AP lifestyles reporter explains the origins, benefits of chair yoga and its surge in popularity
June 18, 2025
Chair yoga adapts traditional yoga for older adults and those with physical limitations. As older adults embrace active lifestyles, chair yoga has surged in popularity. Developed in 1982 by Lakshmi Voelker, chair yoga modifies poses for use in a chair, making yoga more accessible. Chair yoga benefits older people, especially women prone to osteoporosis, by improving flexibility, strength and balance. Chair yoga also helps manage arthritis and osteoporosis pain. Chair yoga offers relaxation and stress management benefits through breathing and mindfulness. In an episode of “The Story Behind the AP Story” podcast, AP Lifestyles Writer Leanne Italie explains chair yoga’s origins and how it works.
