ChiLiving

What ChiLiving does

ChiLiving Inc., founded in 1999 by Danny and Katherine Dreyer and today owned by a group of five master instructors, is a privately held U.S. wellness company that develops and commercializes the ChiRunning and ChiWalking methodologies — running and walking techniques grounded in T'ai Chi principles and emphasizing posture, alignment, cadence (170–180 steps per minute), body sensing, and a forward-fall technique intended to reduce impact and injury. The company distributes these methodologies through a layered product stack that includes published books (ChiRunning, ChiWalking, and ChiMarathon via Simon & Schuster), the ChiRunning and ChiWalking mobile applications with built-in metronome functionality, the ChiRunning School online platform (100+ video lessons and monthly webinars, hosted on Mighty Networks), an 8-week Essentials Course priced at $125, structured live training programs such as a 16-week half-marathon plan, and a small line of branded physical gear (Seiko running metronome, touchscreen-compatible gloves, fitness towels).

The business combines a creator-brand content business with a certification-franchise model. Consumers access ChiRunning/ChiWalking instruction digitally via subscription and one-time course purchases, or in person via workshops delivered by a global network of more than 200 certified instructors across 20+ countries. Fitness professionals become instructors through an internal certification program launched in 2004, paying for instructor training (a 25-CEC Instructor Weekend is offered at $75), after which they run their own workshops and private sessions and list them through ChiLiving's find-a-workshop infrastructure. Recurring revenue comes from ChiRunning School subscriptions (with a two-year price lock-in), instructor renewal relationships, and affiliate revenue (notably the Xero Shoes minimalist footwear partnership), while non-recurring revenue comes from books, gear, live workshops, coaching, and events such as the Indianapolis Chi VIP Weekend Experience (November 5–8, 2026).

Operationally, ChiLiving is a lean organization of 11–50 employees with corporate and operational addresses in West Ossipee, NH; commercial activity is concentrated in the U.S. and Canada and an Asia-Pacific region (mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan) under regional director Harrison Wong. Distribution is omnichannel — owned e-commerce at chiliving.com, apps in the iOS and Android app stores, Mighty Networks community, certified instructors, published books in retail channels, and event-driven VIP weekends — and customer acquisition relies on content marketing (the ChiBlog knowledge center), social media, email newsletters, and instructor referrals.

Name

ChiLiving

Legal name

ChiLiving Inc.

Website

https://chiliving.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ChiLiving Inc., founded in 1999, teaches ChiRunning and ChiWalking — mindful movement methods based on T'ai Chi principles — via online courses, mobile apps, books, workshops, and a global network of 200+ certified instructors serving runners, walkers, and fitness professionals across 20+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wellness and Mindful Movement Education

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

General Health Coaching (HSADAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mindfulness-Based Coaching & Training (MBSR/MBCT-style) (HSADAJAB), Interactive Practice & Skill-Building (Drills, Games, Mastery Practice) (EDAFACAC)

Keywords

• Mindful running instruction
• Tai chi walking technique
• Running injury prevention
• Fitness instructor certification
• Wellness movement education

Headquarters

HQ city

Asheville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Training Programs & Workshops: Live in-person workshops taught by certified instructors covering ChiRunning and ChiWalking techniques. Includes ChiRunning clinics, tune-ups, and workshops. Instructors create and list workshops through the platform.
2. Online Courses & Subscriptions: ChiRunning School is a subscription-based online platform with over 100 video lessons, audio downloads, and monthly live webinars. Billed monthly or yearly for two-year lock-in. ChiRunning Essentials Course offered at $125.
3. Physical Products: Books (ChiRunning, ChiWalking, ChiMarathon published by Simon & Schuster), DVDs, gear (metronome $29.97, gloves $27.00, towels $12.99), and training plans sold through the ChiStore.
4. Instructor Certification: Revenue from training and certifying ChiRunning and ChiWalking instructors who then teach workshops and private sessions independently.
5. Mobile Apps: ChiRunning and ChiWalking apps providing video lessons, guided runs, audio coaching reminders, built-in metronome, and stats tracking.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ChiLiving teaches proprietary ChiRunning and ChiWalking techniques based on T'ai Chi principles, delivered through certified instructor-led workshops, online courses (ChiRunning School), mobile apps, published books (ChiRunning, ChiWalking, ChiMarathon), instructor certification programs, and complementary fitness gear such as metronomes and gloves. The core offering is a mindful-movement methodology focused on improving running/walking form, reducing injury, and building sustainable practice for runners and walkers of all levels.

Product overview

ChiLiving is a health and wellness company offering a comprehensive suite of mindful movement programs built around ChiRunning and ChiWalking techniques derived from T'ai Chi principles. The core offerings include ChiRunning (a running technique focused on form, injury prevention, and mind-body connection) and ChiWalking (a walking technique emphasizing body alignment and mindfulness). Supporting the core techniques are digital products including the ChiRunning App and ChiWalking App (mobile applications with video lessons, guided workouts, and audio coaching), ChiRunning School (an online learning platform with 100+ video lessons on Mighty Networks), and the ChiRunning School: Essentials Course (an 8-week structured coaching program). Physical products include the Seiko Running Metronome, ChiRunning Gloves, and Chi Fitness Towel. The company also offers instructor certification training, in-person workshops and clinics, live virtual training programs, and the Chi VIP Weekend Experience event. ChiLiving publishes related books (ChiRunning, ChiWalking, ChiMarathon) and DVDs, and provides ChiLife Coaching services. The company operates through a global network of certified instructors and serves customers via chiliving.com.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ChiRunning: A technique for running that emphasizes posture, alignment, and mindful movement to reduce injury and improve efficiency, based on T'ai Chi principles.
• ChiWalking

Products and services

• ChiRunning A running technique designed to improve form and build a mind-body connection, reducing injury and recovery time for runners of all ages and levels.
• ChiWalking A walking technique emphasizing body alignment and mindfulness while strengthening core muscles, transforming walking into a mind-body practice.
• ChiRunning School Subscription-based online platform with over 100 ChiRunning video lessons, audio downloads, and monthly live webinars, billed monthly or yearly with a two-year price lock.
• ChiRunning School: Essentials Course An 8-week group coaching course covering the essentials of ChiRunning technique, priced at $125.
• ChiRunning App Mobile app providing video lessons, guided runs with customizable form focuses, audio coaching reminders, and a built-in metronome for runners.
• ChiWalking App Mobile app designed to teach ChiWalking at the user's own pace with video lessons, guided walks, audio coaching reminders, and stat storage.
• ChiRunning Live 16-Week Half Marathon Training Program Live 16-week virtual training program with expert coaching that builds endurance, improves form, and prepares runners for a half marathon race.
• ChiRunning Book Book by Danny and Katherine Dreyer teaching their revolutionary approach to effortless, injury-free running through small adjustments in movement. Published by Simon & Schuster.
• ChiWalking Book Book by Danny and Katherine Dreyer teaching how to blend T'ai Chi principles with walking for maximum physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Published by Simon & Schuster.
• ChiMarathon Book Book by Danny and Katherine Dreyer teaching distance runners how to improve performance and decrease injury through race-specific training. Published by Simon & Schuster.
• ChiRunning DVD DVD teaching ChiRunning technique and form focuses.
• Running Metronome Seiko running metronome designed to help runners maintain optimal cadence. Priced at $29.97.
• ChiRunning Gloves Touchscreen-compatible running gloves made from polyester/spandex blend with 4-way stretch, silicone grip palm, and reflective accents. Priced at $27.00.
• Chi Fitness Towel Moisture-wicking fitness towel designed for use during running and exercise activities. Priced at $12.99.
• ChiWalk-Run Free eBook Free downloadable 2-week guide introducing ChiWalk-Run basics with daily exercises and focuses designed to get users moving correctly.
• Instructor Certification Training Certification program that trains qualified trainees to teach ChiRunning and ChiWalking workshops to individuals and groups.
• Workshops and Clinics In-person training sessions taught by certified instructors including ChiRunning workshops, ChiWalking workshops, ChiWalk-Run workshops, ChiRunning tune-ups, and ChiRunning clinics.
• Chi VIP Weekend Experience Immersive weekend event learning directly from ChiRunning creators, connecting with instructors globally, and running a race together.
• ChiLife Coaching Coaching service applying the movement principles of ChiWalking and ChiRunning to help clients cultivate and lead an energized, fulfilling life.

Quantifiable outcome

• Half marathon time improvements of 6 minutes within 4 weeks of workshop participation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Xero ShoesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliate partnership where ChiLiving receives compensation for referring Xero Shoes minimalist footwear brand. Danny Dreyer endorses Xero Shoes as recommended minimalist running shoes for ChiRunning practitioners.
• WorldPay and PayFlowProminorOthersCredit card processing companies used for secure online transactions. ChiLiving provides name, billing address, credit card number, expiration date, and transaction amount to these processors.
• UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHLminorOthersShipping carriers used to fulfill physical product orders. ChiLiving shares shipping information with these intermediary shipping companies.
• Simon & SchustercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublisher of ChiRunning, ChiWalking, and ChiMarathon books by Danny and Katherine Dreyer. Major publishing partnership for educational materials.
• Boston University Mindful Walking StudyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership where Vince Vaccaro taught ChiWalking techniques to participants in BU's mindful walking research study.
• Mighty NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline community platform hosting ChiRunning School with over 100 video lessons, audio downloads, and monthly live webinars. Migrated ChiRunning School to Mighty Networks in 2026.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Runkeeper (ASICS): Runkeeper is a long-standing GPS run-tracking app with training plans and audio coaching owned by ASICS. It competes for the recreational runner's attention and provides an incumbent alternative to ChiLiving's mobile apps and digital subscription platform.
• Headspace: Headspace is a scaled mindfulness and meditation subscription app. While it does not teach running form, it competes for the same wellness-and-mindfulness consumer wallet share that ChiRunning's mindfulness-driven positioning targets.
• Strava: Strava is the dominant consumer running and cycling app with a large subscription business. It competes for the same end user's training attention and dollars but offers activity tracking and social features rather than technique instruction.
• Precision Nutrition: Precision Nutrition is an established health-and-wellness coaching education company selling certification programs and content to fitness professionals — comparable to ChiLiving's instructor certification business model and lifestyle education positioning, though focused on nutrition rather than movement.
• Nike Run Club: Nike Run Club is a free, scaled run-coaching app offering guided runs, training plans, and audio coaching. It commoditizes core ChiRunning instructional value with free content from a global brand with vastly larger resources.

Direct peers

• Jeff Galloway: Jeff Galloway's Run-Walk-Run method is a structured running training methodology sold through books, workshops, certification, and a mobile app — directly comparable to ChiRunning's books-plus-workshops-plus-app monetization model, though aimed at run-walk intervals rather than T'ai Chi-derived form.
• Hal Higdon: Hal Higdon is a long-running training plan and coaching authority offering books, training programs, and online resources to recreational runners — comparable to ChiLiving as an established, content-driven running education brand with multiple book titles and a community following.
• Pose Method: Founded by Dr. Nicholas Romanov, Pose Method is a running technique methodology that — like ChiRunning — teaches a specific form of running (the 'Pose') through certification, workshops, books, and digital content. It is the closest direct comparable: a single proprietary running-form philosophy sold via instruction, training, and instructor certification globally.

Emerging players

• Wellcoaches: Wellcoaches offers a health and wellness coaching certification program for professionals, closely mirroring ChiLiving's instructor certification revenue stream and customer persona of fitness professionals seeking credentials.
• Glo: Glo is an online yoga, Pilates, and mindful movement subscription platform with instructor-led video classes. It overlaps with ChiLiving's mindful-movement subscription offering, though focused on yoga and Pilates rather than running and walking.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/chirunning
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/chilivinginc
• Facebookfacebook.com/ChiRunning
• Instagraminstagram.com/chiwalking_chirunning

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ChiLiving