So Much More Than Stretching: Teaching Chair Yoga Stretch with Beatrice Mattaway

Studies are showing more and more how vital the practice of stretching is to our overall health and  well-being. No longer is stretching relegated to pre- or post-workout, with its only goal being to help avoid  injury from intense exercise. The benefits of deep and focused stretching go far beyond injury  prevention.

 In this class, done mostly while seated on chairs, you will learn how to stretch each muscle group deeply  and safely, from the head, down to the toes. This type of class is suitable for everyone, and particularly  ideal for athletes, seniors, pregnant women, and anyone with injuries that prevent sitting on the floor.  Regular stretching will enhance any yoga practice but is also great for those who have never tried, don't  like, or don't think they can do regular yoga, giving yoga teachers and studios an alternative class to  bring in students that normally would shun a “yoga” class.  

In this workshop we will learn:

• When to be seated in chairs vs floor or standing
• The anatomy of stretch
• Dynamic stretch vs static stretch
• Reaching while grounding–moving from a powerful base
• Breath as the energy that moves the muscles
• The joint’s ambrosia–synovial fluid
• The importance of checking in
• How to use visualization to help deepen the process
• Contraindications and accommodations
• The use of props
• Adding a balance pose
• Savasana options

Recommended Props:

• A chair
• Two blocks
• A yoga strap
• A yoga mat
• NOTE: Club Fit has limited props, so please bring your own if you have them.