Jenny Wilson – Chair Yoga - Croydon u3a
- I have practised yoga since my 20s on and off and tried many different styles. I ‘fell into’ u3a yoga when the booked instructor for our u3a workshop cancelled at the last minute. Being known as an enthusiast and a retired school teacher, I was asked if I could step in. Well, an evening’s research and a lot of experience and here I am 4 years later doing more yoga teaching than ever. Until the pandemic, I attended other yoga classes as a participant to widen my knowledge and pick up new ideas and tips on how to help people improve their flexibility and mobility.
- The Chair Yoga I teach is based on adapted Iyengar yoga using props to aid members. Apart from seated poses, we use the chair as an aid to balance for standing poses. We also use straps, tennis balls, cushions and occasionally blocks. As groups are completely mixed ability and Yoga is always practised at the individual’s level, there are no requirements for a ‘perfect’ pose. I give varied instructions so the more able feel challenged. I emphasise building muscle tone and strength, flexibility especially of the spine, better balance, efficient breathing and having some fun so that the whole body and mind are stretched, energised and rejuvenated.
- For me Yoga is always a work in progress, there’s no end goal, just an amazing journey and as a teacher, it’s really important to be encouraging. For example, I always stress, if someone can twist 2mm more than you could last week, that’s brilliant.
NEVER PRACTISED CHAIR YOGA?
- Ask for some information about the sessions and teacher in advance – there may be an information sheet you can read beforehand. You may be able to attend one session as a trial
- Drop any fixed expectations about what you will do - every session may be different including something familiar and something new to learn
- Be ready to have a go - be brave and be open to a new experience
- Take it easy to start with (you will soon be hooked)
- Expect to work your whole body while always practising safely within your own limits
- Relax into the moment, let go a bit and enjoy yourself
- There may be some music
What some Croydon u3a chair yogis say about their experience:
"By the way, my back is feeling so very much better after your lower back tips."
"Today's session really has helped my lower back pain."
"Yoga has been a highlight of lockdown for me, both the exercise and being able to see other people on Zoom."
"I look forward to chair yoga twice weekly, it's a great exercise, in particular the breathing techniques."
"Chair Yoga has made me very aware that breathing techniques are great especially with what is going on in this pandemic."
"For me, chair yoga provides physical and mental stimulation and stability."
"Chair yoga is a wonderful energiser for both our physical and mental well-being, especially beneficial during a national lockdown when we are being faced with so many challenges."
"Having limited mobility, I am finding chair yoga an excellent method and gentle way of stretching, strengthening, balancing and a relaxing form of exercise without having to get down on the floor. The various breathing exercises and techniques help clear all the stale air from the lungs is invigorating as well as calming and soon becomes part of a daily routine. The exercises are non-competitive and allow you to work at your own level while providing a good workout for the whole body. I recommend chair yoga."
"I find yoga to be a really good pick me up, revitalising and energising activity. It helps me to clear my mind."
"I would say that yoga reduces stress and brings balance to life through exercise. Regular yoga stretching exercises free our bodies, allowing us to move easily and giving us that extra edge. The joints are better supported and are more able to go through their full range of movements - essential as one ages. Yoga is slow and mindful - an essential tool in our everyday lives, especially during this pandemic."
"I have impaired mobility and chair yoga is an exercise that I can do and enjoy. I feel it helps both physically and mentally."
"The national chair yoga session impressed me with the range & variety of movement."
"Chair yoga has been a lifeline for me over the last 12 months, physically and mentally I found it inspirational, encouraging and very good for me. I am more mobile and flexible, encouraged by this I have made an effort to lose some weight."
"Enjoyed the company online too that alone has been wonderful, the high light of my weeks."
"We really look forward to our interesting, amusing and sometimes strenuous Yoga sessions. They’re a very important part of our week."
"Since I have practised chair yoga for some 2.5 years, my strength and balance have improved, and as an asthmatic, the sessions have certainly enabled a heightened awareness of the importance of controlling your breathing I have experienced the benefits in every way, including my sense of wellbeing and enjoyment."