Take a Load off: Use a Chair
For those managing chronic pain, a chair can be a game-changer in yoga practice. It offers essential support, allowing for safe exploration of poses without overexerting sensitive areas. With the chair’s assistance, you can gently stretch and strengthen muscles, improve circulation, support balance & release tension—all while protecting joints and easing pressure on painful areas.
Yes, there is a whole category of yoga dedicated to staying in a chair – that’s not quite where I come from with it. A chair can be incredibly useful even if you are not chair-bound. Including (but not limited to) being an aide with balance, bringing the ground up to you, or offering an alternative to standing postures on the days where your ankles kill.
Having a chair handy can make an otherwise daunting movement practice doable & enjoyable. Sometimes just having that support will help to reduce stress & promote relaxation, both vital for managing chronic pain. A chair isn’t just a prop; it’s a partner in fostering healing and comfort.
Pro Tip: Use a chair with sticky feet!
Chair Alternatives: edge of the bed, edge of the couch. the stiffer, the better!
My Top Pick: Aozora
As someone who’s always looking for the sassiest version of anything, I found it in this yoga chair. I LOVE the textile seat; it definitely has the most pizzazz of any folding chair I’ve seen before. Besides the awesome colors, the seat pad is very functional. Its made of fabric (apposed to say, vinyl) so it’s nice to the touch. And I would always choose a padded seat over non-padded – easier on the body and you dont slip around.
Though most folding chairs will work the same, yoga specific chairs will not have a back plate piece. This allows more space for postures that put legs through the back of the chair. Click the link to also see the version of this chair that comes with a small ramp attachment! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
