Come in, sit down, relax.

Between the second and last suggestion, clients of Carolyn Royse are introduced to their first experience of chair yoga, a variation of the meditative practice. And as their bodies stretch and move in unfamiliar yet flowing ways, some of their aches and pains will go away.

By bringing this course to Westmoreland Regional Hospital through Excela Health Well Being Center for Mind/Body Health, Royse is offering another technique to manage pain.

"Yoga helps to maintain and to increase our level of mobility," she says.

"I have seen it aid in greater flexibility, while at the same time, it helps to strengthen backs and other muscles."

Chair yoga is a more gentle approach to exercise and one that can guarantee an overall feeling of well-being.

“Yoga also is believed to help the brain produce endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers,” she explains.

“Muscles relax when you exhale, and this reduces tension. Awareness of breathing slows respiration, and controlling the breath in yoga also helps to reduce pain.”

And it follows that less pain makes for a happier life.

Chair yoga can be one part of healthy, graceful aging. Her students, over the age of 50, have reported changes in their flexibility, gait and balance.

Having practiced yoga intermittently for more than 30 years and with a number of specialty certifications, Royse can assure her clients will get results.

“Regardless of your age, level of activity and physical challenge, you can reap health benefits from practicing chair yoga in your daily exercise routines."

Chair Yoga Classes:

Oct. 1 through Nov. 19 at the Norwin Hills Rocker Classroom in Norwin from 2 to 3 p.m. This class will run for every Thursday for eight weeks.

Oct. 22 through Dec. 3 at Westmoreland Regional Hospital. This class will run for eight weeks from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be no on class on Thanksgiving Day.

To register or for more information on chair yoga classes, contact Excela Well Being at 724-830-8568.