Top 3 Lessons from Teaching Chair Yoga

hen I started to teach just over 12 months ago, I quickly realised a silent struggle many of my students faced when transitioning from mat to standing and discovered that the key to unlocking the true essence of yoga for all abilities lies in an often-overlooked tool - the chair.

Whilst the transition from mat to standing didn’t stop students from practicing, I could see the struggle. It distracted them from being able to fully embrace the yogic experience. The physical discomfort of transition took away the meditative and restorative aspects of yoga.

I adapted classes to include chairs for support and provided modifications to the asana being explored, which worked well and which I will continue to do in all of my yoga classes, but there was reluctance to use the chairs, especially when others were not – totally understandable. During yoga, we’re having conversations with our own bodies, learning all the time and sometimes those conversations can be difficult.

So, I decided to introduce a full chair yoga class designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their experience or physical abilities. I launched this in May 2024 and it has evolved into a wonderful community of students who have embraced this new approach and here’s what I’ve learnt so far.

Lesson Number 1: Accessibility Enhances Experience

In our chair yoga classes, we explore gentle yoga postures and movements aimed at improving general mobility, flexibility, and strength. Most importantly, the classes provide an opportunity for students to turn their attention inward and listen to their own minds and bodies without the distraction of any potential struggle that may come from transitioning from the floor to a standing position (and vice versa). This inward focus is a key aspect of yoga, no matter what type of yoga class you do, allowing for a deeper connection with yourself.

Unlocking Yoga Through Support

Lesson Number 2: There’s No Stigma, Just Benefits

Often, either people have no idea what I mean when I say I teach a chair yoga class, or I see a glimpse of hesitation in accepting that chair yoga may be a good option for them. Chair yoga is an option for many people for a huge array of reasons – it may be to assist with balance, coordination, confidence, exhaustion, stiffness, illness or pain. It’s for all ages and all abilities. Making yoga accessible from a chair allows students to feel safe and supported whilst creating an opportunity for them to practice the benefits of yoga, movement, stretching, strength, balance, breathwork and relaxation.

Lesson Number 3: Community, Community, Community

Witnessing the enthusiasm and enjoyment of chair yoga students has been incredibly rewarding. A strong sense of community is already growing among the students. We even had our first chair yoga Christmas party!

Hearing about student experiences and how they have taken the chair yoga practices from the class into their daily lives has been heart-warming. Many have shared their new skills with friends and family, practicing in their own time and extending the benefits of yoga beyond the classroom.

Teaching chair yoga has not only broadened my perspective as a new teacher but has also reinforced the importance of making yoga accessible to everyone. It has been a joy to witness the positive impact this approach has had on my students in such a short timeframe, and I’m looking forward to continuing to nurture this vibrant and supportive community.