To use or not use Straps for Shoulder in a Chair Yoga Class
Is there a reason that Chair Yoga doesn’t encourage using a strap to very gently warm up shoulders?
In my 200 hour training, use of props was encouraged as a way to help students modify and support asanas. I use shoulder flossing with a strap quite a bit in my classes as a way to prepare for bigger shoulder extension poses. Is there a reason that Chair Yoga doesn’t encourage using a strap to very gently warm up shoulders, i.e. hands wide apart on the strap and gentle upward and downward movements (maybe not back over the head)?
Answer from Sherry
I have surely used straps in my classes for shoulders… especially my Gentle Yoga classes and gave it a try a few times in the Chair Yoga classes too. It is perfect for warming up the shoulder muscles for other poses like cow and deeper pec stretches. But, what I noticed with some seniors is that they have uneven shoulder mobility issues … most likely due to past injuries or surgeries, so I see them favor the one shoulder and compromising on the other. With the belt, it is more challenging to work with when both shoulders cannot do the same thing. That’s truly the only reason I don’t do it very often in my Chair classes because of the demographic I teach to… which is 60-90.
But, surely add that to your classes if you find that students like it and can benefit from them. As teachers, we find the movements that are supportive and beneficial to our particular student community… feel free to bring in what feels good and right for your group!
