Chair Arm Raise

Arm Raises: The Surprisingly Soothing Yoga Move Your Shoulders Crave (Includes 30 Modifications)

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Let’s raise the roof. From a chair.

Arm Raises may sound like the warm-up you do before a jazzercise class from 1985—but don’t be fooled. These gentle lifts are a powerhouse when it comes to energising your upper body, syncing breath with movement, and preparing your nervous system for, well, anything.

This movement is one of the essential Warm-Up exercises from my Chakra Chair Yoga Card Deck—designed for students and teachers who want to feel amazing without ever leaving their chair. (Because let’s be honest, standing is overrated sometimes.)

Arm Raises are gentle enough for complete beginners and powerful enough to shift stagnant energy, stimulate your lymphatic system, and bring a little "aha!" to your day—all while sitting tall and grounded.

Let’s lift off, shall we?

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5 Steps To Master The "Arm Raises" Chair Yoga Exercise

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Step 1: Sit tall at the front of a sturdy chair.

Step 2: Place your feet shoulder-width apart and firmly grounded.

Step 3: Engage your core muscles slightly (like you’re bracing for a sneeze in public).

Step 4: On an inhale, slowly raise both arms overhead.

Step 5: On an exhale, gently bring the arms back down.

That’s it. This move is like a moving meditation. It opens the shoulders, engages the spine, and sets the tone for your whole practice.

Now let’s raise the bar with 30 creative modifications.

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10 Beginner Modifications For The "Arm Raises" Chair Yoga Exercise

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Beginner Modification 1: Halfway Raise
Lift your arms only to shoulder height. Perfect if full overhead movement feels like too much.

Beginner Modification 2: One Arm at a Time
Lift one arm while keeping the other in your lap. Swap sides. It’s the yoga version of “low impact.”

Beginner Modification 3: Elbows Bent
Keep elbows at 90 degrees while lifting. Reduces pressure on stiff shoulders.

Beginner Modification 4: Supported Back
Use a pillow or sit against the chair back for more stability while raising arms.

Beginner Modification 5: Wall Assisted
Sit with your chair against a wall. Helps with posture and prevents tipping while reaching up.

Beginner Modification 6: Wrist Lift Only
Just lift your wrists while keeping elbows by your side. Subtle, soothing, and shoulder-friendly.

Beginner Modification 7: Slow Breathing Focus
Even if your arms barely lift, sync the movement with slow, mindful breathing. It's a breath-led stretch.

Beginner Modification 8: Alternate Arm Raise with Twist
Lift one arm and gently turn toward it. Helps with spinal mobility and keeps it interesting.

Beginner Modification 9: Finger Lift Only
Just lift and spread the fingers on your lap in sync with breath. A mini movement with major calming effects.

Beginner Modification 10: Palms Together Prayer Lift
Keep palms pressed together in front of your heart, and raise both arms together. A simple, grounded gesture.

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10 Intermediate Modifications For The "Arm Raises" Chair Yoga Exercise

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Intermediate Modification 1: Full Extension Overhead
Stretch arms straight overhead with palms facing each other. Channel your inner mountain pose.

Intermediate Modification 2: Eyes Closed Raise
Close your eyes during the movement to tune into your body. Just don’t fall asleep (unless that’s your goal).

Intermediate Modification 3: Breath Ladder Raise
Inhale for 3 counts to raise, exhale for 3 counts to lower. Add a count each round to challenge your lung capacity.

Intermediate Modification 4: Arm Raise with Core Squeeze
Engage your belly button to spine as you lift. A stealthy ab workout in disguise.

Intermediate Modification 5: Chair Edge Power Raise
Sit near the front edge of your chair. Raises become more engaging. So does your core.

Intermediate Modification 6: Palms Out Wide Arc
Start with palms facing forward, sweep your arms out and up in a wide arc. Adds drama and a sense of flight.

Intermediate Modification 7: Synchronised Arm + Heel Lift
Lift your arms while raising your heels. Whole-body wake-up achieved.

Intermediate Modification 8: Seated Twist with Raise
Lift arms overhead, then gently twist to one side. Alternate sides for bonus spinal love.

Intermediate Modification 9: Arm Raise + Shoulder Shrug
Add a shoulder shrug at the top of the lift before lowering arms. It’s like your arms just sighed with relief.

Intermediate Modification 10: Candle Flick Breath Raise
Exhale like you’re gently blowing out a candle as you lower your arms. Adds a soft breath focus.

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10 Advanced Modifications For The "Arm Raises" Chair Yoga Exercise

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Advanced Modification 1: Arm Raise + Leg Hover
Raise your arms while lifting one foot slightly off the floor. Balance + strength = glory.

Advanced Modification 2: Resistance Band Raise
Hold a resistance band between your hands as you lift. Resistance meets resilience.

Advanced Modification 3: Arm Circles at the Top
At the top of your raise, do 5 small circles before lowering. Shoulders will feel it. So will your soul.

Advanced Modification 4: Close-Eyed + Core Engagement
Eyes shut. Core engaged. Arms up. Inner yogi activated.

Advanced Modification 5: Partner Mirror Raise
Sit across from a partner and mirror each other's arm movements. Bonus: laughter is likely.

Advanced Modification 6: Breath Retention Raise
Inhale to raise, hold breath and position at the top for 3–5 seconds, then exhale to lower. Intense and centring.

Advanced Modification 7: Seated Balance + Arms
Sit on the very front of the chair, arms up, and lean back slightly without using the chair back. Abs and arms unite.

Advanced Modification 8: Arm Raise + Knee Lift Combo
Lift both arms and opposite knee at the same time. Then switch. It’s yoga choreography, and you’re the lead.

Advanced Modification 9: Arm Pulse Hold
Raise arms and hold them at shoulder height. Add small up-and-down pulses for 10 seconds. Burn, baby, burn.

Advanced Modification 10: Alphabet Arm Tracing
Trace giant letters in the air with your fingers during the lift. Spell your name. Or a positive affirmation.

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Conclusion: Arm Raises—Because Elevation Isn’t Just a Metaphor

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Arm Raises may look simple, but like a good cup of tea, they warm you from the inside out. They stretch the upper body, promote circulation, and connect breath with movement. They’re a love letter to your shoulders. A pep talk for your spine. And a gentle invitation to lift—not just your arms, but your energy.

Whether you're teaching, recovering, or just stretching in your slippers, the Chakra Chair Yoga Card Deck gives you dozens of variations to make this pose work for everyone—from absolute beginners to yogis who can spell “Namaste” with their toes.

So if you're ready to rise up (without standing up), there’s only one direction left to go: up!

Grab your Chakra Chair Yoga Card Deck today and raise (forgive the pun!) your game.