Chair Yoga with Pat McCarty

About this event

If you want to vary your yoga routine or if you need a little extra support during stretches, try it with a chair. During your chair yoga class, typical yoga poses, or asanas, are modified to include the support of chairs provided at WK Fitness & Wellness Centers. Other equipment that may be used includes yoga blocks, balls, bands and of course your body.

Chair Yoga begins with stretching exercises to warm up your muscles. The asanas or yoga poses may be performed either seated in or standing beside the chair. As you add in breathing exercises and balance poses, your body is able to release stress. The instructor leads with visual and verbal cues as they demonstrate every asana.

The class helps members build physical strength and improve balance through the use of their major muscle groups. For example, when you practice mountain pose in a chair, you sit in an upright position with a neutral posture. You will place your feet hip width apart, about as wide as the chair legs. Your arms will go out to each side with your palms facing upward. Gaze forward and feel your body in an upright position.

Other benefits you are likely to see include more functional stability and body awareness, along with reduced stress and fewer negative emotions.