12 Best Chair Tai Chi YouTube Videos — Free Curated Guide
We reviewed hundreds of chair tai chi videos on YouTube and selected these 12 based on instructor credentials, safety cues, production quality, and suitability for seniors and beginners. Every video below is free to watch — just click the link.
Quick-Start Picks
If you only have time for one video, start here:
- Complete beginner? → Seated Tai Chi (6 mins) — WA Centre (197K views)
- Want a full routine? → Seated Tai Chi for Seniors — David-Dorian Ross (333K views)
- Need it short? → Tai Chi 5 Minutes a Day — Taiflow (18M views)
Top Chair Tai Chi YouTube Channels
1. Tai Chi Made Easy with David-Dorian Ross (84K subscribers)
David-Dorian Ross is a 7-time U.S. national tai chi champion and one of the most prolific seated tai chi creators on YouTube. His videos feature clear verbal cues, front-facing "mirror" instruction, and modifications for different mobility levels.
Best videos:
- Seated Tai Chi Exercises for Seniors — Easy to Follow (606K views, 20 min) — His most popular seated video. Covers arm raises, flowing motions, and gentle weight shifts. Excellent pacing for beginners.
- Seated Tai Chi for Seniors (333K views, 11 min) — A shorter routine perfect for daily practice.
- Seated Tai Chi for Home Practice (102K views) — Designed specifically for people following along at home without a class setting.
2. Taiflow with Leia (320K subscribers)
Taiflow's "5 Minutes a Day" modular series is the most-viewed tai chi content on YouTube, with over 18 million views on the first module alone. While not all seated, the modular approach is ideal for building a progressive practice.
Best videos:
- Tai Chi 5 Minutes a Day — Module 01 (18M views) — Teaches "The Wave" and "Embracing the Moon." The perfect gateway to tai chi for absolute beginners.
- Tai Chi 5 Minutes a Day — Module 02 (2M views) — Introduces Cloud Hands (云手) and Single Whip — two of the most fundamental tai chi movements.
- Tai Chi 5 Minutes a Day — Module 03 (908K views) — Adds Parting the Horse's Mane (野马分鬃) and Double Spiral.
3. Dr. Paul Lam — Tai Chi Productions (251K subscribers)
Dr. Paul Lam is a family physician and the creator of the CDC-endorsed Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program, recognized by the NCOA as an evidence-based program. His channel is the gold standard for medically-informed tai chi instruction.
Best videos:
- Tai Chi for Beginners (10M views) — The foundational introduction to Sun-style tai chi. While standing, the movements are easily adapted to a chair.
- Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis (167K views) — Specifically designed for people with arthritis. Includes warm-up, Sun-style movements, and cool-down — all from a seated position.
4. Healthcare Channels (Verified Medical Sources)
YouTube's "From health sources" label appears on these videos, giving them added credibility:
- Full Length Tai Chi Class — Piedmont Healthcare (242K views, 36 min) — A complete hospital-produced tai chi class with professional instruction.
- Seated Exercises for Older Adults — Dartmouth Health (9.5M views) — While broader than tai chi alone, this is the most-watched seated exercise video from a healthcare institution.
- 30-Minute Tai Chi — VA Gerofit Program — Veterans Health Administration's seated tai chi class, part of their evidence-based Gerofit exercise program.
5. Freshfield Fitness — TAI CHI ACTIVE
A channel dedicated entirely to gentle seated tai chi for older adults. Every video is designed for people over 60.
Best videos:
- Seated Tai Chi for Beginners, Seniors & Over 60s (49K views) — Specifically targeted at people new to seated tai chi.
- Seated Tai Chi — Gentle Exercise for Seniors (57K views) — A calm, well-paced seated routine.
How to Choose the Right Video for You
| Your Situation | Recommended Video | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner, never tried tai chi | WA Centre — Seated Tai Chi (6 min) | 6 min |
| Want a daily habit (minimal time) | Taiflow — Module 01 | 5 min |
| Ready for a full seated routine | David-Dorian Ross — Seated for Seniors | 11 min |
| Have arthritis or joint pain | Dr. Paul Lam — Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis | 15 min |
| Want a complete class experience | Piedmont Healthcare — Full Class | 36 min |
| Prefer gentle qigong + tai chi blend | LEAP Service — Gentle Tai Chi & Qi Gong | 25 min |
Tips for Practicing with YouTube Videos
Watch first, then follow along. Before trying to move with a video, watch it through once. This helps you understand the flow and prepare mentally.
Set up your screen at eye level. Position your phone, tablet, or laptop where you can see it comfortably while seated. If using a TV, that's ideal — the larger screen makes it easier to see detailed hand and arm positions.
Use a sturdy, non-rolling chair. This is the #1 safety rule. A standard dining chair works perfectly. Avoid office chairs with wheels, cushioned armchairs that restrict movement, or stools without backs.
Pause and replay freely. One of the biggest advantages of YouTube over in-person classes is the ability to pause, rewind, and replay any section as many times as you need.
Build a playlist. Create a personal YouTube playlist organized by your weekly schedule. For example:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: David-Dorian Ross — Full Seated Routine (20 min)
- Tuesday/Thursday: Taiflow — 5-Minute Module (5 min)
- Weekend: Try a new video to keep practice fresh
Pair YouTube Videos with Written Guides
Video is great for seeing the movements — but written guides help you understand the details. We recommend combining both:
- Chair Tai Chi Exercises — Step-by-step instructions for every core movement
- Chair Tai Chi for Beginners — Foundational concepts before your first video
- Chair Tai Chi for Seniors — Safety guidelines and health-specific advice
- Seated Tai Chi — The philosophy and principles behind the movements
- Free Chair Tai Chi Resources — All our free guides in one place
All view counts are approximate as of 2025. We update this list regularly to reflect the best available content. ChairTaiChi.org is not affiliated with any of the YouTube channels listed above.
