In my book, A Level Playing Field, The Beale Group investment alliance creates a new religion. The goal was to get people of color from different belief systems, to worship and work together. One of the main tenets of this new church is the wellness of the human body. This belief system asserts that the body is the temple of the Lord and all members are required to work out at least once daily.

 Each morning the members perform the physical movements called the Kata in a small group setting. The first time Jessica, one of the main characters, sees a demonstration of the Kata, she tells the person sitting beside her, “It kinda looks like Ti Chi, but I like it, I think I will start doing it.”

This new church also believes maintaining a plant-based diet, and meditation are important in establishing an effective relationship with God. This author also believes that keeping your physical and mental health in good condition is the key to living a productive and active life, well into your sixties, seventies, and beyond.”

When I was growing up, fitness, sports, and health have always been the cornerstones of my life. I worked as a Lifetime Wellness Specialist, Physical Educator, and Sports Specialist. For the Department of Defense schools and international schools around the world. I worked and learned with some extraordinary people in the field.

I personally workout with weights at least three times per week at my local gym. But, instead of hitting the gym for my regular workouts, last month I wanted to try something new. Chair Yoga, is the new exercise fad for us old folks. For me, this was a big deal. I’m in pretty good shape at sixty-eight years old, mainly because of genetics and lifestyle. So, trying something new gave me pause. Was it going to be effective? Its ads claim it will help restore balance, flexibility, strengthen muscle tone, and even lose weight.

I tried to get at least ten of my social media friends to join me in a 28-day challenge. I wanted to see how others in my age group would respond. I did get one person to say yes, I asked her to keep a short journal about her experiences and I would do the same. I downloaded the app for Go Yoga-Chair for one month. The cost was $16, not bad. I was ready to go.

My Journal:

Week 1- Short total body intro practice, for 9-12 min. burned 12 cal. Per work session When the week ended, I hit the

to-easy button.

Week 2 – Each session lasted 10-14 min, and burned 18 cal. per session. I hit the to-easy button at the end of the week.

Week 3 – 12 min 15 burned 20 cal. Today I hit the just right button.

week 4 – 15 min 17min, burned 30 cal. Just right

Thoughts: Any fitness level should be able to do this program. The duration to complete a lesson is small and increases just a bit each day. I stopped hitting the easy button. And started making sure I got each exercise position correct and learned the names of each pose. By week 3, I’d gotten used to deep breathing and sitting with a straight back. Some of the poses were challenging, but I did my best.

  My body felt something, not exactly soreness, but little twinges that let me know that area got some work. The meditation elements were very relaxing. That alone was enough for me to keep going for another month. So, I would recommend Chair Yoga to any age group and any fitness level. If you have pre-existing issues, always talk with your doctor first before starting any physical exercise routines.