Strength and Balance for Mental and Physical Health and Autonomic Nervous System 

Who likes Chair Yoga classes? 

If you like yoga but choose not to get on the floor due to injury or other physical conditions, then modified yoga in a chair might be a solution for you. Chair Yoga incorporates movements that are slow and gentle to increase your flexibility. You'll even do some relaxing breathwork in a playful atmosphere. This class appeals to both beginners and advanced yogis who want to stretch and strengthen their muscles in a gentle, fun way.  

What is a Chair Yoga class?

If you want to vary your yoga routine or if you need a little extra support during stretches, try it with a chair. During your chair yoga class, typical yoga poses, or asanas, are modified to include the support of chairs provided at WK Fitness & Wellness Centers. Other equipment that may be used includes yoga blocks, balls, bands and of course your body.  

Chair Yoga begins with stretching exercises to warm up your muscles. The asanas or yoga poses may be performed either seated in or standing beside the chair. As you add in breathing exercises and balance poses, your body is able to release stress. The instructor leads with visual and verbal cues as they demonstrate every asana.  

The class helps members build physical strength and improve balance through the use of their major muscle groups. For example, when you practice mountain pose in a chair, you sit in an upright position with a neutral posture. You will place your feet hip width apart, about as wide as the chair legs. Your arms will go out to each side with your palms facing upward. Gaze forward and feel your body in an upright position.  

Other benefits you are likely to see include more functional stability and body awareness, along with reduced stress and fewer negative emotions. 

When and where does the Chair Yoga class meet? 

Chair Yoga classes meet in the aerobics studio for 50 minutes twice a week. Come one or both days. Check the interactive class schedule for the current location, day(s) and time(s).  

Why do Chair Yoga? 

Simply put, Chair Yoga stretches the body while sitting in a chair to increase the range of motion of muscles in your body. Yoga is a mind-body practice that allows focused attention on our balance and strength. It helps bring peace to the unique life experiences within our own body. Regular Chair Yoga helps people emotionally, as they tend to experience lower stress and negative emotions. Members also feel physical benefits as they become better able to sit and rise from a chair, reach up, lean forward and backward – things we need to do in everyday life. In addition, Chair Yoga helps strengthen and balance the autonomic nervous system that controls automatic processes such as our thinking, heartbeat, breathing and digestion. 

Yoga mats and chairs are provided. If you wish to do the poses without the chair, your own mat is recommended. Please wear long shorts or pants and loose fitting clothing.