To Chair Yoga, or to Not Chair Yoga? We vote, Chair!

“Your props for your yoga practice today are a Mat, Strap, Block, Bolster, and a Chair.” -yoga teacher

Chair Yoga in Tucson Arizona

 Chair Yoga, how so???

The truth is, the chair is rarely offered as a valid yoga prop—definitely not as often as other props. Additionally, many students and teachers undervalue the chair.

But we're here to change that!

We hold an unwavering ethos about creating a more accessible yoga environment. From a recent Yoga Loft blog written by us, Ashlee McDougall and Bonnie Golden:

… the physical aspect of yoga classes can sometimes feel inaccessible to individuals with varying abilities. This is why we’re passionate about accessible yoga, because everyone should be able to benefit from this amazing practice.

Our approach to yoga meets you where you’re at, regardless of physical condition, age, or experience level. Our goal is to make yoga truly universal, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their practice.

You can read the full blog about our approach at accessibility, here.

So here’s our view:

Yoga should be accessible to everyBODY. We love to use the chair as a prop to make that happen.

Ten Reasons to practice Chair Yoga right now (or someday):

1. You are about to have or are recovering from surgery such as knee replacement.

2. Your balance is challenged and knowing the chair is available helps you practice standing poses.

3. You are recovering from an injury or illness and want to ease back into a practice without feeling self-conscious.

4. You are improving balance, and the chair can help you safely do so.

5. You aren’t feeling comfortable getting up and down off the floor.

6. Late pregnancy or prenatal physical restrictions make it difficult to move.

7. You need to modify the practice for other medical reasons.

8. Current physical limitations such as weight or different abilities require a seated practice or support of a chair.

9. You want a gentle practice that helps you feel grounded.

10. You want to learn how to practice at your work place and you don’t want to get down on the yukky floor!

Our yoga teachers are experts at adapting ALL the tools of yoga (not only the physical poses; we have a blog about that here) to the needs of the individual or group they are guiding at that moment in time.

In our ever-evolving yoga class schedule, we're excited to add Gentle + Strong, our most accessible yoga class! This class is designed to encourage the use of one of our favorite props: the chair!

New Class Alert: Gentle + Strong

Gentle + Strong, a Chair Yoga practice, starts in October

Gentle + Strong, taught by Bonnie Golden, combines seated yoga asana (the poses), breath work, and meditation to create a gentle class that’s accessible to most. Standing pose variations are also optional, with the chair to hold for balance.

You will be introduced to meditative breathing, which will strengthen your mind-body connection. You will also find support by using props like blocks, bolsters, and chairs.

You will find an increase in your flexibility and strength at a gentle pace.

Please note this is not a Flow class. You will not be getting up and down off of the floor.

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