Chair Yoga Classes at the JCC Indianapolis
Chair yoga, a gentle form of yoga that’s done while seated or using a chair for balance, makes the practice more accessible. In chair yoga at JCC Indianapolis, it’s possible to move into poses like cat/cow, warrior, sun salutations and forward folds, all while seated.
Chair Yoga Benefits
- Reduces Stress: All forms of yoga are great stress reducers, but chair yoga and your connection to your breathing takes it to another level. Taking deep breaths in and out, focusing on one thing at a time, allows you to relieve your stress and be present in the moment.
- Low Impact: Chair Yoga is low-impact and won’t put any undue pressure on your knees or joints. Throughout the practice, you have time to listen to your body and read the cues it is giving you. You will feel when you are going beyond your limit and readjust. No strenuous or high-impact moves to worry about in this class.
Doing any type of yoga offers many benefits such as increased flexibility, calming of the mind, and improved cardiovascular health.
Who Is the Class for?
- Baby boomers, men and women ages 55-73, who would benefit from the increased flexibility and decreased blood pressure that chair yoga provides.
- People who use wheelchairs and those rehabilitating after surgeries, living with chronic illnesses, or dealing with balance issues that make it hard to get down onto a yoga mat.
- Beginners who might be intimidated by a traditional mat practice looking for a safe way to learn poses
Yoga classes appeal to all ages and abilities. This class is best suited for:
What to Expect in Chair Yoga
Dress comfortably. Please bring your own water bottle.
Check our Schedules page for group exercise dates and times, or download our mobile app for iOS or Android devices.
These classes are free as a benefit of membership and are for JCC members only. Become a member today!
About the Instructors
Alana Hess has been enjoying sharing yoga with others for over 12 years. The benefits of yoga are limitless and she is passionate about sharing these mental, physical, and spiritual aspects the practice offers. During her training in California, a light-bulb moment occurred when she knew yoga was so much more than a fitness skill- it is truly a way of being. Her classes aim to offer balance, flow, and peace all while connecting with the best version of who you are.
Fitness Is a Core Jewish Value
At the JCC, fitness isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are. Although exercise is not mentioned in the Torah, taking care of one’s health is. In fact, while other belief systems advocate for the healing power of prayer, Judaism encourages people to look after their health and seek counsel from medical experts. In Judaism, good health is not a goal in itself. Rather, it is a means to an end – to serve the Creator.