For decades, Chicagoan Patricia Mamantov worked out regularly, doing water aerobics and Pilates. But when arthritis caused the 75-year-old’s shoulders to constantly ache, she switched to chair yoga.
“It’s an excellent way to move your body, not strain it, and not finish feeling like you’ve been through the wringer,” says Mamantov, who takes chair yoga classes at the Galter LifeCenter at Swedish Hospital. “Everyone knows it’s important to keep moving as we get older. That’s what it’s all about.”
In this gentle form of yoga, the person practices adapted poses while sitting on a chair or holding on to it, rather than sitting on the floor or standing unaided.
The chair enables those who have difficulty with balance or limited mobility in the leg and hip joints to participate in the practice. Participants with less mobility can do everything seated, while those with greater leg strength can do poses holding the chair’s back or placing a hand on the seat for balance and support.
“Everyone knows it’s important to keep moving as we get older. That’s what it’s all about.”
Chair yoga stretches and strengthens muscles, loosens joints, and increases mobility, balance, and energy flow, says Tim Noworyta, who teaches hatha yoga and chair yoga at Galter LifeCenter.
Yoga poses — whether in traditional form or adapted for the chair — provide a range of benefits, including building strength, improving balance, and decreasing stress.
“There are a multitude of upsides to chair yoga,” says Jack Olson, MD, a geriatric medicine specialist at Rush University Medical Center. “The range of motion, flexibility, and deep breathing are all good, as are the social benefits. And the meditative aspect is excellent, too.”
For an introduction to chair yoga, instructor Tim Noworyta suggests trying these adapted yoga poses. Start all poses by sitting very tall, toward the front of your chair, with your feet planted hip-width apart on the floor.
Caregiving is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. The opinions expressed in this op-ed article…
What older adults should know about ultra-processed foods, what they should avoid, and why it…
Artist focuses on herself, healing in Yosemite thanks to a Road Scholar Caregiver Grant For…
Older Venezuelans in the U.S. struggle with shifting immigration policies Fact checked by Katie Scarlett…
What private equity ownership means for healthcare access and pharmacy services Fact checked by Ros…
UIC menopause seminar featuring actress Halle Berry works to transform the conversation about women’s “personal…
This website uses cookies.