The bottom Line
The Aozora backless yoga chair prop has raised the training bar for yoga practice. A sturdy assist for flexibility, stability, and strength training. The chair comes with the added benefit of padding, thereby reducing the risk of injury or discomfort. If you want to look at other options, you can pop over to our list of recommendations and see what we consider the best yoga chair and bench.
At a Glance
Size: 42″x 19.5″ x 3.5″
Seat Dimensions: 16″x 16″
Max User Weight: 350lbs
The Aozora Backless yoga chair prop is one of the most reputable chair props to enter the yoga world. Unlike previous yoga chairs, which are typically metal framed, cushionless, and single-hinged, making yoga practice uncomfortable when in certain positions (think handstand!).
This chair comes with a padded seat that cushions your limbs, joints, and toes when practicing certain positions.
Who practices chair yoga?
Chair yoga can be practiced by anyone, however, it is generally widely more popular in retirement and old-age home communities. This type of yoga is also perfect for office workers, or for those who have limited mobility due to injury or disability.
The studies below show the benefits of yoga and chair yoga, in particular for the elderly.
A 2019 systematic evaluation titled “The Effects of Yoga Compared to Active and Inactive Controls on Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults – A Systematic Review” found that yoga increased bodily function compared to inactive. The study advised that public health authorities recommend yoga to senior communities for better health outcomes.
Furthermore, a 2021 study titled “Yoga for Healthy Aging: Science or Hype?” found that participating in yoga has a range of benefits from increasing mobility, reducing the risk of slip and fall, improved sleep, and overall wellbeing. However, seniors should consult with a doctor before participating in physical activity.
Another notable review published in 2021 was titled “The Effect of Chair-Based Exercise on Physical Function in Older Adults,” which mirrored the results of the 2019 systematic evaluation. Motivated by the coronavirus crisis, the study sought physical exercise alternatives for elderly populations while most public health exercise locales were closed. The report found benefits to chair-based exercise, especially regarding seniors’ balance, speed, and grip strength. While not replicated on younger people, the results are expected to be the same.
Benefits of using a yoga chair
The Aozora backless yoga chair is complete with unique bar placement, which allows for accomplishing several positions than traditional everyday chairs. In addition, the chair can be used in other physical activities such as ballet, barre, or Pilates.
Beginner positions such as the Chair Warrior (Virabhadrasana) will improve posture and body alignment. For the more intermediate yogi, the chair can better assist with gaining the upper body strength to achieve more complex poses. For the advanced yogi, you may want to use this prop for hand balances and backbends.
While chair usage in yoga practice has a solidified history, there is a reason you aren’t supposed to do yoga on any chair. A chair with firm back support will limit the range of moves a yogi can achieve, which is why backless yoga chairs function better for practice. In addition, many chairs have weight limits and are not engineered for yoga balances. To avoid hurting yourself, use the correct equipment for the right thing.
About The Brand
Aozora is fully dedicated to living a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle. They offer a range of high-quality yoga equipment, as well as other health and wellness-related products. They’re also known for their Aozora yoga mat bag and a yoga mat sling, made from 100% canvas material. Aozora also sells a 13-inch yoga wheel, which comes with a step-by-step book on executing more than 30 unique postures and stretches.
Features
Size
This yoga chair weighs around 10lbs. Most people will easily be able to move and handle this chair with little to no effort. When opened, this sturdy chair stands at 31 inches.
Weight Limit
If you weigh more than 350lbs, this product is not suitable for you.
Material
The backless design makes it possible to practice backbends on the chair while padding protects the spine.
Design
With 15 x 15-inch seat dimensions, there is enough space to practice sitting, standing, or balancing positions.
Stability
The rubber stops at the bottom of the foot legs reduce the risk of slippage. The double-hinged feature also increases stability and strength, which eases worries during practice.
Dimensions
With 15 x 15-inch seat dimensions, there is enough space to practice sitting, standing, or balancing positions.
Storage
The Aozora yoga chair is space-efficient and can easily be folded and stored out of the way.
Returns Policy
This yoga chair from Aozora comes with a no hassle-back guarantee. Should you find any signs of defect on your chair, or if you are dissatisfied with the product, Aozora will give you a full refund.
what we like about the aozora backless yoga chair
- The padded seat on the chair is extremely comfortable.
- The chair is very sturdy, yet lightweight.
- Multi-functional as it can be used for yoga, barre exercises and as a normal sitting chair.
What we Don’t like about the aozora backless yoga chair
- The bright and busy color pattern on the seat isn’t for everyone.
- The black painton the chair comes off after using it for a while.
- The chair is quite expensive.
Comparison Table
The number of yoga chairs and benches available to choose from can be staggering, especially if you’re a new yogi seedling. However, if you have decided to settle for a yoga chair, that’s already half the battle won.
Below you’ll find a short comparison table between the Aozora backless yoga chair and one of its close competitors, the CIGOCIVI yoga chair. The table highlights the most important features to see how the two chairs stack up to each other.
| Aozora Backless Yoga Chair | CIGOCIVI Yoga Auxiliary Chair |
|---|---|
| Item Weight: 10lbs | Item Weight: 10.5lbs |
| Item Height: 31″ | Item Height: 32.6″ |
| Dimensions: 42″ x 19.5″ x 3.5″ | Dimensions: 10″ x 32″ x 16″ |
| Seat Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ | Seat Dimensions: 16″ x 16″ |
| Seat Padding: Yes | Seat Padding: Yes |
| Material: Steel | Material: Metal |
| Double Hinged: Yes | Double Hinged: Yes |
| Max User Weight: 350lbs | Max User Weight: 480lbs |
What’s in the box?
Once you’ve received your Aozora backless yoga chair, you will open the box to a folded chair in wrapping.
Conclusion
The Aozora backless yoga chair is a perfect prop for those who enjoy practicing chair yoga, regardless of your expertise. Its features make it ideal for beginners up to advanced, while other chairs are better suited for those with intermediate and advanced capabilities only.
Even better, the chair is multipurpose and can be used as an actual chair or when practicing other sports such as ballet and pilates. The handy folding mechanism allows for the product to be easily stored.
The only problem we had with this chair is that it is a bit overpriced. Overall, yoga chairs aren’t the cheapest, but if you’re on a budget, this chair shouldn’t be at the top of your priority list.
As research has shown, chair yoga will increase your speed, balance, and strength over time. In years to come, chair exercises are likely to be pushed as a great exercise option for those who are less able.
