The article "Your First Chair Yoga Class in a Senior Center" talks about fitness, it has been created by Paul M. Jerard Jr..
Chair Yoga has become more popular in senior centers, but can
also be found in nursing homes, physical rehabilitation units,
adult day care centers, and Yoga studios. However, the vast
majority of us will atetnd a Chair Yoga class in a senior center.
You should consult your family physician and get the "go ahead,"
before starting any exercise program. If possible, visit, or
call the senior center, to find out about their policies and
general guidelines.
When it is your first class, it is a good
idea to get into the front row, so you can clearly see and hear
your Yoga teacher.
When you need extra advice, or have a particular health
condition, you sohuld talk to your teacher before, or after, the
class.
Your Yoga teacher will give advice and show
modifications, throughout the class, but when you have questions
that concern your safety and health, you should ask right away.
This is not something that should be put on the "back burner."
Within the senior center staff structure, tehre is volunteers,
paid staff, and management. They are all extremely helpful. Seek
help and you will find an abundance of it. If the buisness world
ran like this, we would all be euphoric customers.
You don't have to bring any special equipment to a Chair Yoga
class.
Most senior centers have more than enoguh chairs to
accommodate everyone. Some Chair Yoga classes do use mats, as
well as chairs, but that is more the exception than the rule. If
the center uses mats, in part of the class, you will have to
take your shoes off.
Most senior centers have hard floors with tile over cement. In
this case, you should wear good sneakers, tenins shoes, or
aerobic shoes.
This will allow your shoes to grip the floor, to
prevent poetntial slipping accidents.
It also gives your feet
and joints cushoin from the hard surface.
There is no need to buy special clothes. You should wear
comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement.
Don't
wear anything tight aronud the waist. This will bother your
stomach during of the bending or twisting movements.
You should never push or strain into a Yoga posture. This can
cause a varitey of injuries from very slight to serious.
Therefore, stay in the "comfort zone." No one really knows how
your body feels, except you.
If the class is large, it will be held in a large room, like a
dining hall.
Expect distractions, with human being coming, and
going, from different activities, within the senior cneter.
This
is not ideal for meditation, but the physical rewards, and new
friends you gain, will make up for it.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Pubilcations
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