98 inspiring Reasons to do chair Yoga

Recently I was asked to do chair yoga with Ethel. Ethel’s daughters attend my yoga classes at the YMCA and requested I teach their mother a chair yoga class at her home.

I met Ethel a few days later in her home. She looked in wonderful shape. She had a strong handshake and a warm smile. I instantly felt at home. We started the class. Her daughters joined us for the next hour. 

We went through the following warm up sequence: getting in and out of a chair using body mechanics; moving the spine in seven directions; diaphragmatic and three part breathing. Because Ethel was doing so well I invited her to try Warrior 1,2 and 3, as well as downward facing dog. She blitzed all poses so we went to the floor where she did bridge and finally Savasana (rest pose).

Then we worked on how to get up from the floor. This can be an important life skill to teach older people who may have taken a fall.

Later on I learned Ethel had overcome several health issues including having a pacemaker in her heart. After the operation Ethel was inspired to improve her health. Se began a daily routine of exercise. The pacemaker became infected several years later and she went back into the hospital to replace it. When the hospital staff measured her vitals they told her the good news. She did not need to replace the pace maker because her health had improved so much.

I left Ethel’s inspired by her joy, focus and ability. You see Ethel was the oldest yoga student I have ever taught. Ethel is 98!

---

More Info on Laurie's Classes