New class: Fit for Life!
This September I’m excited to be launching my third seated exercise class in Oxford.
My new Fit for Life chair-based class will launch on Tuesday, October 1 at 10-10:30am in South Oxford Community Centre (Gill Garratt Room) in Lake Street, Oxford.
It’s suitable for all fitness levels and is a gentle low impact workout specifically designed for older adults.
The class (£1 with proceeds going to South Oxford Community Association) will run every Tuesday during school term time. Access is via the dark blue side doors in the South Oxford Health Centre car park.
Fit for Life has been funded with the support of the Well Together programme.
We do a mix of bodyweight and resistance band exercises in this low impact 30-minute class. Then please join me and other class members for a free hot drink and cake in the Community Cafe afterwards (included in ticket price).
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
Check out the class schedule for more info about Fit for Life and other classes in your area.