Who This Article Is For
Chair Yoga for COPD If you’re aged 60–80, living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and looking for a gentle way to breathe easier without standing, this guide is designed for you. Chair yoga can help you manage breathlessness, reduce fatigue, and feel more in control — from the comfort of your chair.
📥 Bonus: Download the Free Printable PDF of This Routine
Table of Contents
Why Chair Yoga Is Scientifically Effective for COPD
Chair yoga isn’t just gentle — it’s medically beneficial for people with breathing disorders like COPD.
🧪 “Yoga has shown significant improvements in lung function, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in COPD patients.”
— Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
Read the study
It helps by:
- Improving lung expansion
- Reducing air trapping
- Encouraging diaphragmatic breathing
- Promoting mental calm to reduce panic breathing
Important Safety Tips Before You Start
- Use a stable, armless chair
- Keep feet flat on the floor
- Never hold your breath
- Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or breathless
8 Chair Yoga for COPD Symptoms
1. Seated Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Posture reset = More lung space
- Sit tall, feet flat
- Inhale deeply, lengthen spine
- Exhale, release shoulders down
- Repeat 5–8 deep breaths
🧪 Better posture improves respiratory muscle efficiency in elderly COPD patients.
— Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 2011
Study Link
2. Arm Lifts with Inhalation
Chest opening, breath training
- Inhale: raise both arms overhead
- Exhale: slowly bring them down
- Repeat for 8 rounds
3. Seated Cat-Cow Stretch
Releases spinal stiffness, opens lungs
- Inhale: arch the spine, chest forward
- Exhale: round the spine, chin to chest
- Repeat 6–8 rounds slowly
🧪 Spinal movement enhances thoracic flexibility and breathing in COPD patients.
— Respiratory Medicine Journal, 2014
Source
4. Seated Side Bend
Improves lateral rib movement
- Inhale: raise right arm
- Exhale: gently bend to the left
- Hold for 3–4 breaths
- Switch sides
5. Chair-Supported Diaphragmatic Breathing
Strengthens your main breathing muscle
- Sit with hand on belly
- Inhale: belly expands
- Exhale: belly contracts
- Do this for 5 minutes
🧪 Reduces reliance on accessory muscles, lowers respiratory rate in COPD.
— Chest Journal, 2010
Read here
6. Humming Bee Breath (Bhramari)
Reduces anxiety, improves oxygen use
- Inhale deeply
- Exhale while humming like a bee
- Repeat for 6 rounds
🧪 Humming breath enhances nitric oxide output and airway dilation.
— Harvard Health Blog, 2020
Link
7. Seated Eagle Arms
Opens the upper back and improves circulation
- Wrap right arm under left
- Press palms together
- Inhale: lift elbows
- Exhale: hold for 5 breaths
- Switch sides
8. Neck and Shoulder Rolls
Releases tension and improve airflow
- Roll shoulders up, back, and down
- Gently turn head left/right
- Repeat 6–8 times
How Often Should You Practice?
- Start with 10–15 minutes, 3–4 days per week
- Gradually increase to 20 minutes, 5x/week
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing daily
Even short daily sessions can reduce breathlessness and hospital visits.
How Is Chair Yoga for COPD Different from Regular Yoga?
| Feature | Regular Yoga | Chair Yoga |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Standing, balancing | Seated only |
| Impact Level | Moderate | Low, joint-friendly |
| Ideal For | General fitness | Seniors & COPD sufferers |
| Risk of Dizziness | Higher | Very low |
| Breathing Support | Limited | Enhanced focus |
Chair yoga is not a compromise — it's a better, safer fit for many seniors with COPD.
Free Printable PDF: Chair Yoga for COPD
Download the printable version of this routine for easy daily practice.
✅ Step-by-step illustrations
✅ Bold instructions
✅ Large fonts for seniors
📥 Click here to download the FREE PDF
You can also print and hang it near your chair.
FAQs for Chair Yoga for COPD
Q1: Can I do chair yoga with severe COPD?
Yes, but start slow and always consult your doctor. These movements are designed for people with limited lung function.
Q2: Do I need special equipment?
Just a sturdy chair and open space. No mat or blocks needed.
Q3: How soon will I feel better?
Most people notice easier breathing and better energy within 7–14 days of regular practice.
Q4: Can chair yoga help me reduce inhaler use?
It supports lung function, but never stop prescribed medicine without doctor approval.
Q5: Where can I get the free PDF?
Right here — download the free printable PDF for offline use.