What is Chair Yoga and How Does it Work?
Chair yoga is a modified version of traditional yoga that is designed to be low-impact and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The main difference between chair yoga and other forms of yoga is that it is practiced while sitting in a chair, rather than on the ground or on a mat. This makes it an ideal option for people who have mobility issues, chronic pain, or other limitations that make it difficult to practice traditional yoga.
“Chair yoga is a variation on the more traditional yoga practice you’d get in a studio, gym or online,” says Bassanti Pathak, CEO of NeuroVeda by Pathak Yoga. “The main difference is that you don’t need to get changed or take up a lot of space around you—your workstation is enough—and that exercises are adapted to you standing and sitting on a chair rather than lying down or sitting on the ground.”
Can Chair Yoga Help with Weight Loss?
While chair yoga may not be as intense as other forms of exercise, it can still be an effective way to lose weight. According to experts, every bit of movement counts, and even gentle forms of exercise can help burn calories and support overall health.
- “Every bit of movement counts—just because it’s slower or low-impact doesn’t mean it’s not effective,” says Elias Ortiz, MD, Chief Bariatric Surgeon at Elias Ortiz & Company.
- “It still gets your body moving, burns calories, and supports your overall health. As long as you stay consistent and pair it with other healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, you can lose weight,”
Additional Health Benefits of Chair Yoga
In addition to weight loss, chair yoga has several other health benefits. For example, it can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve breathing and lung capacity, and increase oxygenation of the body.
| Health Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Stress and Anxiety | Chair yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and calmness. |
| Improved Breathing and Lung Capacity | Chair yoga can help improve breathing and lung capacity by incorporating breathing exercises. |
| Increased Oxygenation | Chair yoga can help increase oxygenation of the body by incorporating exercises that increase nitric oxide levels. |
How Often Should You Practice Chair Yoga?
The frequency of chair yoga practice depends on several factors, including your fitness level, age, and health status. According to experts, it’s best to start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as your body becomes more comfortable.
- “My advice would be to listen to your body and not overdo it as you begin a new routine, whether it’s chair yoga or anything else,” says Bassanti Pathak, CEO of NeuroVeda by Pathak Yoga.
- “Monitor how your body feels and you are likely to want more (because you will start to produce positive neurotransmitters and happy hormones) if you take it easy to begin with.”
A Success Story: Chair Yoga for Weight Loss
There are many success stories of people who have used chair yoga to lose weight and improve their overall health. For example, a 60-year-old employee who practiced chair yoga as part of her daily routine lost 20 kilograms and no longer had to deal with fibromyalgia. “A 60-year-old employee of one of our long-time corporate clients (it’s been ten years) lost 20 kilograms and is no longer overweight,” says Bassanti Pathak, CEO of NeuroVeda by Pathak Yoga.
