JUNE 2014 SUNRAYS | 31
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
T
h
e light withinme honors the light
within you.” So closes a session of
Chair Yoga, an adaptation of more
conventional yoga, for those of us in our
“Golden Years.”
In these classes, participants can work
on balance, flexibility and strength us-
ing modified poses with the use of and
in a chair.
At the beginning of the class, the in-
structor, Anna Easterling, offers par-
ticipants the opportunity to select areas
on which they would like to work during
that session. After an informal poll of
class members, the session I attended
chose to emphasize balance.
It’s obvious to me that I, and many peo-
ple of my age (circa 70), need a lot of help
in this area. To focus on improving our
balance, we did heel-raising (I was good
at hell-raising, but that didn’t seem to
help my balance at all), we stood on one
foot, and raised our arms while stand-
ing on one foot—while holding onto the
chair, if needed, and I did.
Chair Yoga also centers on breathing
techniques. Mrs. Easterling explained,
“If you are breathing deeply, then you
are doing yoga correctly.” She contin-
ued by saying, “Theoretically, if someone
wanted only to sit and breathe during
class, they would be more than welcome
to join us for just the benefits of breath-
ing. Focusing on creating a deep, relaxed
breath may lower blood pressure, soothe
the nervous system, lessen the pain re-
sponse, and create an overall sense of
well-being and ease.”
I concluded that breathingwas a prerequi-
site of the course…now that I think about
it, it’s a minimum requirement of life.
Meanwhile in the class, there is an over-
whelming feeling of peace as you do the
exercises: soft music in the background,
the calming voice of the instructor, a
semi-darkened room. Yes, all of the nec-
essary attributes of a place of peace and
acceptance are there. Don’t all of us need
that inspiration?
Mrs. Easterling also teaches Gentle
Yoga, held more conventionally on a
yoga mat, as well as frequently leading
Chair Pilates and Beginning Pilates mat
classes. In addition, she is trained in
Aqua Fitness and begins teaching Aqua
Fit Lite this month! I plan to sign up
for Chair Yoga…it’s an investment in
balance and flexibility.
Photo by Burton Anes
Sittin’ Pretty
with Chair Yoga
By Mike Gullickson
Chair Yoga
Tuesdays, 12:15-1 p.m.
Cowan Creek Fitness Center
JoinAnna in the Chair Yoga series
every Tuesday in June. The series
cost is $12 for 4 classes—sign up
at the Front Desk today!
“
