Benefits of Chair Yoga - Part 4
Chair Yoga can easily work in harmony with most physical
rehabilitation prescriptions. Many physical therapists have
knowledge of Yoga or are teachers of Yoga. Many doctors,
physical therapists, and medical professionals recommend Yoga to
patients who are making a "come back."
Yoga gives these patients the strength to move ahead, when many
would be discouraged. The comebacks that I have personally
witnessed are inspiring to me as a Yoga teacher. Over time, I
have seen come backs from strokes, heart attacks, and car
accidents.
It touches me that they thanked me for teaching them Yoga or
Chair Yoga. The courage to go on came from within their minds,
but Yoga became a significant part of their lives. As a Yoga
teacher the inspiration was mutual and made me feel helpful.
After all, being of help, and being appreciated, are prime
motivations for teachers of any subject.
Muscle tone is a result of stretching and flexing any muscle
group. Active muscles display themselves on anybody that chooses
to use them. This is also a good way to relieve oneself of
anxiety, stress, tension, and prevent depression. Like the other
benefits, previously mentioned, this results in whole body
health. A healthy body does, indeed, compliment a healthy mind.
For those clients who are confined to a chair, it is wise to
include some form of a weight bearing, or weight resistance,
exercise program. For those who can stand, Chair Yoga is another
weight bearing exercise that will stimulate bone building.
With progressive weight resistance, you use free weights or
machines, but with Yoga you bear your own body weight. The end
result of these exercise programs would be increased bone
density and prevention of Osteoporosis.
Seniors spend more time alone, than any other age group.
Sometimes, we all need a little solitude, but too much solitude
can lead to depression, in some of us. Living life like a monk
is not for everyone.
Chair Yoga classes offer a social activity that helps to
stimulate the mind and body in a positive way. This becomes an
uplifting activity that participants look forward to. Regular
attendance, and socializing in Chair Yoga classes, is a healthy
activity that leads to building strong relationships.
It also exposes seniors to the many activities that are going on
within the community center. Participants of chair Yoga classes
are exposed to whole health and gain a nutritional education as
a member of a senior, community, or wellness center.
Lastly, all participants in Chair Yoga classes learn to relax
and quiet the mind, through breath awareness, meditation,
stage-by-stage relaxation, a combination, or another method. The
end result being that these Yoga students can control their
minds, focus on the good things in life, and prevent depression.