Chair pilates and yoga Seated exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance and posture

Harri Angell

Book - 2024

"Learn how seated exercise can help you lead a happy, healthy and active life. All you need is somewhere to sit. If you find movement a challenge, have reduced mobility or are recovering from injury, seated movement is an enjoyable and beneficial alternative to more demanding workouts. Chair Pilates and Yoga is filled with tried and tested exercises to keep you fit and healthy - all while seated on a chair or using a chair as a prop. Influenced by Pilates and yoga, these guided movements will help improve your flexibility, strength, balance, posture and breathing, and can reduce aches and pains. Featuring step-by-step exercises that target different parts of the body, this manual is suitable for all levels and abilities. You can dip in... when you need a quick stretch, or follow full-body routines when you have more time. Along with tips and modifications, you will also find expert advice and motivational case studies from those who have already discovered the rewards of Chair Pilates and Yoga."-- Provided by publisher.

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  • Introduction
  • 1. What can you expect from Chair Pilates and Yoga?
  • 2. A brief history of Pilates and yoga
  • 3. How Chair Pilates and Yoga can help you
  • 4. Preparing for your chair practice
  • 5. The chair exercises
  • 6. The neck
  • 7. Shoulders
  • 8. The spine
  • 9. Hands, wrists, elbows and fingers
  • 10. Arms, shoulders and back
  • 11. Abdominal muscles
  • 12. Glutes
  • 13. Legs, knees and hips
  • 14. Feet, toes and ankles
  • 15. Facial exercises
  • 16. Sit to stand
  • 17. Balance exercises
  • 18. Resistance band exercises
  • 19. Cardio exercises
  • 20. Stretches
  • 21. Sleep and relaxation
  • 22. Seated desk workout
  • 23. Short routines
  • References
  • Index
  • Acknowledgements
Review by Library Journal Review

This book integrates two distinct modalities of mind-body practice--yoga and Pilates--in an accessible and effective way, designed to meet the needs of folks with limited mobility or other potential barriers to participation in high-impact exercise programs. As a side benefit, the exercises could also easily be incorporated into work breaks from a sedentary desk job or even commercial intermissions during a TV binge. With a brief overview of the differences between yoga and Pilates (especially important as those differences relate to breathing techniques), along with clearly bolded and defined terms and an overview of suggested props, this is a beginner-friendly book that will encourage people to find their flow safely from their seats. Angell has included testimonials from older adults of varying fitness levels and medical practitioners, acknowledging potential counterindications or modified postures throughout. VERDICT A well-illustrated, clearly written overview of why, when, and how to incorporate chair-based yoga and Pilates practices into one's lifestyle, primarily intended for older adults but valuable for any fitness seeker looking to stretch their body and boundaries without struggle.--Emily Bowles

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