Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Chair Yoga

Paddy Kalish OD Blog Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is a good option for anyone, but it is especially well suited for older adults, people with mobility issues, or those who sit at a desk for extended periods. It may help people with certain health conditions, such as arthritis, to exercise without putting pressure on joints. It may also reduce the fear of falling, and help people who are not used to exercise to begin improving their strength and balance.

Chair yoga exercises include:
  • Seated mountain
    Start this pose sitting on the front half of a chair with a straight back and an engaged core. Take a deep breath and sit up straight, extending the spine. Exhale, root down into the chair . Legs should be at 90-degree angles.
  • Chair forward bend
    On an exhalation, come into a forward bend over the legs. Let the hands rest on the floor if they reach it. Let the head hang heavy. On an inhalation, raise the arms back up over the head.
  • Chair extended side angle pose
    Strengthens and stretches muscles to support mobility and function. It strengthens legs, including hamstrings and thighs. It stretches legs, hips, sides, and back. It opens the chest and shoulders. 
     
Other chair yoga moves include:
  • Reverse arm hold
  • Chair pigeon
  • Eagle arms
  • Chair warrior
  • Cat-cow stretch
  • Chair spinal twist
  • Seated cat-cow
Chair yoga has many benefits, including:
  • Improved flexibility
    Chair yoga can help stretch more deeply because one can focus on each movement while sitting in a chair.
  • Reduced stress
    Chair yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation. The deep breathing and focus on the present moment can help quiet the mind and ease anxiety.
  • Reduced pain
    Chair yoga may help reduce back and neck pain.
  • Improved strength
    Chair yoga may help build muscle strength with each pose, which can improve mobility and balance.
  • Improved proprioception
    Chair yoga can help improve proprioception, which is the ability to sense where the body is in space. This is important for accurate movement coordination.
  • Better sleep
    Chair yoga may help improve sleep by creating a more positive outlook on life, which in turn reduces stress and headaches.
  • Other benefits
    Chair yoga may help:
    • Strengthen bones
    • Strengthen immune system
    • Improve circulation
    • Relieve stiffness in shoulders, back, arms, and leg

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoKOwQwOmfQ

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kyuxxZvftE8

Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

You Might Also Enjoy...

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, leading to ventricular enlargement.

Infectious keratitis (IK)
Infectious keratitis (IK) is a potentially vision-threatening eye infection that affects the cornea. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Symptoms include: acute eye pain, decreased vision, corneal ulceration, & stromal infiltrates

Oscillopsia
Oscillopsia is a rare visual disturbance where objects appear to oscillate or jitter when they're actually still.