Laredo launches gentle chair yoga with puppies for seniors

Laredo Public Health Department and Laredo Animal Care Services are partnering to offer a Gentle Stretching Chair Class with Puppies on Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Laredo Public Health Auditorium, 2600 Cedar Ave. The event is an adapted slot of the department’s Chair One Fitness series and is designed specifically for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

The one-hour, seated workout focuses on safe, low-impact movement that aims to boost energy and balance, reduce stress and anxiety, and encourage sensory engagement while participants remain in chairs. Puppies from the municipal shelter will be on hand to provide social interaction and companionship during the session. “This fun, low-impact class combines light movement with the joy of animal interaction to support both body and mind,” Laredo Animal Care Services said.

This offering is part of the Healthier Texas Community Challenge, a local push to expand activity and social opportunities for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Chair One Fitness launched earlier this year as a seated exercise option for adults with mobility limitations; the Alzheimer’s-adapted slot builds on that foundation by pairing movement with animal-assisted interaction to strengthen emotional and sensory benefits.

The class is recommended for seniors and people with arthritis, chronic pain, or mobility issues. Participants should expect gentle stretches, breathing work, and guided seated movements that prioritize stability and comfort rather than standing balance or floor work. Puppies will remain on site to encourage touching, smiling, and short moments of play that can help reduce agitation and prompt social engagement among attendees.

Practical details: the session runs 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 30 at the Laredo Public Health Auditorium, 2600 Cedar Ave. To register, call 956-770-1536. There is no additional contact provided for fees or capacity limits, so calling ahead is the best way to confirm space and any accommodations you may need.

The takeaway? If you work with older adults, coordinate with caregivers and call 956-770-1536 to reserve spots early. Our two cents? Dress comfortably, bring a friend or caregiver, and think of this as a gentle, dog-friendly way to add movement, sensory comfort, and smiles to a care routine.