Mind and body
Chair yoga
Gentle yoga done sitting or holding a chair.
- Very lightintensity
- ~140kcal per hour
- Freebudget
- Lowimpact
Is chair yoga right for you?
Gentle yoga done sitting or holding a chair. It is a very light-intensity, low impact activity that you can do at home or indoors, on your own or in a group. Expect to burn around 140 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.
Anyone can start. You can do it without spending anything.
Why try chair yoga
- Improves flexibility. It takes your joints through a full range of movement.
- Clears your head. It is a reliable way to lower stress and lift your mood.
- Kind to joints. Low impact makes it a good choice if running or jumping is uncomfortable.
How to start chair yoga
Follow a 15-minute chair yoga video at home.
Get the basics: chair. Borrow or hire before you buy.
Keep the first few sessions short and easy, and aim for two or three a week.
Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.
A 4-week starter plan
| Week | Sessions | Minutes each | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 20 | Learn the basics and keep every session easy. |
| 2 | 3 | 25 | Repeat last week and add a little time. |
| 3 | 4 | 30 | Add a session or make one a bit harder. |
| 4 | 4 | 35 | Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next. |
This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.
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Not sure chair yoga is for you?
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