The most common area that people suffer from back and shoulder pain is due to long working hours of using computers, tablets, or smartphones.
They are prone to stiffness and discomfort. The Chair Fish Pose allows a person to get rid of their back and shoulder problems. It is the combination of the two poses known as the Chair Pose and the Fish Pose.
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ToggleIt is not only effective in stretching the spine but it also helps to open the chest. This yoga posture is one of the best ways to get relief and improve flexibility.
What is Chair Fish Pose?
The Chair Fish Pose is a position of the body that involves the incorporation of the two famous standing postures.
It is a synthesis of the lower body condition of the Chair Pose with the upward body expansion of Fish Pose. This yoga posture is one of five exercises that consist of the body vital parts exercises.
The sequence begins stretching the back, then the chest, and finally the shoulders, caused by movement of the wings. Legs press the earth strongly.
There are also additional muscles to work on the core muscles that make the legs steady. It also reinforces the whole balance mechanism.
How to Prepare for Chair Fish Pose?
Before performing the Chair Fish Pose, you must do some warm-ups. Here are simply the steps to follow:
1. Clear a space
Find a silent area with a lot of room that permits moving around freely.
2. Use a yoga mat
It is better to put on the floor a yoga mat to be more comfortable and stable.
3. Wear comfortable clothing
Choose lightweight, stretchy, and breathable clothing that won’t limit you while you move.
4. Stay hydrated
Consume water a little bit before you start the exercise to avoid dehydration during exercise.
5. Set intentions
Take time. Breathe and focus on the center point. Set your goals for the next Catapaccha.
Warm-Up Exercises for Chair Fish Pose
- Gentle neck rolls
- Shoulder shrugs
- Cat-Cow stretches
- Standing forward bends
- Gentle twists
How to Perform Chair Fish Pose
1. Start in Chair Pose
Firstly, put your legs shoulder-width apart and bend your knees down to the squat position.
2. Extend the arms
Pull your hands in the air still, making sure to keep your shoulders away from the ears.
3. Arch the back
Proceed with the slow shift backward, the arching of the spine, and the opening of the chest.
4. Hold and breathe
Keep the posture for 30 seconds to 1 minute and breathe deeply.
Benefits of Chair Fish Pose
- Improves posture.
- Strengthens leg muscles.
- Increases spine flexibility.
- Opens chest and shoulders.
- Increases the amount of energy the muscles produce.
Beginners Tips
- Begin gently with short counts.
- Set a wall behind you to lean against.
- Breathe lamellarly.
Variation and Modifications
1. Wall-supported Chair Fish
The posture is ideal for beginners when they stand leaning the back of the body against a wall.
It adds a benefit for those who need support for either doing other movements. It is one of the best exercises for the beginning level of fitness.
2. One-legged Chair Fish
With this sequence, the trainee will raise one foot while they are in a pose. It won’t be so hard for them to imitate this since it is a very breakable exercise.
Besides the extra load that will be the factor to this pose, if the person conquers, that will be the first attempt, which can be a good starting point to the advanced level.
3. Chair Fish with block
One way is to put the block under your shoulder blades. This is the flexibility improvement for your back. You can experience flexibility in the shoulders and chest if you adopt this style.
4. Dynamic Chair Fish
This form of chair and fish pose mix involves the adoption of chair pose and fish pose back and forth in a rhythmic fashion.
The recorded effect will surely be much better if there is an increase in the passing of the blood flow in the body. And of course, the act of movement will also indirectly make the heart work faster and stronger.
Expert Tips
- You need to ensure that the muscles of your abdomen and spine are engaged.
- It is very important to keep your knees parallel to each other at all times.
- Moreover, breathe in and out deeply and consistently.
- Focus on proper body alignment as well.
- To achieve the best results, make sure to do this regularly.
Safety Precautions
- Abstain if you have knee issues.
- Stop if the practice makes you feel pain.
- Discuss with your doctor what exercises you want to practice before starting.
- About bending the back, don’t go beyond your flexibility.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It’s a common mistake for people to bend their knees too far forward so their toes are going way past their knees.
The back should bend, but you don’t need to go back so that the front of your body is the only part in contact with the head of the chair. You should be able to hold this pose for some time.
Gasping and not exhaling.
Don’t tense up your shoulders.
VeryFit Life Final Words
It is the best example of a yoga posture, which is a seated yoga pose that combines force and flexibility.
It comes to both the body and the mind by giving various advantages. With discipline in yoga, not only does our body gain a better posture, but also the muscles begin to strengthen.
Try to be slow and respect your limits by mindfulness/meditation. Repeat this as a way of life and feel the joy that comes from this corporeal.
FAQs
1. How often should I practice Chair Fish Pose?
Chair Fish Pose should be practiced 2-3 times a week. You might want to start each time with a shorter hold and then slowly increment the duration with the improving power and flexibility.
2. Can Chair Fish Pose help with back pain?
When you use fish pose, it not only will stretch your shoulders and neck muscles but also simultaneously tones the trunk and the spinal column.
On a positive note, the muscle-related back pain may disappear by practicing chair fish. On the other hand, consult with a professional doctor if you have any chronic back problems.
3. Is Chair Fish Pose suitable for beginners?
Even though it may be a little hard for a complete beginner to do this, a good suggestion is to perform it at the wall. Besides, exercise the segments separately first.
4. How long should I hold the Chair Fish Pose?
At the very start, try to be in the pose for around 15-30 seconds. As you can stay in the pose with less effort, you can gradually increase the time from 1 minute to 2 minutes overall. And preventatively, always remove the pose once you think you are exerting.
5. Can pregnant women practice Chair Fish Pose?
No, the pregnant lady should avoid doing the Chair Fish pose, particularly in the last stages. Please consult a prenatal yoga instructor for suitable options during pregnancy.
Source:
Scriven, A. (2019, March 31). 5 yoga poses you can do from the comfort of your chair. DoYou.
Yoga Journal. (2025, February 25). Fish pose.
Volunteer, A. O. L. (2024, September 1). Fish Pose: Gain Spinal Flexibility with This Chest Opener Pose. Art Of Living
Book Source:
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar