| It is never too late to start a yoga practice. Forget | | | | classes. Ageing creates more of a need for the gifts |
| the pictures you see in ads and TV that show 23 | | | | of yoga, not less. Using the chair as a base, allows |
| year old dancers and gymnasts doing pretzel-like | | | | older people, or people with physical limitations, to |
| yoga postures. Sure, there are young people taking | | | | carry on a full yoga practice the same as the 23 year |
| fast moving classes that focus on difficult poses. But | | | | old with both knees behind the head. |
| the majority of people taking yoga classes are middle | | | | A common concern among seniors is that yoga will |
| aged and older. And the fastest growing student | | | | conflict with their beliefs and traditions. Yoga does |
| population for yoga is seniors. | | | | have a focus on contemplation and inner peace that |
| To accommodate this growing segment, more and | | | | can be spiritual for some, but it is not religious in and |
| more classes are being offered to suit the needs and | | | | of itself. There is room for all types of believers and |
| desires particular to older adults. Generally, these | | | | non-believers in a yoga class. A class for older people |
| classes are called Yoga in Chairs or simply, Chair | | | | in particular will focus on the physical aspect of |
| Yoga. The obstacle to yoga for older people is the | | | | practice and the breath. There will be relaxation and |
| frequent getting up and down off the floor, and | | | | quiet. And there will be time for questions and |
| sitting cross-legged on the ground for extended | | | | sharing. Perhaps some soothing music will be played; |
| periods of time. Back problems, knee and hip | | | | maybe there will be a chance to chant the sound OM |
| replacements, arthritis, and fatigue combine to make | | | | at the end of class-- if you feel like it. The chant of |
| it difficult to do. Chair Yoga overcomes this difficulty | | | | OM is just the traditional way to end a yoga class. It |
| by featuring most of the same postures traditionally | | | | is a bow to history and tradition. |
| taught, but done either sitting in a chair, or using the | | | | Yoga in Chairs classes can be found in churches, |
| chair as a balance and support. These classes are not | | | | senior centers, through community education, and at |
| yoga simplified, but yoga adapted. | | | | yoga studios. Look for ads, fliers, and talk to your |
| Chair Yoga offers increased range of motion in the | | | | friends and family and find the teacher and the |
| spine and joints, strengthening of muscles, improved | | | | location that is right for you. Take a friend with you |
| balance, better breath control, relaxation and | | | | to practice. Make it a social occasion, and enjoy |
| lessening of physical and mental tension, and | | | | improving your health in a group of like- minded |
| improved concentration. Exactly as any other yoga | | | | people who share your interests and concerns. |
| class does. Even if you haven't exercised in a long | | | | Making yoga a part of your life will be one of the |
| time, or especially if you haven't, you will begin to | | | | best things you have done for yourself. |
| feel these and other benefits after just a few | | | | |