Chair Yoga for seniors: Health benefits, poses and how to perform correctly

New Delhi: Chair yoga is a form of yoga practice that is done while a person is in a seated position. It is a gentle form of yoga that is practised while seated on a chair or using a chair for support during standing poses. It is especially beneficial for seniors, as it offers a safe and accessible way to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of yoga without the need for advanced flexibility or balance.

What is Chair Yoga?

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga where a person performs exercises while in a seated position, basically, people who are not able to move or adults like senior citizens opt for this form of yoga. It allows participants to perform poses such as cat/cow, warrior, sun salutations, and forward folds comfortably from a seated position.

Benefits of Chair Yoga for Seniors

Here are some easy poses and benefits shared by Dr Prateek Bhardwaj of Vesta Elder Care of performing this form of yoga for elders who are not able to perform while standing or moving the body too much.

 Greater Flexibility and Joint Health: As we age, our range of motion may diminish and our joints tend to stiffen. Enhancing flexibility and decreasing stiffness in joints, chair yoga helps to progressively stretch and strengthen muscles. For those who have arthritis or other mobility problems, this can be especially helpful.
Enhanced Stability and Balance: One major worry for senior citizens is falling. Exercises for balance included in chair yoga can improve coordination and stability, lowering the chance of falls and boosting self-assurance in routine motions.
Increases Strength: Sustaining muscular strength is essential for general well-being and self-reliance. Chair yoga combines a variety of poses that target different muscle areas, promoting strength development and maintenance without placing undue strain on the body.
Improved Circulation: The mild stretches and motions of chair yoga can increase blood flow, which enhances circulation all over the body. Higher energy levels and better cardiovascular health can result from improved circulation.
Decreased Anxiety and Stress: Yoga’s ability to reduce stress is widely recognized. Breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises are part of chair yoga, which can help elevate mood, lessen anxiety, and increase mental clarity. For senior citizens who can be stressed out by changes in their lives or health concerns, this can be really helpful.
Enhanced Respiratory Performance: Chair yoga poses that incorporate deep breathing exercises can enhance respiratory performance and lung capacity. For seniors who may be experiencing respiratory problems or are recuperating from an illness, this is very advantageous.

Easy chair yoga poses for adults

 Seated Mountain Pose (Tadasana): With your hands resting on your thighs, knees at a 90-degree angle, and your feet flat on the floor. This pose works the core muscles and helps with posture.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Reach your hands toward your feet or the floor while taking a sitting stance and bending your hips slightly forward. This pose encourages relaxation and extends the hamstrings and back.

Seated Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): Place your hands on your knees while seated. Curl your back and gaze upwards while taking a breath. Close your mouth and bring your chin to your chest while exhaling. The digestive organs are stimulated and spinal flexibility is improved by this motion.

Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana): Place your feet flat on the floor and sit sideways in the chair. Using the chair back as support, twist your torso in the direction of the back. This pose facilitates digestion and increases spinal mobility.

Seated Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): Gently bend forward, resting one ankle on the knee of the other. Lower back stiffness is released by stretching the hips and glutes in this pose.

Seated Warrior I and II (Virabhadrasana I & II): With one leg bent at a 90-degree angle and the other out to the side, take a sideways seat on the chair. For Warriors I and II, raise your arms overhead and out to the sides, respectively. These poses enhance balance and strengthen the legs.

Chair yoga is a great method for senior citizens to enjoy the many health benefits of yoga in a safe, convenient, and pleasurable way. Seniors can improve their physical and mental health as well as keep their independence by combining basic poses and emphasizing moderate movement.

 Chair yoga for seniors: Know how to perform this yoga art correctly, the right posture and easy poses for seniors to perform at home.  Fitness Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips