Chair yoga
The Stirling, retirement yoga, Christchurch
Aqua yoga
The Sterling, Kaiapoi
Mat based yoga
Retirement yoga Christchurch
Retirement yoga
Hansa Wellness Christchurch is the leading retirement village yoga service provider in Canterbury, delivering specialised therapeutic yoga programmes designed specifically for older adults. All Hansa Wellness Christchurch instructors maintain current Level 2 First Aid certification and provide attentive supervision throughout each class to ensure participant safety and wellbeing.
We have public liability insurance and are GST registered.
Our experienced instructors
Understand that practicing yoga in a mature body is different from practicing in a younger body. Classes are carefully adapted to work within each participant’s current mobility, comfort, and functional ability ensuring movement is both safe and beneficial.
We offer a selection of services
Chair Yoga
Mat Yoga
Aqua Yoga
Dementia-supportive Yoga
Find comfort and mobility with gentle chair yoga
Breath with movement
Balance - Strength - Confidence
Functional Movement
Balance, Strength, Confidence
Chair Yoga is a specialist therapeutic class, although the sequences are relatively simple, observational and communication skills are vital to ensure the Teacher and the whole class is safe and supported. Our predominant demographic is older persons and people who have mobility, strength and balance challenges along with degenerative shoulder, hips, spine and knee issues. The Hansa therapeutic chair yoga team of teachers undertake professional development and regular feedback sessions. We hold indemnity and public liability insurance and first aid certificates.
We are very open to a conversation on how we can work with you and your residents. We offer a free trial class so you can gather feedback and gauge interest.
Testimonials
From retirement yoga Christchurch Classes
“Chair Yoga has helped my neck significantly. I especially notice it when I’m driving — I can turn my head much more easily now.”
“When I joined the Hansa Chair Yoga class a year ago, I was unable to use stairs without hauling myself up using both hands on the rail. Walking up hills was out of the question — even small slopes were challenging"
“I can have a bath again after resigning myself to the fact that my balance and strength meant I couldn’t safely get in and out.”
“After a fall last week, I was able to get myself up off the floor — something I couldn’t have done before attending chair yoga.”
“My balance is so much better now.”
A 30-60 minute, low-impact therapeutic movement class designed
specifically for retirement village residents. Delivered in a warm pool.
This class
Offers residents a safe, enjoyable way to stay active, maintain independence, and connect with others, while supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing within the retirement village community. Whilst being supported by staff experienced in working with older adults.
Our Aqua yoga
Aqua Yoga is a gentle, supportive exercise class designed specifically for retirement village residents. Conducted in a warm pool, the class uses slow, mindful movements and breath awareness to improve mobility, strength, balance, and confidence in a safe, low-impact. environment.
Retirement yoga christchurch
Why water matters
Water's natural lift reduces pressure on joints and the spine, helping residents move more easily and comfortably. Aqua Yoga suits those living with arthritis, joint stiffness, balance problems, chronic pain, or low confidence, while still offering real physical and practical benefits.
The experience
Enhanced balance, coordination and confidence in movement.
Improved circulation and overall physical comfort.
Relaxation and stress reduction, supporting the nervous system and emotional wellbeing.
Social connection through shared, positive movement experiences.
Feel the difference
Improved joint mobility and flexibility.
Gentle strengthening of legs, arms, and postural muscles.
Reduced stiffness and discomfort in hips, knees, shoulders, and back.
Allow a sense of calm
Dementia-supportive Yoga is a gentle, therapeutic yoga program designed to improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
Sessions are designed to create calm, joyful and meaningful moments, rather than focusing on complex movements or physical achievement.
These classes include
Modified yoga postures (asanas)
Breathing techniques (pranayama)
Simple mindfulness and relaxation
Music and familiar movement patterns
Social interaction and gentle engagement
Gentle, Therapeutic Yoga Supporting Cognitive Health and Wellbeing
Forget-me-not flowers Symbolize love, remembrance, loyalty and enduring connections across time and distance.
we understand that safety is paramount
this is why Instructors are experienced in working with seniors and are trained to recognise signs of fatigue, confusion, or discomfort. Additionaly Classes are thoughtfully created for older adults and people living with dementia. Classes offer a steady, supportive space. Chairs are used for added balance and safety. Movements are gentle. Guidance is clear and easy. Everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace.
What Residents Experience
A sense of calm
Slow movements, breathing and soothing music can help create a peaceful atmosphere that supports relaxation.
Comfortable movement
Gentle yoga sequences help residents maintain mobility and ease of movement in a way that feels safe and supported.
Moments of connection
Group sessions encourage shared experiences, smiles, and simple interactions with others.
Familiar rhythm and routine
The consistent structure of each class helps residents feel comfortable and reassured.
Enjoyment and engagement
Music, movement and gentle participation can create moments of joy and engagement throughout the session.
FAQ
What if my parent or loved one cannot follow the instructions?
That is completely okay. Dementia Yoga is designed so that participants can engage in many different ways.
Some residents follow the movements, others simply watch, listen to the music, or enjoy the calm atmosphere. All forms of participation are welcomed and valued.
The goal is comfort, connection and enjoyment, not perfect movements.
What if they forget what to do?
Our instructors demonstrate movements visually and use simple, clear cues and repetition.
People with dementia often respond very well to mirroring movements rather than remembering instructions. The class environment is patient and supportive, allowing participants time to process and respond.
What if my loved one has limited mobility?
Many residents participate entirely seated in a chair.
Movements are small, gentle and adapted so each person can work within their own comfort and ability.
Residents who prefer not to move much can still benefit from the breathing exercises, music and calming environment.
Is yoga safe for someone with dementia?
Yes. Classes are designed specifically for older adults and people living with cognitive changes.
Safety measures include:
• Chair-based exercises for stability
• Gentle movements that avoid strain or dizziness
• Clear demonstration of all activities
• Encouragement to move only within comfort
What if my loved one doesn’t want to participate?
Participation is always optional and pressure-free.
Many residents enjoy simply sitting with the group, listening to the music, or observing. Often, people gradually become more comfortable and may begin joining in naturally.
Can family members attend or observe?
Families are very welcome to observe a session or join in when visiting, depending on village arrangements. It can be a lovely shared activity.
What benefits might we notice?
Families sometimes notice small but meaningful changes, such as:
• A calmer mood after the session
• Improved relaxation or sleep
• Enjoyment of music or familiar movement
• Increased engagement with group activities
Even short moments of calm, joy or connection can make a positive difference.
How often are classes held?
Short, regular sessions tend to work best. Gentle weekly classes are commonly offered within retirement villages.
Consistency helps residents become familiar with the routine and feel more comfortable participating.
Ease into movement with supportive ground based yoga positions
Mat based yoga offers retirement-aged clients a gentle way to improve strength, flexibility, and balance from the safety of the floor. Using a mat reduces the risk of slipping, allowing for slow, supported movements that protect joints and encourages mindful breathing.
Build flexability and strength
Practising on the mat can also help with relaxation, as clients are able to stretch and explore comfortable positions at their own pace. With attentive guidance, mat based yoga helps to build confidence and a sense of ease, inviting participants to move in ways that feel both natural and secure.