A recliner is heavy and front-loaded because of its steel mechanism. The key is locking the footrest closed and, on most models, popping the backrest off so it becomes far lighter to carry.
Pro tip: Photograph the back-locking levers before you detach the back so you know exactly how to reseat it.
Watch out: Keep fingers clear of the reclining mechanism; the spring-loaded scissor arms can snap shut hard enough to injure you.