Chair Yoga
What is chair yoga and who is it for?
Put simply, yoga is connection – connection to the body, the breath and to a sense of being part of the whole. Yoga is a way of life. The physical movement of yoga practice is only part of the picture – the part of the picture which allows the body to move freely towards a point of stillness. Yoga should be accessible to all – and chair yoga may be the modality best suited to the retirement, or care home situation.
In chair yoga we move the body whilst using the chair for as much support as we need. Often in the care home the individuals will be seated the whole time.
Chair Yoga in the Care Home
In the retirement home situation, it is common to find a majority of individuals with very limited mobility. As best an individual may be able to move with the aid of a stick or a walking frame. There may be may individuals whose inability to walk means they are using a wheeled chair permanently.
Chair yoga and Dru
As a Dru yoga teacher, the concept of ensuring the class is attainable to all is part of our training. The essentials of the 
practice are
Intention – I participate in the class for the sake of my mobility and connection to my body and breath.
Breathwork – in focusing on my breath I gain awareness and control of my body
Movement – I move freely, safely and comfortably within my range
Posture – standing of sitting, attention to posture is key to wellbeing.
Stay within your personal comfort zone – in any Dru yoga class the advice is to always stay within the range you feel in control 
and comfortable. The aim is to give you tools for more comfort in your body.
Your pace
Where an individual is unable to participate as they might prefer, it is perfectly acceptable to take a break and perhaps to visualize doing the practice. Sometimes it may be comfortable to work with one side of the body but not so on the other – individuals are encouraged to work with one side and visualize on the other.
All permutations are allowed. Taking a break is fine. Participating is enough.
Chair yoga in the Care home
Chair yoga in care homes can be provided as a regular class. Each class is 45 – 60 minutes long, depending on the dynamics of the class. For availability and charges please contact me here.