Chair Yoga in Botley: Accessible Yoga for Strength, Mobility and Confidence
A relatively new offering from us at Every Body Studio following the successful launch of our new yoga, barre and Pilates studio in Botley, Chair Yoga is something we’re so excited to continue providing for those looking for chair yoga in Oxford.
Yoga and barre teacher, and lead trainer on our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course, Becky, offers a weekly class designed to make yoga more accessible, using the chair to provide stability and reassurance. We caught up with her to help demystify exactly what chair yoga is, who it’s for and what you can expect from a class.
Whether you’re returning to movement after some time away, looking for a gentler approach to exercise, or simply wanting to build strength and mobility with plenty of support, Chair Yoga at Every Body Studio in Botley is designed to help you move in a way that feels best for your body.
You don’t need to be flexible or experienced with yoga to join us. You’re simply invited to come as you are.
Our Botley Studio.
What is Chair Yoga?
Chair yoga is a form of yoga that uses a chair to provide stability and support throughout the class.
Rather than relying on getting down onto the floor, chair yoga allows you to explore yoga-inspired movement while seated or using the chair for balance. This can make it a great option for people who may find traditional, mat-based yoga challenging, or who simply prefer a different way to practise.
At Every Body Studio, our Chair Yoga classes focus on strength, mobility and confidence, with thoughtful guidance and different options to help you find movements that work for your individual body.
The aim isn’t to push yourself into a particular shape or compare your movement with anyone else. It’s about discovering what feels comfortable, useful and enjoyable for you.
Who is Chair Yoga suitable for?
Our Chair Yoga class in Botley is particularly welcoming if you:
Are returning to exercise or movement after a break or injury
Would like a more supported approach to yoga
Want to improve your strength and mobility
Prefer to use a chair for stability
Feel unsure about joining a traditional mat-based yoga class
Want to build confidence in your movement
Appreciate having different options available during class
Simply want to explore movement in a non-judgmental environment
Chair Yoga can be a great place to start if you’ve been thinking about trying yoga but aren’t quite ready to jump into one of our regular mat-based classes. And you don’t need to have an injury or a specific reason for choosing chair yoga either — it really is open to everybody.
The benefits of Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga can offer a gentle, practical way to incorporate more movement into your life, with the added reassurance of having a chair available for stability.
Build strength
Regular movement can help you develop and maintain strength. Chair Yoga exercises can be adapted to your ability and comfort level, allowing you to work with your body rather than against it.
Support mobility
Chair-based movement gives you the opportunity to explore your range of movement in a supported setting. With regular practice, you can become more familiar with how your body moves and what feels comfortable for you.
Develop confidence
Trying something new can feel daunting, especially if you’re returning to exercise. Having a chair available and a teacher offering clear guidance can make movement feel more approachable.
Move with greater awareness
Yoga isn’t only about flexibility or achieving a particular pose. Chair Yoga encourages you to pay attention to how you’re moving, giving you space to notice what feels good and make choices that suit your body.
Enjoy a relaxed class environment
There’s no pressure to perform, compete or keep up with anyone else at Every Body Studio. Instead, we want you to feel comfortable exploring movement at your own pace, with the freedom to choose the options that feel right for you.
What can I expect from a Chair Yoga class?
If you’ve never tried Chair Yoga before, you might be wondering what actually happens during a class.
Expect a session focused on movement, strength and mobility, with the chair providing stability and support as you move through the class.
You don’t need to know any yoga poses or have previous experience. Becky will guide you through the session and offer different options, allowing you to find an approach that feels appropriate for you.
And because every body is different, there’s no single “right” way to participate.
Our Botley studio also has ramp access and a wheelchair-accessible toilet, helping to make attending class as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
If you have questions about accessibility or would like to know more about what to expect before your first class, please get in touch with Every Body Studio by emailing us at hello@everybodystudio.co.uk.
Becky Varey - Chair Yoga Teacher
Meet the teacher
Becky, a yoga and performing-arts teacher based in Oxford and a lead trainer on our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course. After discovering yoga as a way to manage stress from acting, she now teaches accessible, playful classes for all bodies—helping students, from schoolchildren to cancer patients, feel better and celebrate movement.
Ready to try Chair Yoga in Botley?
If you’ve been looking for accessible yoga in Botley, or you’re ready to explore movement in a different way, Chair Yoga at Every Body Studio could be a great place to begin.
Come as you are, take the options you need and discover how good supported movement can feel.
Ready to give it a try? Book your Chair Yoga class at Every Body Studio in Botley. Head to our Timetable page and search for our Chair Yoga classes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chair Yoga
Do I need yoga experience to attend Chair Yoga?
No. Chair Yoga at Every Body Studio is designed to welcome people with a range of experience, including those who are returning to movement or are completely new to yoga.
Do I need to be flexible?
Not at all. You don’t need to be flexible to attend Chair Yoga. The class is about exploring movement in a way that feels appropriate for your body, with different options available throughout.
Do I have to sit in the chair for the whole class?
The chair is used for stability and support, and movements can be adapted to suit your needs. Becky will provide guidance and options during the class.
Is the Botley studio accessible?
Yes. The Botley studio has ramp access and a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
What should I bring with me to class?
All props (and chairs!) are provided. We suggest bringing a water bottle and any other special props you’d like for your practice.