Yoga is a multifaceted practice combining physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and relaxation. Modern styles range from restorative yoga to chair-based classes designed for accessibility.

Health benefits include:

• Physical fitness – Yoga often requires light-to-moderate activity (2–4 METs or more in dynamic styles), improving strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health .
• Pain relief – Especially effective for low back pain and arthritis .
• Mental health – Reduces stress, anxiety, and helps with PTSD and depression .
• Well-being & behavior – Supports healthier sleep, mindful eating, focus, and emotional resilience .

Toronto offers chair yoga and accessible yoga, ideal for beginners or those with limited mobility. Examples include outdoor community sessions in parks, free classes from city partnerships, and specialized therapeutic opportunities.

Try these yoga practices:

• Chair yoga for seated movement and flexibility
• Gentle flow classes to improve core strength and posture
• Deep relaxation (Savasana) for stress management

Integrating yoga into Golden Healthwave’s offerings enhances inclusivity, allowing members across age and ability levels to improve their health holistically.

References:

Toronto.ca: Recreation Programs

ParticipACTION: Physical Activity Metrics

Canada.ca: Yoga for Back Pain Relief

Mayo Clinic: Mental Health Benefits of Yoga

Wikipedia: Yoga – Research and Applications