Gentle chair yoga classes for older adults
- in Sydney, online and across Australia

Paula’s Classes

Chair Yoga Classes in St Ives

Join our friendly face-to-face chair yoga classes in St Ives, designed especially for seniors. Classes combine gentle movement, stretching, strengthening and balance exercises, all with the support of a chair.
With six classes each week in St Ives, there are plenty of options to find a day and time that suits you. No previous yoga experience is needed — just come along and enjoy moving in a friendly, supportive environment.

MONDAYS

9:30am  St Ives Community Rooms
11am  St Ives Community Hall
12:15pm St Ives Community Hall

TUESDAYS

11am  The Chair Yoga Studio, St Ives

THURSDAYS

11am The Chair Yoga Studio, St Ives
1:30pm St Ives Community Hall

Online Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors

Join Paula’ online chair yoga classes for seniors from the comfort of home. These gentle, easy-to-follow classes are designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance and overall well-being – all with the support of a chair.
Classes are held live via Zoom and run for one hour. Can’t make the live class? You’ll receive a recording to use for 7 days, so you can enjoy your chair yoga class at a time that suits you.
No special equipment or prior yoga experience is needed – just a chair and a little space to move.

Tuesdays 11am

Thursdays 11am

Recorded Chair Yoga Classes for Seniors

Enjoy chair yoga at home, whenever it suits you. Each week, you’ll receive two different recorded chair yoga classes, giving you variety and the flexibility to practise when it works for you.
Classes include gentle movement, stretching, strengthening and balance exercises, all with the support of a chair. No special equipment or prior yoga experience is needed – just a chair and a little space to move.

Fees

Choose the way you’d like to practise — join us face-to-face in St Ives, take part live online, or enjoy recorded classes in your own time. Flexible options suit your routine and how you like to do your chair yoga.

DROP-IN cASUAL

$20

per class

  • No commitment, no pressure
  • Flexibility for changing schedules
  • Pay only when you feel up to it
  • Ideal for visitors or occasional attendees

10 class PASS

$160

for 10 classes

  • Encourages consistency
  • Commitment to your wellbeing
  • Progress you can feel
  • Choice of Zoom or in-person

REcorded PAck

$190

per 10 week term

  • Two fresh classes each week
  • Practice anytime, anywhere
  • Repeat classes in a given week
  • Ideal for fluctuating health or energy levels

Looking for chair yoga classes near you?

Search our Australian Chair Yoga Directory to find chair yoga classes by location, day and time.

FIND A CLASS
WHAT IS CHAIR YOGA?

an uplifting, modified form of 
traditional yoga

Chair yoga for seniors provides gentle, low-impact exercise for people with limited mobility, reduced flexibility, joint concerns, or who are recovering from injury or illness.
All chair yoga exercises are performed seated or using a chair for support, so there is no need to get down on the floor. These chair yoga classes are suitable for men and women, with most participants aged 60 and over.

WHY DO CHAIR YOGA?

accessible to all levels of 
flexibility and strength and brings so many benefits

You’ve heard that you should “use it or lose it.” Why not focus on what you have now and see where you can build in flexibility, strength, and stamina? What you do today will allow you to enjoy life, have the energy to spend time with the grandkids, the flexibility to reach that back cupboard in the kitchen, and the calm to handle some of life’s challenges.

IMPROVE BALANCE

INCREASE FLEXIBILITY

MORE STAMINA

LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

INCREASE MINDFULNESS

BETTER BREATHING

REDUCE ANXIETY

IMPROVE SLEEP

Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear, reassuring answers to common questions about chair yoga for seniors, including safety, benefits, and how to get started comfortably and confidently.

DOES CHAIR YOGA REALLY WORK FOR SENIORS?

Yes! chair yoga can be very effective for seniors. It gently improves flexibility, strength, balance, and circulation while also supporting relaxation and mental well-being. Many seniors report improved mobility, reduced stiffness, and greater confidence in everyday movements when practiced regularly.

I HAVEN’T DONE MUCH EXERCISE. CAN I STILL DO CHAIR YOGA?

Absolutely. Chair yoga is ideal for beginners and those returning to movement after a long break. You can start slowly, take breaks, and only do what feels comfortable. There is no need to be fit or experienced to begin.

WHAT DO I WEAR TO A CHAIR YOGA CLASS?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. There’s no need for special yoga gear. Supportive shoes or bare feet are both fine, depending on what feels safest and most comfortable.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO CHAIR YOGA?

Most seniors benefit from chair yoga 2–3 times per week. Even short, regular sessions can make a difference. Some people enjoy daily gentle movement, while others prefer fewer sessions; it’s about finding what feels right for you.

WHAT TYPE OF CHAIR DO I NEED FOR CHAIR YOGA?

A sturdy chair without wheels or arms is best. Ideally, it should have a firm seat and allow your feet to rest flat on the floor. A dining chair is often perfect.

DO MEN DO CHAIR YOGA?

Yes, absolutely. Chair yoga is suitable for everyone. Many men enjoy chair yoga for its focus on mobility, strength, and joint health. It’s not about flexibility or appearance; it’s about feeling better in your body.

IS CHAIR YOGA BETTER THAN WALKING?

Chair yoga and walking offer different benefits. Walking supports cardiovascular health, while chair yoga focuses on flexibility, strength, balance, and relaxation. Many seniors find that combining both, if walking is comfortable, is ideal. Chair yoga is especially helpful on days when walking feels difficult.

IS CHAIR YOGA BETTER THAN TAI CHI?

Chair yoga and tai chi share similarities, such as slow movements and mindfulness. Chair yoga may feel more accessible for beginners or those with limited mobility, as it offers more support. The “better” option depends on personal preference and physical needs.

In the news

Chair yoga has been featured in many newspapers, on radio and on TV

Chair Yoga News Stories

Articles on Chair Yoga

Welcome to the Chair Yoga blog—a space for gentle movement, simple breathing, and practical wellbeing tips you can use in everyday life. Here you’ll find short articles designed especially for seniors, focusing on staying mobile, improving balance, reducing stress, and feeling more comfortable in your body. Whether you’re new to chair yoga or have been practising for years, this blog is here to support you with encouragement, clarity, and kindness.

Screenshot of a Zoom chair yoga class

Your First Online Chair Yoga Class: A Guide to Joining from Home

Thinking about joining chair yoga on Zoom? Learn how online classes work, what you’ll need, and why seniors love exercising safely from home.

Read more
Photo of a chair yoga class at St Ives

What to Expect in Your First Chair Yoga Class

Wondering what happens in your first chair yoga class? Learn what to expect, what to wear, and why seniors love the friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Read more

Chair Yoga for Chronic Conditions

Chair yoga offers seniors with chronic conditions a safe, gentle way to move, breathe, and relax while supporting overall well-being.

Read more
Using a chair for balance

Can Chair Yoga Help With Balance and Fall Prevention?

Chair yoga helps seniors improve balance, build strength, and reduce fall risk through safe, supported movement. Learn how chair yoga supports fall prevention.

Read more

Rated 5.0 on Google

Why do students come to chair yoga at St Ives or on Zoom?
Read these reviews!

Peter Roberts profile picture
Peter Roberts
7 months ago
I joined the chair yoga for seniors class late last year as I needed to build up my strength, muscle tone and mobility . It has benefited me not only in those areas but also with increased flexibility, breathing and relaxation techniques.  It is not strenuous and the class is very capably led by Paula who talks you through and demonstrates each exercise, and with regular changes it does not get boring. I look forward to the class each week and can recommend the chair yoga program
Deirdre Woosnam profile picture
Deirdre Woosnam
7 months ago
I am now in my third year of attending Paula’s Chair Yoga classes in St Ives. I enjoy them immensely. Each hour is filled with different exercises and poses which help immeasurably with balance and flexibility. I heartily recommend Chair Yoga for the not so young.
anne starr profile picture
anne starr
7 months ago
Best decision in a long time to go to Paula’s class. She’s such a good teacher.
Susan Boyd profile picture
Susan Boyd
7 months ago
Paula is an incredible yoga instructor. I have been attending her classes for two years and my mobility and balance have increased. I recommend her to all my friends! 😍
Jillian Langford profile picture
Jillian Langford
7 months ago
I love this class! Paula is great and everyone is so friendly. I especially love the peaceful feeling I have at the end of the class, so calm and inspired.
Barb Hughes profile picture
Barb Hughes
7 months ago
I really enjoy going to Chair Yoga with Paula. It is a session that offers many health benefits for the body. The breathing techniques the stretching and balancing and the quiet reflection at the end Paul‘s soothing calm voice will have you captivated. I’m so happy I joined her class. ❤️
Marie Pengilley profile picture
Marie Pengilley
7 months ago
Love going to my Chair Yoga class on Monday. Paula's exercises are fantastic and we are a fun group. it has definitely helped with my arthritis and stability after an injury.
Belinda

Turramurra, Sydney

I’ve been doing chair yoga with Paula for 5 years and can highly recommend her teaching. As we age (I’m 78), it’s so important to work on balance, flexibility and mindfulness, which Paula does so well. Most enjoyable!

Fran

Toorak, Melbourne

I have increased my range of movement, flexibility and overall well-being since starting Chair Yoga. The exercises have also reshaped my body, even though my weight has remained unchanged.

Lela

Thornleigh, Sydney

I highly recommend Chair Yoga to seniors. I have been a member for 5 years and still enjoy each session.

Helen

Killara, Sydney

Chair Yoga is perfect for older or less agile participants. Paula’s calm, responsible teaching blends gentle exercises with meditation – peaceful, effective and highly recommended.

Ruth

Bendigo, VIC

Paula is a warm, encouraging teacher who skillfully uses Zoom. Her inclusive classes kept us engaged through lockdowns – I even got my older family members to join!

Veronica

Taree, NSW

Since 2020, Paula’s Chair Yoga on Zoom has been a highlight – gentle, mindful, inclusive and safe. Her calm, caring guidance makes every session uplifting. Highly recommended.

First class free!

Please get in touch to book your first class!

Contact Paula at

Locations:

St Ives NSW Australia AND
via Zoom across Australia and New Zealand

Phone:

+61 456 263 334

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