Things You'll Need:
- Chair
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Step 1
Join a chair yoga class. Often labeled as senior or beginner classes, you will find chair yoga suitable for all skill levels. Almost every yoga position can be adapted to work with a chair. If there are no yoga classes in your neighborhood, pick up a DVD or book to guide you.
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Step 2
Start by breathing. As with all forms of yoga, the exercise is secondary to the breathing techniques. Chair yoga can even be done at the office with a bit of deep breathing.
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Step 3
Remember to balance each pose. Yoga is built on a theory of balance for your body. If you do a back bend, you should move into a forward bend.
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Step 4
Choose a sturdy chair that is not too bulky to move around. A regular four-legged chair works just fine. You do not need to buy a special chair. Make sure that it is comfortable, as you will be sitting on it for 45 minutes to an hour.
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Step 5
Use the chair to help you balance as you move through each position. Any poses that require you to lie flat on the ground should be done sitting in the chair.
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Step 6
Start with simple stretches to limber up your muscles. Rushing into more difficult positions may cause strains and injuries.
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Step 7
Know your limits. Even in chair yoga, you may find that some positions are too difficult to get into or hold. After a few sessions, you should notice some positions become easier. If you ever have any difficulty, ask your teacher for an alternate position.
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Step 8
Try to do yoga at least once a week, although you can certainly practice more often. Since chair yoga is gentle, you may decide to finish a more rigorous workout with a short chair session.
