Chair Fitness - Can I Improve my Fitness and Wellbeing with Chair Exercises

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Improving your Fitness and Health

There are many that believe exercising from a chair is just for those who are not mobile or capable of exercises in a more traditional or energetic way.

Whilst this may be true to some extent, chair classes or workouts are for everyone to enjoy. They can be adapted for those who are limited with their mobility or for those that are suffering an injury, but they can also be adjusted to increase your health and fitness levels. Sitting in a chair whilst exercising is gentler on your joints and alleviates pressure on achy and uncomfortable knees, hips and ankles. 

Workouts from a chair based exercise routine can increase your flexibility and mobility, enhance your cardio health and endurance as well as build and maintain your strength. 

Do not be under the assumption that sitting equals easy. This is not the case. You can burn calories and work up a sweat even from a chair. 

I love teaching chair classes and I am learning new methods of chair focused workouts all the time. Chair classes do not need to be slow, boring and seemingly pointless. You can add equipment, coordinated moves, isolated or compound exercises and cardio based movements. You can mix up the classes for fun or you can focus on one element of fitness such as resistance training. Download Chair Exercise Booklet

New Class - Chair Circuit Class Video

By far, my favourite class to teach and partake in is definitely a circuit class. I believe health and fitness should be accessible to everyone and that includes a circuit class. A good circuit class should include exercises to increase strength, stamina, endurance, coordination, cardio and core strength......and yes, this can all be achieved whilst seated. A circuit class really 'packs a punch' when it comes to a full body workout. 

Benefits of a Circuit Class

  • It's good for all age groups and fitness levels
  • It's time efficient
  • Can help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Can be achieved using no equipment
  • Improves Cardiovascular fitness
  • Increases endurance
  • Builds muscle strength and muscle endurance
  • A variety of exercises help to prevent boredom
  • Can burn a lot of calories
The benefits of circuit training are numerous and can be achieved in a very small amount of time. Chair Circuit classes use the chair as your station and adds easy equipment such as resistance bands, a small Pilates ball and small dumbbells (or water bottles). This equipment adds strength to your muscles, movement to your limbs and cardio health for your heart.

Meditation for Well-being Video

Meditation is a form of holistic healing for your mental health and well-being. Meditation helps to quieten the mind and silence the constant negative chatter from within. Meditation helps peace and tranquillity return to the brain especially in times of stress and worry. 

You do not have to sit cross-legged on a cushion or yoga mat to meditate. You can sit in a chair or on your sofa if this feels more comfortable for you. Meditation should be available to everyone, therefore your comfort is your choice.

Benefits of Meditation

  • Helps you to build skills to manage your stress
  • Keeps your attention on the present moment
  • Reduces negative chatter in the brain
  • Controls anxiety levels
  • Supports emotional health and well-being
  • Enhances self-awareness
  • Improves sleep patterns
  • Can help to control pain
  • Accessible anywhere
Meditation can be achieved at any time and anywhere. You can meditate for 1 minute or 1 hour. It all depends on how much undisturbed time you can allow yourself to sit with peace and quiet.

Yoga for Flexibility and Well-being Video

You may not believe this is possible but yes....yoga can be accessible from a chair. Yoga is perfect for flexibility, mobility and wellness. Yoga lengthens and strengthens your muscles and stretches deep into your muscle tissue and fascia. This deep stretch of the muscle tissue invites mobility into your joints which helps with independent living and enjoyment of everyday life and activities. Yoga is good for both your physical and mental being. It allows movement and the breath to connect bringing calmness to both mind and body. Yoga invites self awareness and exploration of one's self bringing peace and harmony within.

Benefits of Chair Yoga

  • It's injury and limited mobility friendly
  • It improves mental, physical and emotional health
  • It can improve cognitive function
  • Enhances creative activity
  • Strengthens core muscles
  • Improves posture
  • Stimulates the heart, diaphragm and abdominal organs
  • Opens the chest and shoulders
  • Reduces stress levels
  • Improves sleep patterns
Chair Yoga can help improve balance skills, strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve mental well-being. Chair yoga and meditation together can bring wellness to the body, mind and emotional health. Chair yoga is more than fitness or exercise, it affects our whole being in a very positive way.

©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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