Chair based Yoga

 My students at the
 Milaap Multicultural Community        Centre in Kingston.

I love teaching there. They really enjoy the yoga class, though I do make them work hard. We do a little pranayama(breathing exercises). Usually 3 rounds of Kapalabhati. We practise modified anuloma viloma(alternate nostril breathing) without  retention, as some of them have breathing dfficulties/heart problems.The pranayama is hugely beneficial at all ages, and especially as we become older, ensuring a good supply of prana (vital life force), oxygen, removing stale air from the respiratory system, releasing tension, strengthening the lungs and most of all, strengthening and calming the mind. Pranayama facilitates concentration and meditation.


We do a variety of yogic exercises and asanas. I encourage them to focus and breathe deeply. We almost always practise squatting. This exercise is necessary particularly for one of my students who has one leg only(doctors orders!).

We sometimes do eye exercises, neck exercises. We always do a little forward bending, gentle backward bend, lateral stretch and twist. Exercises are in the chair and standing, although there are a few students who find it difficult to be on their feet, so they adapt and practise in the chair. 

They love the simhasana, Lion. We always have to finish with that!



Class starts with chanting the Universal mantra AUM and some mantras or sthotras(prayers). 
We finish the class with a relaxation in the chair followed by chanting AUM and prayers.
Milaap serve a delicious indian meal afterwards.