Let’s talk about chairs. They’re a good place to sit while sipping tea, reading the paper, and—believe it or not—for doing yoga.
Yep, chair yoga is a real thing. It’s an effective, adaptable, and is a life-changing way to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and peace of mind—without having to get up and down off the floor like it’s a competitive sport.
AT THE CORE seniors yoga classes are designed to welcome every body, and that means you can do the whole class seated if you need to—or just have the chair nearby as your trusty sidekick. Our philosophy is gentle yoga meets you where you’re at, so even if you need a chair you’re doing real yoga, and your body and mind will thank you for it.
Who is Chair Yoga For?
Chair yoga is for you if:
- You want to move, but your knees don’t bounce back like they used to
- You’ve had surgery, arthritis, or just prefer not to get on the floor
- You’re returning to movement after an injury or long break
- You feel a little wobbly with balance and like the reassurance of a steady seat
But here’s the thing—our entire class isn’t in the chair unless you want it to be. Most students use the chair as support, especially during standing postures or for seated options if something doesn’t feel right. And if you do need or prefer to stay in the chair the whole time? You won’t miss a thing—we’ve got adaptations for every part of the practice.
So… What Exactly Is Chair Yoga?
Chair yoga includes:
- Seated stretches for shoulders, spine, and hips
- Standing poses using the chair for balance support
- Breath-work and guided relaxation to calm the mind and emotions
- Gentle strengthening to keep your muscles doing their job
Everything is slow, intentional, and safe. You won’t be asked to do anything your body isn’t ready for, and we’ll offer you choices at every step of the way.
Benefits of Gentle Chair Yoga
Whether you’re on the mat, in the chair, or a combination of both, these are the benefits our students share they love most:
1. Build Strength and Confidence
Chair yoga works muscles you use every day—so walking, climbing stairs, and lifting things becomes easier. And when your body feels stronger, your confidence gets a boost too.
2. Improve Balance and Prevent Falls
Many poses target feet and ankle stability, hip and knee strength, and proper alignment—all essential for staying upright. Even holding onto a chair, you’re retraining your balance and coordination.
3. Increase Flexibility Without Strain
No bending like a pretzel required. Gentle movements help improve range of motion in joints like shoulders, hips, and knees—minus the risk of overdoing it. Want to learn more about how gentle yoga improves flexibility over time? This blog on flexibility dives deeper into how small movements create lasting change.
4. Ease Joint Pain and Stiffness
Chair yoga gets your blood flowing, gives us support to increase space in our posture and gently lubricates your joints, making movement feel smoother and more comfortable (and maybe less noisy!).
5. Boost Mood and Mental Clarity
Breath awareness, calming movement, and a few mindful pauses go a long way in reducing stress, lifting your mood, and clearing out some of that mental fog.
6. Stay Independent Longer
Regular movement supports your mobility, strength, and ability to manage daily tasks on your own—something every one of us wants as we age.
Real Yoga Asana. Real Results. Your Way.
AT THE CORE gentle yoga classes aren’t about performance—they’re about presence, practice, and permission to be exactly where you are. Gentle yoga is especially beneficial for aging gracefully.
Whether you’re standing on a mat, sitting in a chair, or doing a little of both, you’re doing and benefiting from yoga. You’re strengthening your body, caring for your joints, and showing up for yourself in a beautiful, powerful way.
👉🏼 Try a gentle yoga class
👉🏼 Try a seniors gentle yoga class
Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Nudge)
You don’t have to wait for your body to feel “ready.” You just need a safe, supportive space—and maybe a chair.
Whether you’re curious, hesitant, or secretly excited to try something new, we’d love to welcome you to class. We’ll meet you right where you are, and we promise: no one’s keeping score. 😊
Learn more about your gentle yoga instructor Yogesh Van Acker
