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Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga. With so many types of yoga available, here is one that most of us can practice. Inversions and complicated maneuvers are not necessary in a Chair yoga class.

All it takes is the motivation to get started. Most Chair yoga classes dont use a yoga mat, but the main prop used is a chair. This helps with balancing poses, and most common yoga postures can be modified for the chair.

We have one particular Chair yoga class, in Pawtucket, RI, that uses both chairs and yoga mats. Within this type of yoga class, you can cover standing, seated, supine, and prone postures. Most of our classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of getting up, or down, on the floor.

Chair yoga sessions are most commonly seen in senior centers, assisted living complexes, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and physical rehabilitation units. Clients can learn any number of yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and stage-by-stage relaxation, with the aid of a chair.

Standing postures, such as Triangle and Warrior variations, can be practiced seated, or standing, with the aid of a chair. You can practice Sun Salutations or Vinyasa, (flowing postures), from seated or standing positions.

Contrary to popular opinion, Chair yoga is not for seniors only. Most of us take our good health for granted. The physically handicapped have no age boundaries, and they are very enthusiastic students.

due to trauma, or a debilitating disease, at any time, any one of us could become physically handicapped. Most of us drive cars every day, and there is always a risk of an auto accident.

Some younger family members of seniors, and the physically handicapped, get involved in classes and private sessions. When family members participate in a class, or private session, it is always a good quality time for everyone.

Chair yoga teachers must continually educate themselves, be knowledgeable of body mechanics, use of props, and a variety of ailments. This field requires teachers with compassion and the patience to help those who are doing their personal best.

It is also a field with growth opportunities; as the population is aging, there are not enough Chair yoga teachers to go around. Some estimates indicate there are 1.5 million, or more, yoga practitioners, over the age of 55, within the United States. Therefore, the demand far outweighs the supply of yoga teachers for this particular field.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of yoga teacher training at: aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a yoga Business Right for You? For yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

If you've been dealing with some health challenges, or have not been exercising or stretching much recently, you can still begin your yoga practice in an easy, enjoyable way!

yoga does not have to be difficult for it to effectively manage and relieve pain! Find out why today is a good day to start your yoga practice!

The easier "schools" of yoga include: Kripalu yoga, hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Integral yoga and Iyengar yoga. Please note that Iyengar yoga can be gentle or rigorous depending on your teacher!

Here is a brief list of Yoga Classes to avoid if you're seeking a gentle way to learn Yoga. The classes that are physically rigorous, and thus not ideal for beginners (unless you're a real athlete already) are:
power Yoga, ashtanga Yoga, Yoga with weights, and Bikram Yoga aka hot Yoga.

The good news is that you can reap the benefits of yoga, whether you take a gentle class or a rigorous class. These benefits include: stretching and strengthening both body & mind, finding your balance in more ways than one, and taking time to breathe deeply, relax, and enjoy life in the present moment.

So, how can you start your yoga practice? Simply call the yoga centers and Health Clubs nearest your home and ask them about the kinds of yoga classes they offer. Ask them if they offer a yoga Class for beginners. Most Yoga centers make a point of doing this!

Then you can follow-up by trying different Yoga teachers and Yoga Classes in your neighborhood and finding at least 2 per week that fit your schedule.

Finally, you can purchase a yoga dvd, either online or at your local health food store. Please be sure that it includes gentle, easy poses that are good for beginners! This can help you jump start your daily practice at home.

For more information about upcoming easy Yoga DVDs, you are welcome to contact hannahyoga@yahoo.com so that you can be informed when the new DVDs are ready!

Now, just a bit of "yoga Lingo" for you as you start your own personal yoga journey: the word "Namaste!" is often said at the beginning and end of yoga classes. It means, "I salute the light within you!"

May you be peaceful and well! Namaste!

Hannah Caratti provides tools, instruction, and information about methods of relieving pain and stress through techniques related to the ancient science of yoga.