keep in mind. First, it’s key to find a qualified and certified instructor who is familiar working with people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities. This will ensure that you are doing the poses correctly and safely so you can get the most out of your practice. Secondly and most importantly, always listen deeply to your body and ensure to modify as needed - yoga is all about moving in a way that makes YOU feel good. Oh and of course, have fun!!! 

Start Chair Yoga Today With MOVEHAPPY!

Chair yoga is a great option to get the benefits of yoga without the added strain! It's low-impact, accessible, stress-relieving, and fun! So why not give it a try? Come try it for free, led by Sarah McFadyen, an experienced Kinesiologist and Yoga Teacher that will take you step-by-step through the poses! No experience necessary, just come as you are! You can take any of our classes live or on-demand with a free 2 week trial by clicking here.