Seniors tout benefits of chair yoga
Program needs funding, says instructor
On Tuesday mornings in Ramona Senior Center, a couple dozen people, on average, experience the benefits that chair yoga can bring to their body and well-being.
“You feel younger when you get out of here,” said 76-year-old Mimi Kirk.
“It just makes you feel better,” said Kathy Stewart, 56.
Taught by Joanna O’Neal of Ramona, the free weekly class for seniors is in need of funding. The class is offered through Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach (SAYCO), a nonprofit organization.
“Each class through SAYCO needs to be self-supporting,” said O’Neal, “and we are currently looking for donors to help support our class for the next year. Last year we were generously funded through a grant from the Ramona Community Foundation.”
The Ramona Senior Center class started in 2013 with five to 10 students weekly and has grown to 20 to 30 women and men each week.
Stewart attributed some of the growing popularity to O’Neal’s teaching.
“She’s excellent,” Stewart said. “She’s very knowledgeable about what she does.”
“She talks to all of us,” said Isabel McCauley, adding that O’Neal speaks loudly and clearly so everyone can hear.
For McCauley, 76, who was in the process of moving, yoga helped her to relax and get her mind off the move.
“The breathing can be a big part of it,” she said.
Although the participants sit in chairs throughout the hour-long class, the exercise they get involves their whole body — from their heads to the toes, noted Stewart.
“It’s amazing how simple the chair exercise is and how you feel when you get out,” said Kirk.
The yoga class for seniors is geared to improve flexibility, breathing, state of mind, balance, strength and stamina.
For more information about the yoga program or to donate, visit www.silverageyoga.org or call 858-693-3110. Donations can be made specifically for the Ramona Senior Center class.
For more about activities at the senior center, 434 Aqua Lane, see www.ramonaseniorcenter.com or call 760-789-0440.