New class: Stretch & Strengthen seated exercise
This January I’m launching a new class designed to maintain mobility, health and independence.
My new Stretch & Strengthen seated exercise class is launching on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Tap Social’s Whitehouse Pub, Oxford.
It’s suitable for all fitness levels, and is a gentle low impact workout specifically designed for older adults.
The class will run every Friday during school term time from 10:15-10:45am in the upstairs room of the pub. Access is via the side door entrance of the pub, which is closed apart from the class.
What is seated exercise?
Seated exercise is just a chair-based workout. It’s an ideal type of training for older adults as it’s low impact and gentle on joints and bones.
What are the benefits of seated exercise?
Better cardiovascular health – Physical activity for adults and older adults reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 35 per cent.
Could help cognitive function – Dementia affects many older adults and some studies claim that exercise can help boost brain health and reduce the risk of developing this disease.
Reduces anxiety and depression – Many older adults may experience loneliness, social withdrawal, illness or disability, all of which can impact mental health and wellbeing. Exercise has been scientifically proven to boost mood, increasing the happy hormones in the body and reducing depressive and anxious feelings.
Boosts flexibility – Osteoarthritic pain is a significant issue for older adults, with joints and muscles becoming stiff and immobile. While exercise can’t reverse all age-related joint changes, maintaining movement in muscles and joints is essential to reduce discomfort. Research has also found that chair-based exercise can help with balance, gait speed and grip strength.
Improves strength - Muscles naturally get weaker with age but gentle seated exercise can keep older adults independently mobile.
Improves bone density – Many older adults suffer from osteoporosis, where bones weaken and become more susceptible to fractures. Regular exercise, especially low impact workouts that are gentle on joints and bones, can improve bone density.
Increases lifespan – Studies have shown that regular exercise can add as much as five years to life expectancy figures. Physical activity not only adds time, but improves quality of life.
What to expect in a seated exercise class
Studies have shown that regular movement can help with weight loss, improve confidence, posture, balance and reduce the risk of falls. These workouts are designed for different levels of mobility.
I focus on:
Simple functional movements to improve mobility
Stretching exercises to improve range of movement
Rhythmic movements to music at a low to moderate intensity
Bodyweight resistance exercises to improve strength
Sign up for the new January term here and check out the class schedule for other workouts.