Safety check and disclaimer
Chair yoga and seated tai chi are gentle and low-impact, and most people can start safely. Check this list first.
Talk to your doctor or physical therapist first if
- You have a heart condition, or you’ve been told to exercise only under medical advice.
- You get chest pain, at rest or when active.
- You’ve fainted or lost your balance from dizziness in the past year.
- You’ve recently had surgery, a fall or an injury.
- You have a bone or joint condition, such as osteoporosis or a joint replacement, that movement could make worse.
- You’re unsure for any reason.
Stop and rest right away if you feel
Chest pain or pressure, dizziness or light-headedness, unusual shortness of breath, sharp or shooting pain, or numbness or tingling. Call 911 if chest pain doesn’t go away.
Is chair yoga safe?
For most people, yes: it is low-impact and done sitting down. Injuries do happen, and NIH’s complementary health centre advises older adults and people with health conditions to talk with a provider first and to modify poses as needed (NIH NCCIH). Move in a comfortable range, use a chair that can’t slide, and use the gentler version of any move that doesn’t feel right.
Three golden rules
- A gentle stretch is good. Pain means stop.
- Keep breathing. Never hold your breath.
- Go slower than you think. Small movements count.
Disclaimer
Steady Seat is general wellness information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It doesn’t replace care from your doctor or physical therapist. You choose to do any move at your own risk.