Related stories:

IF YOU like the idea of yoga, but don’t think your body has a hope of bending ‘that way’, then armchair yoga is a great compromise.

While yoga seems to have been around forever, over the past few years it has undergone a makeover and a rise in popularity.

If you worry about not being able to keep up with others in a class, or you couldn’t imagine trying to get up off the floor after an hour of class, then the armchair awaits.

It is a gentle form of yoga to suit beginners and once you have your daily routine down pat, you can do your armchair yoga anywhere.

This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses. Click the link to learn more:

Before you begin any new physical activity check with your doctor first, then get into the swing of it with these stretches:

Cat and cow (spinal stretch)

Place your hands on your knees and sit tall. Find a slight arch and exhale as you lower toward your thighs. 

Inhale, rolling the spine up to come back to a tall seat. Repeat breath cycle 5 to 10 times.

Seated turn 

Move forward to sit near the edge of your chair. Spread your knees slightly wider than your hips. Breathe in, growing tall, and place your left hand on your right knee.

As you exhale, twist to the right placing your right hand on the seat behind you. Keep your torso long as you look past your right shoulder.

Hold for 3-5 breaths and then return to the centre. Repeat on the other side.

Shoulder stretch

Reach your right arm above your head, and bend your elbow to bring your palm between your shoulder blades. Reach your left arm out to the side, palm facing behind you, and then draw the back of your hand up your back.

Let the hands find each other, or hold onto a strap between your hands. Lengthen through the spine and relax your face and neck for 5 to 10 even breaths. Release slowly and reverse sides.

Hip stretch

Place your right foot on the floor directly under your right knee. Place your left ankle over your right knee, and flex your foot. Inhale as you lengthen through your lower back, and exhale leaning forward slightly toward your legs. Continue to relax your shoulders and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 breaths.