Staying Motivated

Yogi Carol
Oct 29
4 min read

Starting a new routine can feel exciting — especially something as gentle and rewarding as chair yoga. You feel inspired, hopeful and ready to commit. But after a few weeks, it’s easy to let enthusiasm fade. Life gets busy, or progress may feel slow. Don’t worry — we’ve all been there!

With a few simple mindset shifts, you can maintain your chair yoga practice and enjoy benefits like improved flexibility, balance, and calmness.

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1. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Think about why you started chair yoga. Was it to ease stiffness? Improve posture? Boost energy? Prepare for surgery? Or simply carve out time for yourself?

Getting to the root of your motivation can be powerful. One method to do this is asking the question “Why” repeatedly. Ask yourself why you want to ease stiffness, for example. Maybe your first answer is, “So I have less pain.” The next answer might be, “So I can move more easily.” The next answer might be, “So I can play with my grandchildren.”

Your root motivation will drive the need and desire to continue with your chair yoga practice.

Additionally, whatever your reason, write it down and keep it visible. When motivation dips, this gentle reminder can reignite your spark.

“Crafting your “why statement” can be a powerful tool to stay motivated and continue your chair yoga practice. Take some time, think about it and get to the root of your motivation. It’ll make a difference!”

- Yogi Carol

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Progress in yoga isn’t measured by how far you can stretch or how long you can hold a pose—it’s about how you feel. Did you show up to class even when you didn’t feel like it? That’s a win. Did your balance feel a little steadier this week? Another win.

I encourage you to focus on non-weight goals. Comments on the Bottoms Down YouTube channel often mention weight related targets. Track other markers and give yourself a big pat on the back when you accomplish them.

The more you acknowledge your small successes, the more encouraged you’ll feel to continue. Every class you complete — five minutes or twenty — is a success worth celebrating.

3. Make It a Date with Yourself

Schedule your chair yoga sessions like an appointment. Put it on your calendar and honor it the same way you would a meeting or doctor’s visit.

You can decide the day and time that works best. Because Bottoms Down Chair Yoga is online, you have access to all of the classes 24/7. Plus, you need no equipment, other than a chair, so your living room becomes your own personal gym.

Whether morning or evening, that time belongs to you. The more consistent you are, the easier it is to make chair yoga a regular habit.

Want to do a class right now? Join us on Day 1 of this 28-day Challenge.

4. Enjoy the Journey

Chair yoga isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. Enjoy the gentle stretches, breath-work, and relaxation that come with each session.

There’s a saying, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” Some days you’ll feel stronger and have the energy for a longer class. But some days you might want a shorter, less intense class. Listen to your body, be flexible with your mindset and give yourself permission to find what works best for you today. And with over 700 classes on the Bottoms Down YouTube channel, you’re bound to find a class that’s perfect for you today.

When you focus on how good it feels in the moment, you’ll naturally want to come back for more.

Check out this class from the Slow and Short series.

5. Join a Supportive Community

Being part of a community helps you stay consistent. That’s why we have created the Bottoms Down Wellness Community. It’s where a group of like-minded yogis can join a class, connect online, and share their progress. In the Bottoms Down Chair Yoga community, we celebrate every stretch, breath, and smile together.

Bottom Line

Motivation grows when you move with kindness. Keep showing up, even on slow days. Each stretch, breath, and smile brings you closer to a stronger, happier you.

Ready for your next class? Subscribe to Bottoms Down Chair Yoga on YouTube for weekly sessions designed to help you stay active, flexible, and motivated — all from the comfort of your chair.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chair Yoga Motivation

1. How often should I do chair yoga? 2–4 times per week works well for most people, but even a few minutes a day can improve flexibility, balance, and energy.

2. What if I miss a class? No worries! Just start again. Chair yoga is about consistency, not perfection. Pick a short video and ease back in.

3. Can chair yoga help me stay active? Yes! It gently strengthens muscles, improves circulation, and supports balance — all low-impact and safe for beginners and seniors.

4. Is chair yoga good for beginners? Absolutely! Every pose can be modified for comfort and safety. No prior experience or flexibility is required.

5. How can I stay motivated on tough days?

Remind yourself how good you feel after even a short session. Commit to 5 minutes — your body and mind often want to continue once you start. Remember, as Carol says, “the hardest part is just getting to your chair.”