Exhale
Module 2
Chair Yoga
When students have been learning or working for a while and need a brain break, chair yoga poses may be just the exercise you are looking for.
This module will provide you with four different chair yoga poses, pictures and videos to go with each one, and learning activities to help you understand and remember the poses.
While any of the chair yoga poses below can be used in a variety of different scenarios, considerations are provided for each one, to help you get started.
Why Chair Yoga?
You may be wondering, why chair yoga? What are the benefits?
The video to the right explains the benefits of chair yoga for seniors - however, everything that is mentioned can be helpful for children as well.
Please answer the questions as you watch.
Chair Yoga Poses
Seated Twist Pose
Scenario: when students are jittery
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses their chair at their desk
Above, you can see a photo of the seated twist pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will sit forward, then grab the right side of the chair with their left hand on top and right hand on the seat, twisting. They will return to front and repeat on the other side, grabbing the top of the chair with their right hand and left hand on the seat.
Cobra Pose
Scenario: students have been sitting for too long
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses their chair at their desk
Above, you can see a photo of the cobra pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will sit forward and then reach back, grabbing the back of the seat with their hands. Arching their back, shining their neck to the sky, they will stretch into cobra pose.
Lotus Pose
Scenario: when the topic being taught is difficult
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses their chair at their desk
Above, you can see a photo of the lotus pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will sit forward. Without the use of their hands, their will get to criss-cross position in the chair. This is a great time to have students take some meditative breaths as well.
Boat Pose
Scenario: during free time
Time: 4-5 minutes
Space: student uses their chair at their desk
Above, you can see a photo of the boat pose. Below, you can view a how-to video for this pose.
The child will sit up tall, facing forward. Using their hands, they will grip the sides of the seat and raise their legs together, forming the letter "V" with their body. Remind them to breathe and encourage them to hold the pose as long as they can.
Learning Activities
Now that you have learned about some different chair yoga poses, along with their scenario, time, and space considerations, it is time to put your knowledge to the test with some learning activities!