Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga adapts traditional yoga poses to be performed while seated in a chair or using a chair for balance support. Originally developed to make yoga accessible to those with limited mobility, older adults, and office workers, chair yoga has grown into a widely practiced format appreciated by diverse populations.

Who Benefits Most

Chair yoga is particularly valuable for:

• Older adults: Maintaining mobility, strength, and balance without the challenge of getting to and up from the floor
• Office workers: Accessible desk-side stretching and stress relief without a mat
• People with injuries or disabilities: Participation in yoga regardless of mobility limitations
• Rehabilitation patients: Gentle movement for those recovering from surgery or injury
• Anyone with balance concerns: The chair provides stability for poses that would otherwise require challenging balance

Structure of a Chair Yoga Class

Chair yoga classes adapt classic poses:

• Seated twists: Rotate torso using chair back as resistance
• Seated forward folds: Hinge forward over the legs for hamstring and back stretch
• Seated warrior variations: Simulate standing warriors from the seated position
• Standing poses at the chair: Use chair back for balance in standing stretches
• Breathwork and meditation: Often concludes with seated breathing practice

Mat Use in Chair Yoga

A yoga mat may be used under the chair to prevent sliding on smooth floors, and may be used for any standing or light floor work that participants can access. The mat is not central to the practice but adds safety.