Should I try chair yoga or tai chi for arthritis?
Both are excellent low-impact options with strong evidence in older adults. Chair yoga is more accessible if standing is painful or unsafe — you can do it from a stable chair with no equipment. Tai chi requires standing balance but has the strongest evidence for reducing falls in older adults with arthritis (roughly 30% fewer falls in NHS-endorsed trials).
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
When would you pick Chair yoga?
Severe knee/hip pain; poor balance; can't stand for long; recovering from surgery.
When would you pick Tai chi?
You can stand safely; want falls-prevention benefit; enjoy a group class.
What should I be careful about?
Look for instructors trained in adaptations for arthritis — search 'arthritis-adapted' or 'senior-focused'.