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Chair Yoga: Precise Alignment with Props

byMadhava RLive online classes via ZoomStarts from1,200 per monthView full gallery

The chair is an instrument for understanding alignment, not a crutch. Use it to build strength, correct your posture, and safely reach deeper asanas under expert guidance.

Chair Shirshasana (Headstand). Using two chairs creates a stable platform for the shoulders, removing pressure from the neck. This makes the king of asanas safer and allows you to focus on the alignment of the spine and legs.

This is Chair Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand). The chair supports the back and pelvis, promoting the opening of the chest and ensuring the neck is not compressed. It is a restorative variation that provides all the benefits of the pose.

Veerabhadrasana 1 (Warrior 1) with the front thigh supported by a chair. This modification helps in squaring the hips and extending the spine upwards without straining the lower back.

Veerabhadrasana 2 (Warrior 2) practiced on a chair. This variation is excellent for understanding the rotation of the torso and the alignment of the arms and legs while supporting the hips.

Preparing for Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand) using a chair and wall. The chair provides a target for the feet, helping to build the strength and confidence needed for the full inversion.

Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward-Facing Dog) with hands on a chair. This elevates the torso, allowing for a deeper opening in the chest and shoulders while reducing pressure on the wrists.

Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose) on a chair. This helps to learn the correct lateral extension of the spine and opening of the hip without bearing full body weight.

Mayurasana (Peacock Pose) supported by a chair. The chair bears some of the body's weight, allowing you to build the immense core and arm strength required for this advanced arm balance.

A seated Baddhakonasana (Bound Angle Pose) on a chair. This variation helps to open the hips and groin area while maintaining an upright, extended spine.

Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) with the forearm resting on a chair. The support allows you to focus on stacking the hips, opening the chest, and finding balance.

About Chair Yoga: Support for Deeper Asanas

The chair acts as a teacher, correcting your spine and hip alignment where your body cannot yet go alone. Whether we are supporting a headstand or extending through a deep forward bend, the goal is to isolate the muscle actions so you gain true control and learn the anatomy of each pose.

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