Innovative Activity #4: Chair Yoga

    Chair yoga is an adaptation to yoga that is designed for elderly participants and participants with arthritis. It is also beneficial for participants who use wheelchairs, are overweight, or simply inflexible. Chair yoga offers a means of exercise for a wide range of people who may find it difficult to find ways to exercise. Yoga strengthens both the body and the mind. Yoga is also known for its calming qualities which help relieve stress. Motions are slow and gentle so they don't strain joints, but holding poses strengthens muscles and joints, specifically arthritic joints. Chair yoga may not be appropriate for people who have conditions that make them overly active such as ADHD and turrets syndrome.
    Chair yoga is based on traditional yoga but with modifications for flexibility. Yoga practitioners move through a series of poses to work on flexibility, balance, and strength. An important aspect to any style of yoga is breathing. Deep breathing techniques are used to supply the body with optimal oxygen. There are four style of chair yoga. Single chair yoga focuses on correct posture in everyday situations. Double chair yoga uses a second chair with arms for extra support during poses. This helps participants achieve deeper stretches in many poses. Partner yoga allows for social support while doing yoga. Weighted chair yoga uses one or two pound weights  in each hand and provides for additional strengthening possibilities alongside the balance assistance of the chair.
                                      
Here is a video of a chair yoga session. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEgtWLrOkK8&feature=related
    There are some classes offered for chair yoga, but these are not available in every area. It is most likely offered at senior centers and assisted living facilities. Many DVDs are made so people can practice in the comfort of their own homes. All that is needed to participate is a chair. This can be an office chair while a participant is at work, a folding chair, or a dining room chair. An instructor is beneficial for beginners, but it is possible to participate in yoga on your own or with a video.
    I learned about chair yoga on http://getfitwhereyousit.com/. There are many websites that offer more information about chair yoga and its benefits.