Welcome to Chair Yoga with Lucy
Thank you for choosing to practise chair yoga with me. I hope you enjoy your first class and begin to discover the benefits of giving yourself some regular time and space to practise.
Chair yoga is real yoga, adapted so that you can practise from a chair. Over time, we explore movement, breath, relaxation, yoga philosophy and meditation. There is no need to learn everything at once – we will build things gradually and revisit familiar practices as we go.
What to expect
Chair yoga can be practised entirely seated, or you may have the option to stand with the support of your chair for some parts of the practice. Standing is always optional – you can take the seated version instead.
The group is small and friendly, and I adapt the practice each week according to the needs of the people who are there rather than following a rigid plan.
You don’t need to be naturally flexible, strong or experienced. I will offer different ways of working so that you can find an appropriate level for your own body.
Your practice
This is your practice, so work at your own pace and within your own capabilities.
Try not to compare yourself with anyone else – or with what you think you ‘should’ be able to do. You may find something easy one week and more challenging the next. Simply notice the difference without judging yourself.
Please listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop or change what you are doing and let me know. There is no such thing as a perfect posture, and yoga isn’t a competition.
What to bring
You don’t need to bring any special equipment. A chair will be provided for you.
If you are likely to take part in standing practices, a yoga mat underneath the chair can help to prevent the chair from moving and provide a more secure surface for your feet. If you have your own suitable non-slip mat, please bring it.
A blanket can be useful too – to fold up and place on the chair for extra cushioning or behind your back for support, or to keep you warm during relaxation.
If you use a stick, walking frame or other walking aid, please bring it with you and keep it somewhere close to your chair
where you can reach it safely.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Layers are useful as your body temperature can change during the practice, particularly during relaxation.
You can choose whether to keep your shoes on or take them off. For standing practices, you will need footwear that gives you a secure grip, or you can practise in bare feet on a non-slip yoga mat.
A few practical things
To help everyone settle into the class and practise safely:
- Please arrive in good time so that you can settle yourself before we begin.If you arrive early, please wait quietly while the previous class or preparations are taking place.
- Please switch your phone off or put it on silent.
- Keep bags, coats and other belongings somewhere they won’t cause a trip hazard.
- I will put your chair out for you.
- For everyone’s safety, you need to be able to get into and out of your chair independently, using your usual walking aid if necessary. I am not able to physically assist you with getting into or out of your chair, or to lift, support or steady you.
- I am also unable to help with putting on or removing shoes, coats or other clothing. If you need an aid to manage these things, please bring it with you and use it as you normally would.
If you are unsure whether chair yoga is suitable for you, please get in touch before booking and we can discuss it.
Before your first class
Please complete the online Emergency Contact and Health Form before coming to class. You don’t need to tell me any private health information, only what you wish to share if you think it is relevant to your yoga practice. I must have emergency contact details though, preferably a mobile number. Click this link to complete:
EMERGENCY CONTACT AND HEALTH FORM
Please remember to click Submit when you have completed it.
If I already have your details, you don’t need to complete the form again. I’ll let you know when I need you to update it.
A final note
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns or anything you think I should know about your practice. You are always welcome to talk to me before or after class.
For answers to FAQs about booking, including my T&Cs click this link:
I look forward to seeing you on the mat!
Lucy