Change Your World

By Kristin JD Wilson

Chair yoga is for anyone, any age and in any physical condition. It’s a form of yoga done while seated or by using a chair for support, and was adapted for individuals with limited mobility, difficulty getting down to and up from the floor or having difficulty with traditional yoga poses.

Yoga in Sanskrit means “to yolk” or blend the body, mind and spirit. Chair yoga, like regular yoga, provides a time and space to let everything go — stresses, anxieties, anything that no longer serves you. It focuses on self-care, especially in today’s society when the self is the easiest person to forget about.

The truth is, we can’t take care of anyone else unless we take care of ourselves.

Some gains of chair yoga include flexibility, balance,  strength,  improving  posture, looking/feeling younger. It also creates relaxation, improves circulation, reduces stress, helps with focus and allows one to be present in daily life.

Chair yoga definitely tones muscles — it is a great and painless workout. Chair yoga is also great for making friends and socialization. Many classes have built communities or yoga families. There’s something about the welcoming energy received from others while practicing and laughing together. Even those unable to leave the house can access yoga and chair yoga classes on YouTube TV for easy-to-follow practices and feel camaraderie that way.

There are many amazing stories about how chair yoga has helped someone’s life. The simple ability to turn your head when driving. Or how concentrating on the breath helped somebody get through an MRI and other not-so-easy tests. Many see big improvements in breathing, mobility and balance, to name a few.

Chair yoga leads to better sleep, increases energy, helps relieve pain and improves mood. It’s therapeutic, improving quality of life, and there’s no limit to how many sessions it takes to feel improvement.

Kristin JD Wilson, is an RYT 200 yoga instructor, Essential Oil educator and Reiki master. She lives in Clinton Township and provides chair yoga classes at two senior centers in Macomb County as well as teaches gentle yoga at Entouch Yoga, Massage and Wellness, in Clinton Twp.