Benefits of Chair Yoga - Part 1
In comparison to many forms of exercise, the benefits of Chair
Yoga far outweigh the risks. The therapeutic exercises work the
body, from head to toes, to the best of any client's ability.
Therefore, the method used, addresses the whole body in a single
routine. This is an amazing feat, for a low-impact exercise
program, where the average session lasts 45 to 60 minutes. The
following information will highlight some of the many benefits
of regular participation in a Chair Yoga class.
Increased circulation is a result of movement and every body
part that can move is used in a typical Chair Yoga class. For
many of us, we think of cardiovascular heath first, and this is
right fully so, but Chair Yoga helps many other forms of
circulation, within the body, as well.
To sit still for days on end, we invite diseases of many kinds.
Diabetics need movement to keep sugar levels in "tolerance
zones." Chair Yoga also has routines for the feet, toes, hands,
and fingers, so there is no part of the body left out. Due to
this whole body approach, the immune system is also stimulated
by regularly attending Chair Yoga classes.
The many movements, bending, and twisting, in a regular Chair
Yoga session, stimulate the elimination of toxins, within the
body. Every time you bend the waist in one direction or another,
the stomach aids in digestion and the lower back is gently
stimulated.
Now, back to cardiovascular benefits - There seems to be a lot
of confusion about what is classified as aerobic exercise. One
of the definitions for aerobic exercise is: Any exercise that
would increase circulatory and respiratory ability. When the
heart and lungs have to work harder to keep up with the body's
need for oxygen that is aerobic.
In fact, gardening and housework are also aerobic exercise that
most seniors routinely do. This is not to say that gardening and
housework are complete health maintenance systems, but they do
burn over 200 calories per hour, for the average person, and
meet the aerobic definition.
Much of this mentality stems from the "No pain - No gain" era.
Most of the original advocates of this theory are now "nursing
their own wounds" and practicing gentler forms of exercise.
After all, none of us are immortal, and the body can only take
so much abuse over time.
May I remind anyone, who is left standing, from the No pain - No
gain era, that walking is also classified as aerobic exercise.
So, whether you walk or run a mile, aerobic benefits are gained
and significant calories are burned.