What is Chair Yoga?
Paul M. Jerard Jr.
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga. With so many types of Yoga
available, here is one that most of us can practice. Inversions
and complicated maneuvers are not necessary in a Chair Yoga
class.
All it takes is the motivation to get started. Most Chair Yoga
classes don’t use a Yoga mat, but the main prop used is a chair.
This helps with balancing poses, and most common Yoga postures
can be modified for the chair.
We have one particular Chair Yoga class, in Pawtucket, RI, that
uses both chairs and Yoga mats. Within this type of Yoga class,
you can cover standing, seated, supine, and prone postures. Most
of our classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of
getting up, or down, on the floor.
Chair Yoga sessions are most commonly seen in senior centers,
assisted living complexes, nursing homes, adult day care centers,
and physical rehabilitation units. Clients can learn any number
of Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and stage-by-
stage relaxation, with the aid of a chair.
Standing postures, such as Triangle and Warrior variations, can
be practiced seated, or standing, with the aid of a chair. You
can practice Sun Salutations or Vinyasa, (flowing postures), from
seated or standing positions.
Contrary to popular opinion, Chair Yoga is not for seniors only.
Most of us take our good health for granted. The physically
handicapped have no age boundaries, and they are very
enthusiastic students.
Due to trauma, or a debilitating disease, at any time, any one of
us could become physically handicapped. Most of us drive cars
every day, and there is always a risk of an auto accident.
Some younger family members of seniors, and the physically
handicapped, get involved in classes and private sessions. When
family members participate in a class, or private session, it is
always a good quality time for everyone.
Chair Yoga teachers must continually educate themselves, be
knowledgeable of body mechanics, use of props, and a variety of
ailments. This field requires teachers with compassion and the
patience to help those who are doing their personal best.
It is also a field with growth opportunities; as the population
is aging, there are not enough Chair Yoga teachers to go around.
Some estimates indicate there are 1.5 million, or more, Yoga
practitioners, over the age of 55, within the United States.
Therefore, the demand far outweighs the supply of Yoga teachers
for this particular field.
Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training at
Aura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher
since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts. He teaches
Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors.
Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For
Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga
teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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