To remember
AARP Chair Yoga for Seniors offers low-impact exercises to improve flexibility, strength and mindfulness.
Seniors who practice chair yoga at AARP can increase their strength, flexibility and awareness through low-impact workouts.
One of the best kept secrets in the world of fitness is chair yoga! All ages can benefit, but older people in particular. Similar to conventional yoga, chair yoga improves strength, posture and balance. Even though the chair makes the poses easier to perform, the practice is still very beneficial. This is perfect for those with joint problems as it is also low impact.
Another fantastic thing? You can practice chair yoga at home! Online chair yoga classes and videos are widely available for free. If you can’t get to a studio or are too busy with work or family, this is ideal. A win-win situation, AARP offers excellent, easy-to-follow online chair yoga classes for free!
You might be surprised how effective a workout you can get by exercising in a chair!
See also: The 9 Best Types of Yoga for Seniors: A Guide for Older Adults
What Is AARP Chair Yoga and Why It’s Perfect for Seniors
What is chair yoga? It’s simple: you do yoga poses and stretches while sitting in a chair or using it as support. This is perfect for older adults who might have difficulty balancing or moving around.
AARP understands the mobility and health needs of seniors, which is why they created these classes just for seniors. The best part? The chair is not just for sitting. It’s there to help you keep your balance and stay safe. Don’t worry about falling while putting the tree up!
Top 5 Free AARP Chair Yoga Classes
1. Gentle Morning Stretches with Expert Lorraine Ladish
Lorraine Ladish’s gentle morning stretching class will make you want to jump out of bed. This class wakes up your body and makes you more flexible. It’s like coffee for your muscles but without the jitters!
Lorraine explains things so well that you won’t need a yoga dictionary.
2. Balance and strength builder
This course is a true gem. It helps you better balance and strengthen your body. After a few weeks, you will be able to access the high shelves without feeling like you are walking a tightrope!
I like that it’s good for beginners and more experienced people. And you don’t need any fancy accessories or equipment!
3. Anti-stress evening yoga
After a long day of…well, living, this class feels like a warm hug. These are relaxing and gentle stretches. Perfect for relaxing and taking the stress out of taking a hike.
The instructors do breathing exercises and meditation, which also relax the person mentally and emotionally.
4. Chair Yoga to Relieve Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, this course will save your life. The teacher shows you a pose that relieves joint pain and stiffness. They know how to modify poses to suit each person’s needs.
The important thing is to persist. Keep in mind that Rome wasn’t built in a single day and your arthritic pain won’t go away overnight either!
5. Perfect posture: align and shine
This class is all about correcting your posture and helping your back. This strengthens the back and core muscles.
The teacher also gives good advice on sitting up straight all day. Who knew sitting could be such hard work? But trust me, your future self will thank you.
How to Get Started with AARP Virtual Chair Yoga Classes
Starting AARP virtual chair yoga is easier than finding the new update on your phone. Trust me, I’ve done both and yoga is way less stressful!
First of all, you need to find the free online courses. AARP made it easy. Just go to their website, find the fitness section and search for chair yoga. There’s usually a big “Register Now” button – they know the older population might need a little help finding things!
Now let’s talk about what you need. Good news: you probably already have all of this. The star of the show is of course a chair. But not just any chair: you want one that is sturdy and comfortable. No arms or wheels. I learned this the hard way when I almost fell trying to twist my old rocker!
Some classes may indicate that you need blocks or straps, but don’t buy anything yet. A thick book can be a pad and a belt or towel can be a strap. It’s all about being creative!
You don’t need anything fancy for your home yoga studio. Simply locate a peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. It’s not much, but it’s my little haven of peace.
Always keep in mind that it is crucial to have enough space around your chair for your arms and legs to move. When you stretch, the last thing you want to do is spill anything!
The Science Behind Chair Yoga: Health Benefits for Older Adults
At this point, you may be wondering, “Will chair yoga really help me?” Let me tell you, science backs it up! And boy, am I glad I followed the experts’ advice.
According to recent studies, chair yoga is a great way to improve the well-being of seniors. Not only does it make you feel good, although it also feels fantastic; there are real, quantifiable benefits. For starters, it might be quite beneficial for balance.
Another major advantage is flexibility. If you have trouble touching your toes, chair yoga can help improve your mobility. Not that you can do the splits right away, but you might find it easier to tie your shoes!
Let’s also talk about strength. I always thought bulking up required a lot of moaning and lifting big weights. It turns out that all you need to do to get stronger is use a chair and your weight. Who knew?
However, the body is not the only factor. Chair yoga is also beneficial for the mind. It can improve brain function and reduce stress. I observed that once I started chair yoga, I felt more comfortable and consistent.
One study even found that doing chair yoga frequently could relieve pain caused by things like arthritis. While I don’t claim it’s a miracle treatment, I think anything that relieves aches and pains is a win.
Expert advice from AARP yoga instructor Lorraine Ladish
Let me tell you about Lorraine Ladish: When it comes to chair yoga, she’s the real deal.
Lorraine has some great tips for all you beginners out there. First of all, don’t try to become a yoga sensation overnight. There’s no competition or yoga police asking you to touch your toes. Remember to breathe, start slowly and pay attention to your body.
Lorraine also attaches great importance to safety. “If it hurts, don’t do it,” is his motto. Pretty easy, huh? However, you’d be shocked how often we overwork.
Lorraine has information that can help people who are unsure about how to recover safely. She advises gradually increasing the duration of your poses and the number of times you do them. It’s like building a house: you start with a decent base and add to it little by little.
Lorraine’s daily chair yoga routine is one of her best offerings. You don’t need to set aside an hour of your day: ten minutes is enough. It is essential to maintain consistency. A short daily workout is better than a long session once a week.
I’ll give you a hint: keep a yoga journal. After each session, write down your feelings. After a few weeks, it’s amazing to see the progress you’ve made. It’s also a great source of encouragement for those days when you just want to stay in bed!
The Yoga Journal: Guided Yoga Routines, Meditation Practices, and Self-Reflection for Your Yoga Journey
See the latest price
Remember that the benefits are waiting for you and it’s never too late to get started. What if you took your first online course now? Your mind and body will appreciate it! Be sure to visit the AARP website for their fantastic health resources and most up-to-date schedules. Namaste!
Pop quiz! 🧘🤔
Chair yoga can help improve flexibility and balance in older adults.
AARP offers chair yoga classes that are only available online.
Chair yoga poses are designed to be performed seated or while holding onto a chair for support.
FAQs
Who can participate in AARP Chair Yoga?
Anyone can participate in AARP chair yoga courses, but they are specifically adapted for older people. The program is suitable for people who may be beginners in yoga or those with physical limitations. AARP encourages older adults to consult their health care provider before starting anything new exercise program to ensure it meets their individual needs health needs.needs.
How do I access AARP chair yoga classes?
AARP Offers free online chair yoga class which seniors can participate in from the comfort of their home houses. You can find these classes on the AARP website or through their dedicated fitness resources. To get started, simply sign up for the courses that interest you and benefit instant access to reserved members content.
Do I need special equipment for chair yoga?
No special equipment is required for AARPs chair yoga. All you need is a solid model chair without arms that allows you to sit comfortably and perform movements safely. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily during the class.
Are there any fees associated with the courses?
AARP chair yoga courses are generally offered free to members. However, if you are not an AARP member, you may need to register for a second free membership to access certain resources. AARP membership also provides access to hundreds of discounts and other benefits, improving your overall experience.
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