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Chair vs Mat
Over the last few months, we have come across a number of articles and conversations about the effects of yoga on our aging bodies. Here is the first in our series of resources for your questions regarding yoga and aging.
In yoga studios across the nation, instructors are adding to their class schedules an alternative form of yoga practice called Chair Yoga. These adapted series of yoga poses is thought to provide a gentle exercise alternative for those individuals who may have unique physical limitations.
When practiced regularly this form of yoga gives seniors, recently injured, or those in a wheelchair the opportunity to increase flexibility, strength and balance from the comfort and support of their chair.
Out in California yoga teacher Lakshmi Voelker-Binder conducts Chair Yoga classes at the local senior center in Palm Desert. She began working on this idea in 1982 after a student was diagnosed with arthritis and was unable to continue a regular yoga session without difficulty. Since then she has created the Chair Yoga CD with tutorial booklet.
“Chair Yoga can magically open doorways to all those who seek all the benefits of yoga. Lakshmi Voelker teaches from not just a deep understanding of the transformative power of yoga, but from her heart and her conviction as to how these practices can safely bring those with limited flexibility to a profound state of harmony, balance and healing.â€
– Sudhir Jonathan Foust, Senior Teacher and former President, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
[tags] yoga practice,chair yoga,seniors and yoga, aging and yoga[/tags]