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Best Chair Yoga Apps: Easy and Accessible Yoga at Your Fingertips
What if we told you there’s a way to work out, improve your flexibility, and practice mindfulness without standing up and leaving your chair?
Chair yoga apps bring calming, strengthening movements into your daily routine without commitment.
From office workers taking quick breaks to seniors wanting mild exercise to start their day, chair yoga offers a perfect solution. It brings the benefits of yoga to everyone, regardless of physical limitations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven best chair yoga apps on the market that make practicing chair yoga more accessible than ever.
Why Use a Chair Yoga App?
The benefits of yoga are no secret. It’s good for weight loss and menopause, and is an overall excellent standalone exercise for women.
Chair yoga makes yoga more accessible by adapting traditional poses and adding a seat or a chair for support. This modified approach is perfect for those with sedentary jobs who need a midday infusion of energy, people with limited mobility or disabilities, and seniors seeking a gentle exercise routine.
Chair yoga has numerous health perks. Regular practice helps boost flexibility, improve core, posture, and balance, and reduce muscle tension and stress.
Using a chair yoga app makes starting super easy. Many contain tutorials explaining proper form for best results and safety, including tips for beginners and advanced sequences for experienced yogis.
Top 7 Best Chair Yoga Apps
1- Reverse.Health Chair Yoga
Unlike other apps, Reverse Health is a comprehensive female-focused app designed to include a variety of exercises, including chair yoga. This holistic and adaptive approach to wellness and mindful movement is what makes it a popular choice among women of all ages.
Key Features
Reverse Health includes personalized workout plans and nutrition guidance backed by science and experts. The daily wellness tracking helps users stay motivated with an innovative progress system that adjusts routines based on user feedback.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive wellness approach with programs beyond chair yoga
- Personalized exercise plans
- Quality video demonstrations
- Nutrition integration
- Adaptive difficulty levels
- Community access
Cons:
- Premium features locked behind a subscription
Pricing and Availability
- Platform Availability: iOS, Android
- Price: Subscription-based with various pricing tiers
- Free Trial: 7-day free trial
2- Adaptive Yoga LIVE
True to its name, Adaptive Yoga specializes in modified poses that meet diverse mobility needs.
Key Features
The award-winning “accessible and inclusive” yoga classes provide adaptive options for different abilities and capabilities. They include specialized poses and pain-specific routines based on detailed mobility assessments and clear accessibility guidelines. The therapeutic focus and healthcare provider input add a layer of safety that isn’t available on other platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive modification options
- Free access to previously recorded classes
- 1-2-1 class availability
- Live classes
Cons:
- No app
- Might require more commitment for those with busy lifestyles
Pricing and Availability
- Platform Availability: YouTube and Zoom
- Price: £5.00 for a 1-hour class, £20.00/month, or £150.00/year
3- Evolve21
A fitness app designed literally for everyone, Evolve21 breaks up chair yoga and other activities into small, bite-sized pieces for quick and easy workout access. The unique 21-day program structure also encourages steady progress, possibly building into something long-term.
H4: Key Features
Aside from the professionally filmed instruction videos, Evolve21 gives users access to pose timers, breathing guides, and achievement tracking. This is in addition to a visual guide and narrated practice, providing visual and auditory learners options. It also integrates with health apps to monitor overall activity better.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Structured program approach
- Expert-led sessions
- Motivational elements
- Health app integration
- Quick workout sessions
Cons:
- Limited free content
- Requires 21-day program commitment
Pricing and Availability
- Platform Availability: iOS
- Price: Monthly subscription with special program pricing
- Free Trial: 14 days
4- Pocket Yoga
Flexible, convenient, and something you can do on the go, Pocket Yoga is a simple solution for those who want to get into clear yoga. It offers clear instructions with flexible practice options without requiring a constant internet connection.
Key Features
Pocket Yoga’s library contains numerous chair-adapted poses with detailed voice guidance. Practice lengths vary from quick breaks to extended sessions, giving users options based on availability. The extensive pose dictionary explains benefits and alignment tips.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One-time purchase
- Offline access
- Detailed pose instructions
- Customizable sessions
- No subscription required
- Regular updates
Cons:
- Basic functionality and graphics
- Limited live content
Pricing and Availability
- Platform Availability: iOS
- Price: One-time purchase ($2.99-$4.99)
- Free Trial: N/A (One-time purchase)
5- Down Dog
If you prefer variety and something new often, Down Dog’s fresh chair yoga sequences every time you practice is an excellent fit.
Key Features
Down Dog uses a unique algorithm to generate new sequences, preventing workout monotony and plateauing. The many music options also complement practice moods with adjustable instruction depths for different experience levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Fresh sequences each time
- Quality audio options
- Regular updates
- Offline capability
- Multiple language options
Cons:
- May overwhelm beginners with options
- Requires stable internet for initial loading
Pricing and Availability
- Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web browser
- Price: $7.99/month or $59.99/year
- Free Trial: Extended free trials available
6- BetterMe: Health Coaching
BetterMe combines chair yoga with broader wellness coaching for complete health support, complemented by daily tips and motivation.
Key Features
BetterMe goes beyond chair yoga routines. In addition to personalized workout plans, users will receive nutritional guidance, complete with meal planning, mental health support, and progress tracking. The regular check-ins with your personal coach help maintain motivation, especially when starting out.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive wellness approach
- Personal coaching features
- Progress tracking tools
- Nutrition guidance
- Responsive support
Cons:
- You have to pay extra for premium features
- Frequent notifications
- The interface isn’t user-friendly
Pricing and Availability
7- Glo
Glo is perfect if you want professional-quality chair yoga instruction with additional wellness content, high-quality production, and world-class instructors.
Key Features
Glo gives you access to expert teachers who teach various chair yoga classes and other yoga styles. The library includes workshops explaining the benefits of each pose, with custom class curation, meditation integration, and learning paths. Users will receive a program that suits their specific goals and experience levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Expert instructors
- High-quality content
- Extensive content library
- Multi-platform access
- Professional-level production
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Overwhelming options
Pricing and Availability
- Platform Availability: iOS, Android, Web browser
- Price: $30/month or $245/year
- Free Trial: 7 days
How to Get the Most Out of a Chair Yoga App
It’s easier to get the most out of chair yoga using an app by scheduling your sessions at specific times of the day. Naturally stiff periods, like early in the morning or after sitting down for hours, are perfect for breaking the monotony of your day, starting your day right, and keeping your body flexible.
But since you’re new, you may want to start using shorter sequences before gradually extending the duration of your sessions until you become more comfortable.
It should go without saying that you should avoid using non-rolling chairs. Choose a stable, sturdy chair for chair yoga, and wear comfortable clothing for free movement. Drink water and stay hydrated throughout.
For your safety, we recommend avoiding painful and uncomfortable poses. Also, consult your health provider before progressing to more advanced exercises. Finally, take advantage of the pose modifications available on the apps we curated. These adjustments are specifically advised to make each pose safer and better suited to your body.
Recap: Tips for Practicing Chair Yoga with an App at Home
Bring mindful movement everywhere with chair yoga and the best chair yoga apps.
Through regular practice, chair yoga can bring wonderful benefits. It may even help kickstart your fitness journey, paving the way for you to take up more forms of exercises. But for now, what’s important is that you start.
With the guidance of the best apps for chair yoga, regular practice becomes convenient, safe, and sustainable.
FAQs
What is chair yoga, and how is it beneficial for seniors?
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga practiced while sitting or using a chair for support. It’s particularly beneficial for seniors as it improves flexibility, balance, and muscle strength without requiring intense physical exertion, making it safe and accessible.
Can beginners use chair yoga apps?
Yes, most chair yoga apps include beginner-friendly sessions that guide users through simple, gentle movements. These sessions are designed to be easy to follow, making them perfect for beginners or those with limited mobility.
Are chair yoga apps safe for seniors with mobility issues?
Yes, chair yoga apps are generally safe for seniors with mobility issues as they offer low-impact exercises that don’t require getting up and down from the floor. However, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.
Do I need any equipment for chair yoga?
Typically, all you need is a sturdy chair with no wheels and enough space around you to stretch. Some apps might recommend props like small weights or resistance bands, but they’re usually optional.
How often should seniors practice chair yoga for the best results?
Practicing chair yoga 2-3 times a week can be beneficial for flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Many apps offer short sessions, so seniors can choose routines that fit comfortably into their schedule.
