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When people first come along to a Stretching Stars class, one of the first questions they ask is:

“What type of yoga do you actually do?”

Our chair yoga sessions aren’t just one style.

The sessions are a gentle mix of traditional yoga approaches, carefully adapted so they’re comfortable, safe, and enjoyable, especially for our wonderful community (everyone is welcome!).

In our classes across Atherstone, Sheepy Magna, and Market Bosworth, you’ll experience a calming blend of:

✨ Hatha Yoga

✨ Yin Yoga

✨ Gentle Yoga

✨ Yoga Nidra

Here’s what that means for you in class.

🧘‍♀️ Hatha Yoga – Gentle Movement to Wake Up the Body

Hatha yoga is the heart of our sessions.

In chair yoga, it becomes slow, supported movement that helps with:

• Stiff shoulders and hips

• Balance and coordination

• Posture and breathing

You might lift your arms with your breath, gently twist in your chair, or strengthen your legs while holding the seat for support.

It’s never rushed. You move at your pace.

Many of our lovely community tell us this part helps them feel more confident getting up, walking, and moving through daily life.

🌙 Yin Yoga – A Chance to Soften

Yin yoga invites us to slow down.

Instead of moving quickly, we stay in a stretch a little longer so the body can release tension safely.

In a chair, this might mean:

• Resting forward onto cushions

• Holding a gentle shoulder stretch

• Breathing quietly while muscles soften

It’s perfect if you carry tension in your back, neck, or hips, or if you simply want a calm pause in your week.

🌼 Gentle Yoga – Kindness for Every Body

Gentle yoga is exactly what it sounds like.

No pressure. No pushing. Just supportive movement.

This style is ideal if you:

• Haven’t exercised for a while

• Live with arthritis or joint pain

• Feel nervous about starting yoga

Some people stay seated the whole class. Others stand briefly with the chair nearby.

Every option is welcome. Every body is different.

And that’s okay.

😌 Yoga Nidra – Deep Relaxation to Finish

Every Stretching Stars class ends with a peaceful guided relaxation.

You sit comfortably, close your eyes, and listen to a calming voice guiding you into stillness.

This is Yoga Nidra, and people often say it’s their favourite part.

It can help with:

• Sleep

• Anxiety

• Busy minds

• General wellbeing

You leave class lighter, calmer, and smiling.

⭐ Why This Blend Works So Well

By combining Hatha, Yin, Gentle Yoga and Yoga Nidra, our chair classes give you:

✔ Movement without strain

✔ Stretching without fear

✔ Relaxation without lying on the floor

It’s yoga that meets you where you are, whether you’re 55, 75, or simply looking for a kinder way to move.

💛 Join a Stretching Stars Class

Classes are friendly, welcoming, and mainly attended by over-50s — but everyone is welcome.

📍 Atherstone | Sheepy | Market Bosworth

🪑 No experience needed

👕 Wear comfy clothes

😊 Just come as you are

👉 View timetable & book your place here:

https://bookwhen.com/mummyandbabybuddies#focus=ev-s8mvn-20260223184500

We’d love to meet you.

If you’ve been wondering whether chair yoga is something you can try, (especially if it’s been years since you exercised) the answer is a warm and simple yes.

At Stretching Stars, most of the people who walk into our classes in Atherstone, Sheepy, and Market Bosworth tell us the same thing:

“I’m not flexible.”

“I’ve never done yoga before.”

“I’m worried I won’t keep up.”

“I used to do Yoga, but couldn’t possibly get down onto the mat now.”

And every single one of them is exactly who chair yoga is for.

Why Chair Yoga Is Perfect for Beginners?

1. You Start Where You Are

Chair yoga isn’t about pushing yourself into tricky poses. It’s about gentle movement, breathing, and listening to your body.

We begin with simple seated stretches:

– Easy shoulder rolls

– Neck and back stretches

– Gentle twists

– Calm breathing

No experience needed. No pressure. Just small steps.

2. It’s Kind on Joints and Muscles

Many of our Stretching Stars community are older adults who want to stay active without strain.

Because the chair supports you:

– Less pressure on knees and hips

– No worry about balance

– Movements can be adapted

You build strength and flexibility safely.

3. It Builds Confidence

When you feel supported, you relax. When you relax, your body moves more easily.

Beginners often tell us after just a few classes they notice:

– Less stiffness

– Better sleep

– Easier walking

– A brighter mood

Chair yoga helps you trust your body again.

4. It Includes Mindfulness Too

Every Stretching Stars session finishes with a short relaxation or meditation.

It’s a quiet moment to breathe, reset, and leave feeling lighter. Which is something many adults really need in busy lives.

5. You Can Practise at Home

We share short routines on our social media so you can stretch between classes.

Just a sturdy chair and 5 minutes can make a difference.

Whether you come to class in Atherstone, Sheepy, or Market Bosworth, or try a short routine at home, you’re still part of the Stretching Stars community.

So… Is Chair Yoga for Beginners?

Absolutely. But not limited too

Chair yoga is one of the safest, friendliest ways to begin moving again. You don’t need to be flexible, fit, or confident — just willing to try.

If you’ve been thinking about starting something gentle, this might be the perfect first step.

Your chair is ready when you are 💛

When people hear the word yoga, they often picture a bendy person on a mat, twisting into shapes that look beautiful… and maybe just a little bit impossible.

But here’s the lovely truth:

Yoga isn’t about how flexible you are, or whether you can get down to the floor.

Yoga is about how you feel in your body — calmer, stronger, looser, and more at ease.

That’s where chair yoga comes in.

Let’s explore the difference between chair yoga and regular mat yoga – and why chair yoga might be exactly what your body has been waiting for.

🌿 What Is Regular (Mat) Yoga?

Traditional yoga is usually practised on a mat on the floor. It often includes:

• Standing balance poses

• Movements that involve getting up and down from the floor

• Weight-bearing through wrists and knees

• Deeper stretches that require flexibility

• Strong transitions between poses

For many people, mat yoga feels energising, strengthening and grounding. It can be wonderful, if your body feels comfortable kneeling, balancing, and moving to and from the floor.

But for others, it can feel intimidating or simply not accessible.

💺 What Is Chair Yoga?

Chair yoga keeps all the goodness of yoga, but uses a chair for support.

You might be surprised to learn that chair yoga still includes:

• Gentle stretches

• Strength-building movements

• Balance work (with support)

• Breathing exercises

• Relaxation and mindfulness

The chair isn’t there because it’s “easier”, it’s there because it’s supportive.

It allows you to focus on moving well, rather than worrying about getting down to the floor or losing your balance.

✨ Key Differences at a Glance

🌼 Why Chair Yoga Is So Powerful

Chair yoga isn’t a “lesser” version of yoga. In many ways, it allows people to get more from their practice.

When you feel safe and supported, you can:

✔ Move with confidence

✔ Improve flexibility gently

✔ Build strength without strain

✔ Reduce stiffness in hips, back and shoulders

✔ Support balance without fear of falling

✔ Leave feeling calm, not exhausted

It meets you exactly where you are, on that day, in that body.

💛 Who Is Chair Yoga Perfect For?

Chair yoga is ideal if you:

• Feel stiff or tight

• Have reduced mobility

• Live with joint pain or arthritis

• Feel unsure about getting down to the floor

• Are returning to movement after a break

• Simply want a gentler, more supported way to exercise

And the best part? You still get the breath, the stretch, the strength, and the relaxation that make yoga so special.

🌟 The Stretching Stars Way

At Stretching Stars, chair yoga is never about what you can’t do.

It’s about discovering what your body can do, safely, gently, and with a smile.

Because yoga should leave you feeling encouraged, not discouraged.

And sometimes, all it takes is a chair.

When people hear the word “yoga,” they often picture twisting poses on a mat or balancing on one leg. But yoga doesn’t have to look like that to be powerful. In fact, some of the most effective movement happens while sitting down.

Chair yoga is one of the most accessible, supportive and confidence-boosting ways to move your body – especially if getting down to the floor feels uncomfortable, or if balance and mobility aren’t what they used to be.

At Stretching Stars, we see every week how these simple, seated movements can make a big difference to how people feel in their bodies.

1. It Keeps Joints Moving – Gently

As we get older, joints can become stiff and achy, especially if we spend a lot of time sitting. Chair yoga encourages slow, controlled movements that take the joints through a comfortable range of motion.

Gentle shoulder rolls, ankle circles and seated twists help to “oil the hinges,” easing stiffness without strain. Many people notice they feel looser and more comfortable doing everyday things like reaching into cupboards or turning to look behind them.

2. It Builds Strength Without Strain

You don’t need heavy weights to build strength. Simply lifting and holding your arms, pressing your feet into the floor, or rising slightly out of the chair can wake up muscles that have been a bit too quiet.

Stronger muscles support the joints, improve posture and make daily tasks like; getting up from a chair or climbing stairs, feel more manageable.

3. It Improves Balance and Confidence

Even though you’re seated, chair yoga helps train the muscles and reactions that keep you steady. Shifting weight from side to side, lifting one foot at a time, and engaging the core all support better balance when standing and walking.

Perhaps even more importantly, it helps rebuild confidence in movement. When people realise, “Oh, I can do this,” it changes how they feel about being active.

4. It Supports Circulation and Energy

Long periods of sitting can leave us feeling sluggish. Gentle movement helps encourage blood flow, which can reduce swelling in the lower legs and leave you feeling more awake and refreshed.

Many people say they arrive at class feeling stiff and tired, and leave feeling lighter, warmer and more energised.

5. It Calms the Mind as Well as the Body

Chair yoga isn’t just physical. Slow breathing, mindful movement and a few moments of relaxation give the nervous system a chance to settle.

That sense of calm often lasts long after the class finishes, helping with sleep, reducing stress and bringing a little more ease to the day.

Movement That Meets You Where You Are

One of the loveliest things about chair yoga is that it meets you exactly where you are. There’s no pressure to keep up, no need to get down on the floor, and no expectation of being flexible.

It’s simply about moving in a way that feels kind, safe and supportive, whilst enjoying a bit of shared laughter along the way.

Because sometimes, the smallest movements make the biggest difference.

When people hear the word yoga, many picture floor-based poses, flexibility they don’t have, or movements that feel out of reach. At Stretching Stars, we believe yoga should feel welcoming, achievable and supportive — and that’s exactly where Chair Yoga comes in.

Chair Yoga is a gentle, adaptable practice designed to meet you where you are, helping you move, breathe and feel better in your body — without the need to get down onto the floor.

Chair Yoga Is for You If…

✨ You Want to Move Gently and Safely

Chair Yoga offers the benefits of movement without strain. Every session focuses on slow, mindful movements that support joint health, circulation and muscle strength, all while feeling safe and supported.

✨ You Have Limited Mobility or Balance Concerns

Using a chair provides stability and reassurance. Movements can be adapted, and there’s no pressure to push beyond your comfort zone. It’s ideal if standing for long periods feels difficult or if balance is a worry.

✨ You’re Recovering from Injury or Surgery

Chair Yoga can be a wonderful way to reintroduce gentle movement as part of recovery. Sessions are mindful, controlled and focused on building confidence in your body again.

✨ You Experience Stiffness, Aches or Ongoing Pain

If you live with stiffness in your back, hips, shoulders or joints, Chair Yoga helps encourage mobility while being kind to your body. Many participants find it helps reduce tension and increase ease of movement over time.

✨ You’re New to Yoga (or Returning After a Break)

Chair Yoga is a brilliant introduction to yoga. There’s no need for prior experience, flexibility or fitness. Everything is explained clearly, and you’re encouraged to move at your own pace.

✨ You Want to Support Your Mental Wellbeing

Sessions don’t just focus on the body. Gentle breathing, moments of stillness and relaxation help calm the mind, reduce stress and create space to pause — something we all benefit from.

Chair Yoga Is Not About “Doing It Perfectly”

At Stretching Stars, Chair Yoga isn’t about achieving poses or keeping up with others. It’s about:

Moving in a way that feels right for you Listening to your body Feeling supported, not judged Enjoying a sense of calm and connection

Whether you move a little or a lot, every movement counts.

A Practice That Grows With You

Chair Yoga sessions can support you through different stages of life — from maintaining independence and confidence, to simply enjoying gentle movement in a friendly, welcoming space.

If you’ve ever thought yoga “wasn’t for you”, Chair Yoga may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

💛 Stretching Stars Chair Yoga is about moving with kindness, breathing with ease and feeling more comfortable in your body — just as you are. 💛

Seated Shoulder Roll & Breath

This simple movement helps release tension in the shoulders and upper back while encouraging calm, steady breathing.

How to practise:

– Sit comfortably on your chair with both feet flat on the floor.

– Rest your hands softly on your thighs.

– As you inhale, gently lift your shoulders up towards your ears.

– As you exhale, slowly roll the shoulders back and down.

– Repeat 5–8 times, moving slowly and smoothly.

– If it feels comfortable, close your eyes and focus on your breath as you move.

Tip:

There’s no need to force the movement. Keep it small and comfortable — the aim is ease, not effort.

Find calm, comfort and ease — right from your chair.

At Stretching Stars, we believe that movement should feel gentle, welcoming and achievable for everyone. Whether you spend a lot of time sitting, are returning to movement slowly, or simply want a moment of calm in your day, chair yoga can offer a beautiful way to release tension without needing to get down onto the floor.

This simple technique is one of our favourites because it can be done anywhere — at home, at work, or even while taking a quiet moment for yourself. It’s designed to melt away stress in the shoulders, neck and upper back, where many of us hold tension without realising.

✨ The Seated Shoulder Melt

A calming, tension-relieving chair yoga technique

🌿 Step 1 — Settle In

Sit tall in your chair with both feet planted on the floor.

Let your shoulders soften and rest your hands gently on your thighs.

Take a slow breath in through your nose… and sigh it out through your mouth.

🌿 Step 2 — Shoulder Circles

Gently lift your shoulders up towards your ears, then roll them back and down.

Make slow circles, moving with your breath.

Repeat 5–8 times.

Try to let each exhale soften your shoulders a little more.

🌿 Step 3 — Neck Release

Tilt your right ear towards your right shoulder and breathe deeply.

Keep the opposite shoulder relaxed and heavy.

Stay for 3–5 slow breaths.

Repeat on the other side.

🌿 Step 4 — Heart-Opening Stretch

Interlace your fingers behind you (or hold the sides of your chair if that’s more comfortable).

Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together, lifting your chest softly.

Imagine creating space across your collarbones.

Hold for 3 breaths, then release.

🌿 Step 5 — Let It Go

Take both hands to your heart and close your eyes.

Inhale deeply… exhale slowly.

Notice how your upper body feels lighter, warmer and more open.

💛 Why This Technique Works

This simple sequence:

Reduces stiffness in the neck and shoulders Helps relax the upper back Encourages deeper, calmer breathing Improves posture and circulation Offers a gentle moment of mindfulness in your day

Even just a few minutes can leave you feeling more centred, less tense and more at ease.

Chair yoga is a wonderful reminder that you don’t need a mat, special equipment or long sessions to take care of your body. Small movements, done with intention, can create powerful shifts in how you feel — physically and emotionally.

Whenever tension builds, come back to this technique and give yourself the space to unwind. You deserve it.

A gentle guide from Stretching Stars

In our fast-paced world, it can feel as though our minds are juggling a thousand thoughts at once. Meditation offers a quiet space — a moment of pause — where we can soften the noise, reconnect with our breath, and nurture our emotional wellbeing. At Stretching Stars, we believe that small daily rituals of mindfulness can make a big difference in how we move, feel, and show up for ourselves.

✨ What is Meditation?

Meditation is a simple, accessible practice that invites us to slow down and focus our attention. You don’t need special equipment, a long block of free time, or prior experience. Just a comfortable seat, a few minutes, and a willingness to breathe and be present.

🌱 The Benefits of Meditation

1. Reduces Stress & Encourages Calm

Meditation activates the body’s relaxation response. Even a short practice can help quiet the mind, soothe tension, and reduce the overwhelm that builds up throughout the day. It’s a natural way to help the mind soften and settle.

2. Improves Focus & Mental Clarity

By training your attention to rest gently on the breath, a sound, or a feeling, meditation strengthens your ability to concentrate. Many people notice they become more grounded and clear-headed after just a few minutes of mindful stillness.

3. Supports Emotional Wellbeing

Meditation creates a safe space to notice your emotions without judgement. Over time, this builds emotional resilience — helping you navigate challenges with compassion, patience, and a sense of inner steadiness.

4. Encourages Better Sleep

A calm mind leads to a calm body. Evening meditation rituals can help ease restlessness, quiet racing thoughts, and support deeper, more restorative sleep.

5. Enhances Self-Awareness

Sitting with your breath helps you tune into your body, your patterns, and your needs. This gentle self-awareness encourages healthier routines, kinder self-talk, and more conscious choices throughout your day.

6. Boosts Overall Wellbeing

Studies show that meditation supports heart health, reduces anxiety, improves mood, and even helps regulate the nervous system. It’s a small habit that offers big benefits.

🌸 Meditation with Stretching Stars

Our sessions include nurturing mindfulness practices that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your inner calm. Whether you’re brand new to meditation or looking to deepen your routine, we create a peaceful, welcoming space for you to unwind and restore.

🌟 Try This Simple Meditation Today

Take a comfortable seat, soften your shoulders, and place your hands gently in your lap.

Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four.

Exhale gently for a count of six.

Repeat for one minute.

Notice how your mind and body begin to settle.

A moment of calm is always within reach.

Let meditation be your daily pause, your reset, and your reminder that peace begins with a breath.

Our wellbeing is as important now as ever and there are some little ways we can help ourselves and our own wellbeing.

-Try to relax-

Easier said than done, but find a way that helps you to relax whether that’s reading a new book or an old favourite. Starting some gentle exercise, such as yoga, chair yoga, stretching or walking.

-Try reducing stress-

Try avoiding people or situations that you know will cause you stress or add to your stress.

-Find ways you can learn-

Learning a new skill or new information can help improve our wellbeing. Head on over to your local library and do some research on your favourite topic. Or open another tab in your browser and start a short online course. You can literally learn about anything on the internet. You could start or join a group meeting people who have similar interests to you.

-Be creative-

Paint, draw, sew, knit, cook, bake, the possibilities are endless for being creative. Take your time and find something that you really enjoy. It may take a couple of attempts to find a creative outlet, but don’t give up.

-Spend some time exploring nature-

This could be sitting in your garden for 5 minutes or going for a walk through woodland. You could also try having a quiet picnic outside. To help us feel more grounded you could remove your shoes and socks and take a walk around the grass feeling each blade between your toes and the coolness of the earth beneath your feet. Start gardening. Watching something grow from seed can be very rewarding.

-Connect with others-

Talking can help everyone without even noticing. You don’t even have to talk about your feelings or anything that is bothering you. Starting a conversation with the cashier in the supermarket can even make all the difference.

Or phone a friend you haven’t spoken to for a while. Phone a family member. I speak to my mum every morning and even on the mornings I haven’t really had to do anything or go anywhere it does make the difference.

-Try to improve your sleep-

Try meditating or breathing exercises before bed as these can help you to relax and wind down from the day. You could also try not using electronic devices that emit blue light such as your phone or tablet for 1 hours before bed, as the blue light keeps our brain awake.

If you’re still struggling to drop off try having a notepad by the bed and writing anything that’s on your mind down. If it’s written down you either won’t forget it for tomorrows to do list or your won’t think about it quiet as much.

-Look after your physical health-

Like a multivitamin or a vitamin d supplement, especially in winter. Start gentle exercise such as yoga, walking or even try the gym. Try making better meal choices for a healthier lifestyle.

While it’s not always easy making a start or even, finding a place to start, but it’s important that you look after yourself and only do what you feel comfortable doing and doing it at your own pace. Take every stage step by step and find what works for you. For some people it’s meditation and for others it’s going for a walk or socialising.

Helpful links

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/