6 Best Chair Cardio Exercises To Burn Calories

Did you know that you can perform a great weight-burning cardio workout while sitting on a chair? Well, it is true! Chair cardio routines offer a creative way to stay active while sitting. They include low-impact exercises like chair leg lifts, chair push-ups, chair yoga, chair Zumba, and chair boxing that promote calorie burning and overall fitness.

Read this post and learn how to perform these simple, yet effective chair cardio exercises and the precautions to take while doing them.

Workout Blueprint: Chair Cardio Exercises

• Frequency: 2-4 times per week
• Benefits: Strengthen the core, tone the thighs, and improve posture.
• Equipment Needed: Sturdy chair
• Space Required: Small area
• Assistance Required: No
• Who Should Avoid: Anyone with joint or balance issues.

Health Benefits Of Chair Cardio Exercises

Chair cardio exercises are good for people who do not have very active bodies. They may help improve the following (1):

• Strength
• Mobility
• Balance
• Walking speed
• Grip strength
• Overall health.

Chair cardio exercises are performed while seated. Due to this, they also reduce the impact on your knees, hips, and ankles, making them ideal for those with arthritis, joint pain, or injuries. Scroll down for the best exercises you can try.

Top 6 Chair Cardio Exercises For Burning Calories

While you can perform some serious calorie-burning cardio exercises at home, not all of them can fit your busy schedule. What if you could find a fitness solution for your sedentary lifestyle without even moving away from your work desk? Try out these chair cardio exercises that will help you begin your journey toward better mobility, flexibility, and gradually, overall fitness.

Equipment Needed:

• A flat-backed sturdy chair (without wheels)

Once the equipment is ready, proceed to the first exercise:

1. Seated Jacks:

Usually, we begin most routines with a round of jumping jacks for warming up. What is more incredible is that you can also perform seated jacks, which help you burn a good amount of calories without getting drenched in sweat.

Directions:

1. Sit straight with your knees together.
2. Join your knees and keep your toes pointed.
3. Your elbows should be bent and your arms open to the sides.
4. Your palms should face forward.
5. Take both legs out to the sides and flex your feet.
6. Let your legs land on the heel and bring your arms together above your head, just like a normal jumping jack.
7. Now begin returning to the starting position.
8. Perform 25-30 reps in a row.

2. Skater Switch:

Core-strengthening exercises are important for a stable, strong body with good balance that enables the performance of other advanced exercises. This low-impact version of a side skater is one such core exercise that engages the core, inner thighs, arms, and shoulders, ensuring a full-body workout.

Directions:

1. Move to the edge of your chair.
2. Bend your right knee out to the side and extend your left leg out to the other side.
3. Keep your toes pointed.
4. Begin extending your arms and leaning forward.
5. Try and reach the inside of your right foot with your left arm.
6. Immediately, switch over and do the same with the right arm and the left foot.
7. Rest and repeat.
8. Perform 25-30 alternating reps.

Did You Know?

Chair cardio exercises are a great way to improve your posture along with burning calories. You can also improve your upper body flexibility with these exercises.

3. Leg Lift And Twist:

This routine is quite beneficial for your body. The leg-lift and twist tones your inner thighs, abs and quadriceps.

Directions:

1. Sit on the edge of the chair.
2. Begin extending your right leg straight. Remember to keep your foot grounded throughout.
3. Cross your arms over your chest and brace your abs tight.
4. Rotate your torso to the right as you lift your right leg to the left knee.
5. Squeeze your knees together and begin returning to the starting position.
6. Switch sides and repeat.
7. Perform around 15-25 reps.

4. Hinge And Cross:

This routine is good for strengthening your abs and back muscles, while also working out your lower body.

Directions:

1. Sit straight with your knees together.
2. Keep your toes pointed and lift your hands and bring them behind your head.
3. Bracing your abs, hinge back a bit so that your shoulder blades barely touch the chair’s back.
4. Cross your right elbow and your left knee.
5. Begin returning to the starting position.
6. Switch sides and repeat.
7. Perform 20 alternating reps.

5. Chair Running:

This is probably one of the funniest chair cardio exercises on this list. Running from the comfort of your chair might sound ludicrous, but this routine has been proven to work your arms, abs and legs while providing you with an excellent cardio workout. Moreover, with this routine, you can run even when you wear heels. Similarly chair marching and chair cycling can also be performed as an effective cardio exercise.

Directions:

1. Sit straight and extend your legs.
2. Keep your toes pointed and your arms bent at the sides.
3. Brace your abs tight and let your shoulder blades touch the back of the chair lightly.
4. Begin bending your right knee into your chest and turn your left shoulder towards your knee.
5. Pull your right elbow back and switch sides immediately.
6. Alternate and do 25-30 quick repetitions.

6. Shoulder Rolls:

Shoulder rolls are a simple and effective chair exercise that helps relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. This exercise involves rotating your shoulders in a circular motion to promote flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Directions:

1. Sit on a chair comfortably with your feet lying flat on the ground. Maintain a straight back and rest your hands on your thighs.
2. Let your arms hang by your sides. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, begin rolling your shoulders in a gentle circular motion.
3. Roll your shoulders forward or clockwise in a circular motion 5 to 10 times. Then, reverse the direction and roll your shoulders backward or anticlockwise for the same number of repetitions.
4. Ensure your movements are smooth and controlled. Avoid jerky or fast motions.
5. Perform 2 to 3 sets of continuous motion for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

While performing these 6 exercises, take rest breaks to avoid straining yourself. For instance, after performing the desired reps for seated jacks, take a 1-minute rest interval. Then, move on to the next exercise. Repeat this for all the six exercises.

Now, let’s check out some precautions you need to take to do these exercises safely.

Precautions To Take

• Always choose a sturdy chair that does not shake or fall over easily.
• Don’t push yourself too hard during your workout. Aim for doing moderately intense exercises that leave you feeling a little out of breath and possibly a little warmer than usual.
• Avoid holding your breath when working out.
• Ensure to maintain a proper posture throughout your workout to prevent unnecessary strain or injuries.

Did You Know?

Chair cardio exercises are one of the best seated workouts and a great way to burn calories for people with a sedentary lifestyle or those who have a knee injury. They can also be performed by pregnant women with the advice of their gynecologist.

Infographic: 3 Effective Chair Cardio Exercises To Shed Calories

Chair cardio exercises are simple, low-impact exercises that help burn calories and improve upper body flexibility. All you need is a flat-backed sturdy chair with no wheels and some motivation. Check out the below infographic to understand how to perform three effective cardio exercises to shed calories faster

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are chair exercises good for seniors?

According to research, customized chair exercises for seniors can help strengthen their bodies and improve mobility. They are easy workouts that can be done anywhere (1).

Can you lose weight by doing chair yoga?

Yes, chair yoga and chair aerobics are good low-impact methods to include movement in your daily routine. Anecdotal evidence suggests that most people can burn between 120 and 250 calories in a 32-minute exercise session, which can be increased by including weights or resistance bands in their routine.

How often should seniors do chair exercises?

Studies suggest that adults should strive to engage in 150-300 minutes of medium-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities per week (2). Senior citizens should also practice balance exercises at least three times each week.

Get ready to burn calories and lose weight with this easy sitting cardio workout! As the video shows, chair exercises are the perfect way to get fit without moving around too much. Watch the video now!

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