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Is Aikido a Martial Art? Part 1
PART 1
At first sight of the above title I am sure that a lot of Aikidoist's will be angry, they will assume that this is yet another attack on the credibility of Aikido by other martial artist's.
On this occasion they are totally wrong, I...
Is Aikido a Martial Art? Part 3
PART 3
The Converted
In articles parts one and two I have covered the introduction of Aikido to the West, and the impact on other Martial Artists, Aikido progressed and developed in the UK by visiting existing dojos of all the various...
Pilates Exercise: More Than Just a Core Workout
It's a common misconception that Pilates method exercise is really only good for strengthening and stretching the core muscles of the body. Many people use it to tone their abs and improve their posture but, in reality, Pilates can do much more than...
Safety Awareness & Self Defense: Circle of Safety
Safety Awareness & Self Defense is the responsibility of each individual. Knowing your surroundings and being aware of potential dangers is your first step towards self-defense. Avoiding and distancing yourself from circumstances that could be...
The Aikido Biography of Sensei Henry Ellis 5th dan
The Biography of Sensei Henry Ellis 5th dan Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman - 2000 Henry Ellis was born May 3rd 1936 in a tough coal mining town in the County of Yorkshire, North of England. This was pre-war Britain, and growing up as a child...
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Your First Chair Yoga Class in a Senior Center
Chair Yoga has become more popular in senior centers, but can
also be found in nursing homes, physical rehabilitation units,
adult day care centers, and some Yoga studios. However, the vast
majority of us will attend a Chair Yoga class in a senior center.
You should consult your family physician and get the "go ahead,"
before starting any exercise program. If possible, visit, or
call the senior center, to find out about their policies and
general guidelines. When it is your first class, it is a good
idea to get into the front row, so you can clearly see and hear
your Yoga teacher.
When you need extra advice, or have a particular health
condition, you should talk to your teacher before, or after, the
class. Your Yoga teacher will give advice and show
modifications, throughout the class, but when you have questions
that concern your safety and health, you should ask right away.
This is not something that should be put on the "back burner."
Within the senior center staff structure, there are volunteers,
paid staff, and management. They are all extremely helpful. Seek
help and you will find an abundance of it. If the business world
ran like this, we would all be happy customers.
You don't have to bring any special equipment to a Chair Yoga
class. Most senior centers have more than enough chairs to
accommodate everyone. Some Chair Yoga classes do use mats, as
well as chairs, but this is more the exception than the rule. If
the center uses mats, in part of the
class, you will have to
take your shoes off.
Most senior centers have hard floors with tile over cement. In
this case, you should wear good sneakers, tennis shoes, or
aerobic shoes. This will allow your shoes to grip the floor, to
prevent potential slipping accidents. It also gives your feet
and joints some cushion from the hard surface.
There is no need to buy special clothes. You should wear
comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement. Don't
wear anything tight around the waist. This will bother your
stomach during some of the bending or twisting movements.
You should never push or strain into a Yoga posture. This can
cause a variety of injuries from very slight to serious.
Therefore, stay in the "comfort zone." No one really knows how
your body feels, except you.
If the class is large, it will be held in a large room, like a
dining hall. Expect some distractions, with people coming, and
going, from different activities, within the senior center. This
is not ideal for meditation, but the physical rewards, and new
friends you gain, will make up for it.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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