ARMCHAIR YOGA

For some, yoga conjures up images of impossible and rather funny looking poses. For others, it is the answer to mental and physical well being. But what about those who can barely manage to leave a chair?

'This is a class for people who have issues doing a regular yoga class,' Barbara Reynolds said, as she lowered her arms to her side into the mountain pose.

Beginning its second year, the weekly chair yoga class is back at the Destin Community Center.

Chair yoga is intended for seniors who are seeking to improve their balance, breathing, flexibility and endurance.

The clientele that come to stretch and make a mind-body connection are typically people who have cardiovascular issues, hip and knee replacements, suffer arthritis, are confined to a wheelchair or have another condition that limits their mobility.

The premise behind chair yoga is that just because someone is limited physically, it does not mean that they are exempt from gaining some of the benefits that yoga has to offer.

'If anybody can breath, then they can do this class,' Reynolds said.

And breathing is key.

As inspirational music pumps through the gym, chair yoga students are instructed on how to inhale and exhale with the movements.

'Yoga is a practice, a journey,' Reynolds told the class.

The class is made up of three parts. The first part concentrates on moving with your breath. This technique relaxes the student and helps them to get centered, or focused on their inner self.

The second part of the class is a little more challenging, as poses are held for longer repetitions. The body's chakras, or points of physical and spiritual energy, are called to attention.

Relaxation and serenity set in as the body releases toxins and tension with the gentle movements.

In the third segment of the class, those who able are prompted to balance and perform modified yoga poses off the chair.

Reynolds said that balance is a vital skill to retain as one gets older. It helps to prevent stumbling and injury.

Class attendance is off to a slow start so far this year, but last year during Snowbird season, as many as 30 people attended.

Barbara Beecher is one of Reynolds returning students. She said chair yoga was the perfect solution.

'I had done yoga years ago and this sounded interesting,' Beecher said, noting that she was attracted to the program after attending Reynolds’ Zumba class.

'In the class that I was taking before, it was hard to get off the floor and the poses hurt,' she said.

When the three phases of posing, stretching and breathing are completed, Reynolds closes the class by bowing with her palms placed together at the brow chakra.

'Namaste,' she said, a salutation meaning 'I bow to you.'

Want to try chair yoga?

Experience the benefits of yoga without having to get on the floor. Chair yoga classes are offered by Barbara Reynolds on Thursdays at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. Cost is $2. Reynolds also teaches Zumba, a Latin inspired aerobic dance, on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Pilates at 5:30 p.m. Zumba is $6 and Pilates is $5 per session, or enjoy both for $10. For more information, contact Barbara Reynolds at 622 1764.

By Jennifer Rich

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