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Residents at our Girton Green independent living facility in Girton, Cambridge have been getting together to enjoy the many benefits of chair based exercise classes.
Led by Personal Trainer and Fitness Specialist Lou Carter, the sessions are specially designed to be fully inclusive to all residents no matter their levels of mobility.
“Many of the people I work with have mobility issues,” says Lou. “I firmly believe in making exercise accessible for all.
“Whatever people’s limitations or movements, exercise can always be adapted in some way.”
The classes, which use a combination of gentle, chair based exercises to improve strength, posture and balance, have been a massive hit among residents, who really look forward to the sessions each week!
“Physical activity is important at any age.” Says Girton Green resident and class regular Daphne Lambert, “but as you get older, changes in your health make exercise even more vital.”
Not only are the classes great for health and well-being, they’re a good way to get residents socialising too.
“We’re so grateful to have Lou motivating us each week!”
The benefits of seated exercise classes for older people
Ideal for people who have difficulty standing or walking, seated exercise classes have proved massively popular in many of our homes across the country.
- They are gentle and easy to follow, making them a great way to stay mobile and active
- Chair based exercises help improve mobility, flexibility and strength!
- Exercise can help to prevent falls, allowing people to live healthier lives
- Staying active has been proven to improve mental wellbeing by increasing self-esteem and confidence
- They’re a fantastic way to socialise, promoting social interaction and helping to bring people together through a common interest
The importance of keeping active in later life
As we all know, an active lifestyle is recommended no matter what age you are, with even small levels of physical activity having the ability to make a big difference to overall quality of life. However, as we get older and become more prone to illness and injury, exercise and activity becomes even more important.
Physical activity in later life can help you to:
- Stay healthy for longer
- Increase energy levels
- Boost your mood and mental well-being
- Improve your self esteem
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Reduce chances of having a fall or injury
- Stay independent for longer
There is strong evidence that shows that active people have a lower risk of heart disease, strokes, depression and dementia.
To reduce your risk of these illnesses as continue to live independently throughout later life, it’s a great idea to keep active and keep moving!
