5 Top-Rated Online Yoga Classes for...

Key Takeaway

Discover the top-rated online yoga classes specifically designed to relieve joint pain and enhance mobility.

What Are the Benefits of Yoga for Joint Pain?

Taking virtual yoga classes specifically targeting joint support offers numerous benefits. These sessions typically focus on low-impact movements that help to improve flexibility and strength in the affected joints, such as the knees and shoulders.

Regular participation in these classes may also help manage inflammation and pain, enhance mobility, and promote better overall health.

Furthermore, yoga therapy techniques often incorporate mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises, which can be helpful in managing stress and anxiety related to chronic pain.

Which Online Yoga Classes Are Best for Joint Discomfort?

For those seeking relief from joint pain, exploring live online or video on-demand yoga can be beneficial. Many platforms offer video workouts that focus on gentle movements, emphasizing breath and meditation. A qualified instructor can guide you through routines that alleviate discomfort while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

While there are many options of YouTube yoga classes, consider subscribing to a membership that provides access to various styles, allowing you to find the right fit for your body. The key is commitment to your yoga practice and understanding the causes of your pain.

Here are our top 5 recommended virtual yoga classes to support healthy joints.

1. Iyengar for Knee Health

This gentle 45-minute Iyengar yoga class focuses specifically on knee health and healing, making it suitable for practitioners of all levels, especially those experiencing knee pain or stiffness. Instructor Chris leads slow, deliberate movements, with supportive guidance and clear instructions throughout this joint-friendly practice.

• Suggested props: You’ll need two blankets, a bolster, a strap, and a chair to fully participate in the carefully designed postures.

Perfect for desk workers, walkers, or anyone with sore knees, this pre-recorded online class offers therapeutic movements to strengthen and care for your knee joints. The class is available for free with a 2-week trial and requires a subscription thereafter.

This thoughtfully crafted session provides an accessible way to address knee concerns while experiencing the precision and alignment benefits characteristic of Iyengar yoga. 

2. Chair Yoga for Everyone

This nurturing 30-minute Gentle Seated Chair Yoga Class offers a peaceful and accessible approach to yoga that welcomes practitioners of all abilities, particularly those experiencing joint pain or limited mobility. The session provides simple, mindful movements at a comfortable pace, with clear cues that prioritize safety and self-care throughout. Props allow participants to adapt each pose to their individual needs, making this practice truly inclusive and attainable for most people.

• Suggested props: A sturdy chair (necessary), a yoga block, and folded blankets or towels (optional).

Available for $4.99 with a subscription requirement for streaming and downloads, this gentle class has earned praise for its calming, supportive, and inclusive approach. Particularly well-suited for low-energy days, recovery periods, or managing joint discomfort, the session creates space for participants to tune into both body and mind while moving at their own pace. The class stands out for its emphasis on progress without pressure, making it a perfect option for those seeking a gentle yet effective practice that meets them exactly where they are.

3. Daily Plan for All Over Mobility

“A Daily Plan for All Over Mobility” is a thoughtful 43-minute class that skillfully combines traditional Hatha yoga with targeted mobility exercises. This class is well-suited for practitioners of all levels, though particularly valuable for those with some yoga experience looking to refine and strengthen their practice.

At $6.99 with a subscription offering streaming and download options, this class is absolutely a worthwhile wellness investment. These types of low-impact strength training exercises are essential for keeping your body active and healthy, especially as you age.

• Suggested props: Just a yoga block will get you through!

What makes this class stand out is its intelligent approach to joint health. The sequence deliberately incorporates movements that increase circulation to the joints and strengthen the supporting musculature around vulnerable areas like knees, hips, and shoulders.

If you add this class to your weekly rotation, you can expect reduced stiffness and improved range of motion within several weeks. While the alignment-focused instruction may present mild challenges for absolute beginners, the class serves as excellent preventative care for joint issues and supportive rehabilitation for those recovering from injuries. 

4. Therapeutic Yoga for Wrists, Shoulders, and Neck

As a yogi with a past wrist injury, I was delighted to find Shy Sayar’s “Therapeutic Yoga for Wrists, Shoulders and Neck.”  This concise 23-minute class offers remarkably effective stretches targeting the upper body areas most affected by desk work — an exceptional resource for those seeking relief from computer-related tension.

Shy’s instruction is precise and accessible, guiding students through a thoughtful sequence perfectly suited for an impromptu break during a busy workday or at home. Priced at $4.99 with subscription options for streaming or downloading, this session represents an excellent investment for anyone spending extended periods at a computer.

• Suggested props: None needed here!

The gentle nature of this class belies its effectiveness; the carefully designed movements create immediate relief in chronically tight areas while simultaneously teaching sustainable techniques for long-term shoulder and neck health.  I particularly loved how this class addresses both the physical symptoms of tension and the accompanying mental fatigue.

Whether incorporated as a midday reset or an end-of-day unwinding ritual, this class offers practical tools for countering the physical challenges of our digital lifestyles.

5. Yin & Restorative – “Never Pushing”

Incorporating this “30 min Yin & Restorative” into your class rotation is a remarkable addition to any mindful movement routine. This gentle offering creates a nurturing space for practitioners of all levels to experience deep, restful holds that specifically target joint mobility and tension release.

Vytas, the teacher, guides students through a thoughtfully paced sequence requiring minimal props, making this practice both accessible and effective. The deliberate emphasis on “never pushing” creates a rare opportunity to completely relax and release physical and mental strain.

• Suggested props: A bolster and/or pillow will allow you the most comfort and ease.

I particularly appreciated this class for its sustained, mindful stretching that targets connective tissues often neglected in more dynamic practices. The slow, meditative quality of each pose allows for the release of deeply held tension in the fascia surrounding joints, particularly beneficial for those experiencing stiffness from prolonged desk work or daily stress. 

How Do I Choose the Right Online Yoga Class for My Needs?

When selecting a yoga class for joint pain, it’s important to consider the style and focus of the class. Look for classes that emphasize low-impact techniques such as chair yoga, gentle yoga, or even yin yoga, which are generally more adaptable for individuals with limited mobility.

The inclusion of yoga props, especially common in the styles of Iyengar and restorative yoga, is another good indication that a particular class will accommodate sensitive joints. Search for yoga sessions that make use of yoga blocks, bolsters, blankets, and straps. These props ensure you will be supported during your practice without pushing you beyond your limits. 

Additionally, consider the qualifications of the yoga instructors and ensure they have experience working with clients who have similar conditions. Checking reviews and ratings can also help you find highly recommended classes that suit your needs.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating gentle, targeted yoga into your routine can be transformative for managing joint pain. From Iyengar focusing on precise alignment to chair yoga offering accessible options for limited mobility, these five classes provide effective approaches to reduce inflammation and increase mobility. Whether you’re experiencing wrist discomfort from computer work or seeking all-over joint maintenance, these specialized practices offer effective relief through mindful movement. 

We encourage you to begin with one or two 20-30 minute sessions per week, gradually building consistency and duration as you notice improvements. Remember that yoga for joint health isn’t about pushing limits—it’s about creating space, improving circulation, and strengthening supporting muscles.

Your joints will thank you for this investment in sustainable, gentle self-care that can lead to lasting comfort and improved quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions