6 Best Chair Yoga Apps for All Ages and Abilities
A couple of years back, my mom never saw herself doing chair yoga. But months of dealing with arthritis left her with chronic pain and limited mobility. One day, a friend suggested chair-assisted yoga because traditional exercises were too demanding, and even regular yoga was a bit of a strain. Turns out it was the perfect low-impact exercise that helped her on her journey towards improved strength and physical health.
For many people who want to practice yoga for all its physical benefits but can't get down to the yoga mat, practicing yoga on a sturdy chair can be a lifesaver. It gives just as many benefits as traditional yoga while being less strenuous. So, whether you're a senior or someone recovering from an injury and needing a gentle way to practice yoga, I guarantee you'd love it.
The great thing about chair-supported yoga is that it works for you, no matter where you’re starting from. You can modify each pose, take breaks when needed, and still reap the benefits of yoga—strength, mobility, and a sense of calm. If you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic pain or impaired abilities, this practice helps you stay active without pushing too hard.
Of course, with so many apps out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I put this guide together—to make things simple. With more apps now focusing on chair-assisted yoga, it's easier than ever to practice from home. Whether you want a free option, a program designed for seniors, or something that supports weight loss, this list will help you find the right fit based on your unique needs and preferences.
How to Choose the Best Chair Yoga App
After searching for the perfect chair yoga app for my mom, I learned a thing or two about how to make the right pick. Here are a few things to consider when choosing an app for your practice.
User-friendliness: Nothing is more frustrating than fumbling your way around a complex app, especially when you're trying to build a daily yoga routine. So, rather than dampen your yoga practice, choose an app that’s simple to navigate regardless of your skill level and tech savviness.
Expert Instruction and Guidance: If you're new to yoga, it's best to look for an app with a certified yoga expert who will guide you through sessions. That way, you can practice with proper form and avoid getting injured while you attempt new yoga poses.
Cost: Do you prefer a free chair yoga app or a premium option with more extensive content? The apps come at different prices—from free trials to paid subscriptions and one-time purchases. No matter your budget, there's an app on this list that offers a high-quality yoga experience.
Unique Focus: Some apps are targeted at seniors, while others are more suited to those looking for weight loss or building strength. Choosing an app that aligns with your physical condition, fitness level, and goals helps you get the best out of your yoga practice.
1. Best Overall Chair Yoga App: Yogaia
If you like the feeling of having a personal yoga instructor in your living room, that's what Yogaia feels like. Whether you're a total beginner or you have been practicing yoga for years but now need a more gentle, chair-supported routine, this app meets you where you are. With live and on-demand classes that range from 3 to 60 minutes, there’s something for every mood, skill level, and fitness level—whether you're managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or just want to stay flexible without hitting the mat.
You can choose whether the instructor sees you during live sessions. If you allow them to, they'll help correct your form in real-time—so you’re not out here twisting yourself into awkward positions. But even if your camera is off, they can still see when you've joined the class and give you a friendly shout-out. That extra bit of accountability keeps you motivated to show up for your next session (and stick to your practice).
Beyond chair-assisted yoga, your Yogaia subscription also gives you access to guided meditation, yoga Nidra for deep relaxation, and other additional resources to help you feel your best. If you love expert-led sessions, structured programs, and a user-friendly experience, Yogaia is the perfect fit for you.
Pricing:
14-day free trial
$19.99/month and $119.99/year
2. Best Free Chair Yoga Option: Yoga ETC with Tina on YouTube
If you're searching for a free, beginner-friendly chair yoga class that actually works, Yoga ETC with Tina is the perfect find. Her gentle and easy-to-follow chair yoga sessions are designed for people of all ages and abilities—from seniors to people with limited mobility. You can access a wide range of on-demand videos and regularly update classes. Whether you're looking to relieve stiff joints, improve flexibility, or even lose a bit of weight, Tina's classes have something for you.
The best part? It’s completely free and available on YouTube, so you can practice from the comfort of your home anytime. Even though the classes are free, they are highly effective. As one user said, "I'm still enjoying doing my yoga with you each morning. I'm feeling fantastic; I've never felt this good in ages. Plus, I've lost a few pounds, too, so I'm on cloud nine!"
If you're on a budget but still want to experience high-quality chair yoga classes, this is for you.
Pricing:
Free classes
3. Best Chair Yoga App for Seniors: Chair Yoga for Seniors by Livo
If you're looking for a senior-friendly exercise program that is gentle yet effective, Chair Yoga for Seniors by Livo is hands down one of the best options out there. It feels like having a supportive, personal yoga coach who truly understands the needs of older adults. Right from the start, the app asks a few simple questions about your fitness level and goals, then creates a personalized chair yoga plan just for you. Whether you want to improve flexibility, reduce joint pain, or simply relax and stretch, this app meets you exactly where you are.
The sessions are simple and easy to follow, with clear video demonstrations led by certified yoga instructors specializing in senior fitness. The instructors guide you through each gentle movement at a comfortable pace, making it perfect for beginners or anyone with limited mobility. Bonus points for how user-friendly the app is — from the large, easy-to-read text to the voice command feature and simple navigation. Even if you're not great with technology, you’ll have no trouble finding your way around.
Chair Yoga for Seniors by Livo makes building a consistent yoga practice easy from the comfort of your chair. The app offers a supportive community where you can connect with other seniors on the same journey so you can feel inspired and supported. And the best part? It’s completely free for iOS users.
Pricing:
Free download for iOS users
$12.99/ month, $19.99/quarter, and $39.99/year
4. Best Chair Yoga App for Injury Recovery: Reverse Health
If you're recovering from an injury and looking for a gentle yet effective way to regain strength and mobility, you can give Reverse Health a try. While it's known for supporting women over 40, its Chair Yoga program and low-impact workouts make it perfect for injury recovery at any age.
When you sign up, it asks about your current fitness level, health goals, and any physical limitations – including injuries. From there, it creates a customized workout plan tailored to your body’s needs, focusing on gentle movement, flexibility, and core strength without putting pressure on your joints. The Chair Yoga sessions are especially helpful, allowing you to slowly improve your balance and mobility while seated, which is ideal if you're dealing with pain or limited range of motion.
Another thing that makes Reverse Health stand out is its guided video demonstrations by certified physiotherapists and yoga instructors. They walk you through each pose step-by-step, so you never second guess if you're doing it right. The app also features progress tracking and nutritional guidance designed to support your recovery, making it an all-encompassing yoga app.
Pricing:
Free 7-day trial
$14.99/month and $99.99/year
5. Best Chair Yoga App for Weight Loss: Betterme
What makes Betterme the perfect app for weight loss is that it doesn't just focus on movement but takes a holistic approach to your overall health — combining gentle, low-impact chair yoga routines with nutrition guidance, mental wellness support, and daily motivation tips.
The personalized workout plans are tailored to your fitness level and weight loss goals, so you're not just doing random stretches—you're following a plan that actually works for your body. Plus, the app’s progress-tracking tools allow you to see how far you've come, which keeps you motivated along the way.
A standout feature is the access to a personal coach who checks in regularly to help you stay on track and make adjustments when needed. BetterMe also provides meal planning tips and mental health support which compliment your yoga practice.
Pricing
7-day free trial
$19.99/month and $41.99/6 months
6. Best Chair Yoga Option for Disabilities: Adaptive Yoga Live
Adaptive Yoga LIVE is hands down one of the most inclusive options for people with impaired abilities. What makes this platform unique is that every session is designed with input from healthcare professionals, ensuring that the movements are not only gentle and safe but also specifically tailored for individuals dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, limited mobility, or other physical challenges.
One of the best features of Adaptive Yoga LIVE is the live-streamed classes, where instructors provide real-time feedback to help you adjust your posture and modify poses to suit your body’s needs. This kind of personalized guidance is incredibly helpful for practicing with proper form. And for the time when you can't make it to a live session, there’s free access to recorded classes on YouTube, so you can practice anytime.
The platform offers live Zoom classes, which include everything from joint-friendly stretches to relaxation techniques for pain relief. There’s even a mobility assessment feature that tailors the workouts to your unique needs, as well as accessibility options like closed captions and audio descriptions.
The only catch is that attending live classes can be tricky, depending on your time zone. But with the quality of guidance you get, it’s honestly worth it.
Pricing
Free classes on YouTube
$19.99/month or $159.99/year for live classes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online chair yoga app?
The best chair yoga app depends on your needs. Personally, I recommend Yogaia because it covers everything, whether you're looking for gentle stretches or something a bit more intense. The real-time guidance from instructors is a huge plus. Also, it works for everyone, from seniors to people aiming for weight loss, managing chronic pain, or dealing with limited mobility.
Can I use chair yoga apps for stress relief and mental well-being?
100%. Chair yoga is not just about movement; it's also about breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation. Several apps, including Yogaia, offer guided meditations and calming sessions that help with anxiety and stress relief. It's easily one of the easiest ways to unwind, especially after a long day.
Is chair yoga effective for weight loss?
Surprisingly, yes! While chair yoga might seem gentle, it can boost your metabolism, improve circulation, and help build strength, which all contribute to gradual weight loss.
What do I need for chair yoga?
You don't need much. All you need is a sturdy, comfortable chair without wheels or armrests. Resistance bands can be helpful, but they are completely optional. Also, if you're joining a live class, you might want to use headphones to stay focused, but that is also optional.
Conclusion
If you've been holding back from trying yoga because of limited mobility or not knowing where to start, these apps are here to support you — without the pressure of keeping up with traditional yoga flows. The best part? You can move at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and still enjoy all the beautiful benefits yoga offers for your body and mind.
Many of these apps offer free trials, so you can explore different styles and find the one that truly feels right for you. Just be sure to choose something that fits your needs and flows with your daily routine.
When you're ready, grab a sturdy chair, take a deep breath, and begin your journey toward better movement and overall well-being. You've got this.