Chair Forward Bends – Weekly Intermediate Class 335

This class explores methods for using a chair to enhance traditional forward bends, transforming these asanas into a more comprehensive body experience. Forward bends are renowned for their ability to open the hips, elongate the hamstrings, and stretch the adductors, but incorporating a chair elevates the practice by bringing an added focus to the upper body. This method not only shines a light on stiffness or imbalances in the muscles around the spine and rib cage but also offers a pathway to correction and alignment. The chair serves as an invaluable tool to emphasise shoulder opening, extending the benefits of poses that typically target the legs and hips to include the back and shoulders as well. Throughout the class, key forward bends such as Janu Sirsasana, Upavistha Konasana, Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimotanasana, and Paschimottanasana are revisited with chair-assisted variations, introducing back-releasing twists and a deeper engagement across different muscle groups. This approach not only enhances flexibility and posture but also promotes a more balanced and integrated body awareness.