Sydney Observer

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Chair yoga’s motto is ‘sit down for your health’ and this one line simply sums up chair yoga’s initiative. Targeted at seniors, but suitable for all ages, the gentle movements in this class not only uplift and elevate the body but will help your mind flow into a state of calm.

I had the pleasure of attending a class and spoke to Paula O’Connell who conducts the local activity. Paula started running the classes in St Ives after she saw the difference and benefit it can have on the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. All the poses are modified for a chair and the difficulty levels can be tailored towards numerous ages and skill sets.

“I want the students to be physically active for as long as possible, so they keep their independence. If they can have more strength and stability given from yoga classes, then that’s better for them.,” states Paula.

I also spoke to a couple of the lovely students who shared why they are so fond of chair yoga. Roz has had two hip replacements and a broken femur. She used to do yoga and after reading about chair yoga she decided to come to a class. She has been coming to the classes twice a week and says its fantastic. She moved elegantly and effortlessly in the class and incorporates the movements into her daily routine.

[Another student] Helen decided to come to yoga because she has bad lungs. She needs to do gentle exercises and finds the activities in the class help with her breathing. She says it has helped to loosen her joints and mind.

After Brendan broke his pelvis he started coming to chair yoga ad found that the exercise were useful and helped build his strength back. He said he will be celebrating his 90th birthday this month and he never thought he’d be involved in yoga. He cheekily said he loves telling people he’s going to his yoga class.

By Hannah Prasad, Sydney Observer p 34
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