If you have lived for a few (or more!) decades, you know many things about your body and mind – how they move, how they're changing, what's comfortable, and what's not. You also have the wisdom that comes with being alive all these years. Perhaps that wisdom leads to the desire to sustain and deepen your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Slow, mindful yoga is a great tool for doing that. And a chair-based yoga practice, like a mat-based practice, provides an opportunity to move and breathe safely and wisely, in a way that is just for you and that can change through time as you do. When you use a chair for support in yoga (to sit on, to hold while standing, or to keep nearby if needed), you have the opportunity to tend to your strength, balance, and flexibility at whatever level is right for you, while honoring your unique body and mind.
Are you interested in in-person classes (Jacksonville, Oregon) or online?
Click on the photo that most fits your interest.
Click on the photo that most fits your interest.
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Chair-Based Yoga
What do I mean by chair-based yoga?
I use the term "chair-based yoga" because I want to be clear that, for those who are able, I incorporate standing poses and movements into our practices. There is always an option to stay seated, and I give options for every pose so participants can choose what works best for them.
It is my firm belief that as long as we can stand and walk, we can support those functional movements by working on the strength, balance, and flexibility that standing poses and movements provide.
Why is chair-based yoga worth considering as we age?
The flexibility of chair-based yoga
Chair yoga makes yoga more accessible to all bodies and in many situations. For example:
The style of yoga I offer: slow, mindful yoga
Slow, mindful yoga is not about the "perfect" pose. It is about both the functional benefit to your body and the quality of your inner experience.
How slow, mindful yoga supports the brain and nervous system
Features of slow, mindful yoga that support the brain and nervous system
What do I mean by chair-based yoga?
I use the term "chair-based yoga" because I want to be clear that, for those who are able, I incorporate standing poses and movements into our practices. There is always an option to stay seated, and I give options for every pose so participants can choose what works best for them.
It is my firm belief that as long as we can stand and walk, we can support those functional movements by working on the strength, balance, and flexibility that standing poses and movements provide.
Why is chair-based yoga worth considering as we age?
- Yoga can help us stay functional as we age; this is especially true of chair-based yoga, because as we get older, it may become more challenging to get down on the floor and back up safely.
- Yoga is inexpensive, non-toxic, and gentle on the body when practiced in a slow and mindful way.
- Research in yoga for healthy aging suggests that a consistent practice can support strength, balance, and flexibility — key skills for maintaining independence as we age.
- Chair-based yoga can be practiced online with a teacher, and there is added benefit in practicing with others — social engagement is associated with positive effects on overall well-being.
The flexibility of chair-based yoga
Chair yoga makes yoga more accessible to all bodies and in many situations. For example:
- A practice might be done 100% seated.
- A practice might include standing postures, using the chair for support as needed.
- Everything is optional — if it doesn't feel good, skip it.
- Some days, you may simply not want to get down on the floor — and that's perfectly fine.
- If you're traveling by car, plane, or staying in a hotel, you can do yoga in your seat.
The style of yoga I offer: slow, mindful yoga
Slow, mindful yoga is not about the "perfect" pose. It is about both the functional benefit to your body and the quality of your inner experience.
How slow, mindful yoga supports the brain and nervous system
- It's not about the pose — it's about the inner experience.
- Every time we pause and notice, we have the opportunity to support a greater sense of calm and ease.
- Slow, pain-free movement may, over time, support new patterns of ease and response in the body and mind.
Features of slow, mindful yoga that support the brain and nervous system
- Slow, smooth movements with mindfulness
- Slow, smooth breathing
- Pause and notice — "The pause is as important as the pose."
- Repetition and novelty — informed by principles of brain plasticity
- Cross-lateral and contra-lateral movements — supporting coordination and whole-body awareness
- Conscious breathing
- Relaxation and meditation practices
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