How to Stay Active as a Student-Chair Yoga

This time of year, as students we spend a lot of time sitting; whether it’s sitting in the lecture hall, in the library working on assignments or studying for exams. In addition to these long study hours, the weather is changing for the colder, resulting in lower motivation to leave that cozy spot in the library to get a workout in. If you find yourself in this situation, that's okay! You are not alone. This article is here to provide you with some stretches that you can use to stay active as we enter the cold December exam period. You don’t even have to leave your desk for this!

The following illustrations will walk you through some basic chair yoga poses. Yoga generally can help manage stress and relieve anxiety (1, 2). Chair yoga is an adapted practice where you remain seated in a chair while practicing the poses. It is commonly used
to adapt yoga for individuals with mobility challenges but can also be utilized by students while they are studying (3). You can work this yoga flow into your study routine when you are taking a study break. You could also take a moment every hour to work through the flow or just choose a couple of poses.

Hold each pose for 3-5 breaths then repeat and move to the next pose.

1)  Seated Cat and Cow

2)  Chair Pigeon Pose (both sides)

3)  Chair Spinal Twist (both sides)

4)  Neck Rotations (both sides)

5)  Overhead Reach (both sides)

Post Written By: Cheyenne Sawchuk