As the population ages, there are more people interested in maintaining their health in ways that are both gentle and fulfilling.
There are also many individuals who are challenged physically by injury, illness or weight.
Yoga is a gentle way to maintain health for those with limited physical ability.
Those who are capable of teaching chair yoga classes will be able to fulfill a real need.
What is Chair Yoga? There are few practices that are as gentle but thorough as chair yoga.
It is based on the 5000 year old asanas of traditional yoga.
It utilizes the same types of movements and breath control techniques of traditional yoga.
It benefits the practitioner in the same way, but with less stress to the body.
Each of the hundreds of poses has been modified to be performed by a practitioner in a chair.
This style of yoga is very adaptable.
Not only are the poses adapted for nearly anyone to do, they are further adaptable to each practitioner's own physical abilities.
In fact, there are three flexibility levels which can be achieved, specially developed to work with limitations while still giving plenty of benefits.
Types of Chair Yoga There are several types that have been developed over the years.
Each type is designed to offer its practitioners different benefits.
Those who are interested in teaching chair yoga should be aware of the four main types.
Single Chair Yoga This is the standard form of this style of yoga.
It uses a single chair to help the person through the many poses of yoga.
One of the best things about this form is that it can be practiced nearly anywhere and on nearly any type of chair.
It is even effective for those who are in a wheelchair.
Double Chair Yoga This type of yoga uses two chairs, one with arms and one without.
It is best practiced using lightweight chairs, in case one needs to be moved.
The practitioner uses the armed chair to steady herself as needed in any number of the required poses.
The second chair allows the practitioner to support her legs, opening up many more poses that would otherwise be impossible.
Partner Yoga This form has two people working together, each with their own chair.
Many times a chair yoga practitioner lacks the strength to hold a form easily on their own.
A partner makes it possible to hold a form or even to get into position without strain.
This type of yoga is also more fun and personal.
Many people enjoy the added elements of physical touch and face to face communication, two things that are often lacking in modern lives.
Weight-Bearing Chair Yoga Frail bones and weakened muscles are a result of disuse.
Adding micro-weights allows the practitioner to safely build up their fitness level and retain bone mass.
Most people will use a simple one or two pound barbell in each hand for the weight-bearing benefits.
Others may choose to utilize lightweight arm or leg cuffs.
The participant will use single, double or partner yoga poses with their weights.
Many participants use the weights as an extra challenge if they are feeling particularly frisky.
Learning, teaching and practicing chair yoga can be a rewarding experience.
The gentle movements and balanced approach are just as fulfilling as more traditional forms.
It is the perfect form of exercise for many people today.