Chair based exercise is an important part of our weekly health and well-being sessions.
Dealing with chronic pain, having restricted movements, mobility issues or balance concerns can make engaging in physical activity difficult.
Being active can help manage physical symptoms and can have a positive impact on anxiety and mood.
Benefits of Chair Based Exercise:
Increased flexibility and strength
Bone density and muscles weaken as we get older, so it is important to gently exercise to keep active and maintain strength.
Increased circulation
This means:
- A faster healing of injuries and wounds, faster sickness recovery time, greater lung capacity and much easier mobility.
- Reduced risk of falls as chair-based exercises improves posture and balance.
Falling and injuring yourself when elderly, has a longer recovery time and can lead to a chain reaction type of injury. Balance can be affected by medication as well. Therefore, improving posture and balance is key to reducing this risk.
Increased coordination
The exercises will help with posture and straight alignment of the spine. Learning a routine and the repetitive nature of the exercises can also be good for dementia patients.
Increased confidence and self esteem
Sometimes patients lose confidence, particularly after a fall and gentle exercise as part of a group activity can help bring that back.
Our patients attend a regular session each week at the Hospice and engaging in shared weekly exercise with friends is also an important boost to overall wellbeing.
We have a dedicated healthcare team and friendly volunteers who supports patients with exercises while seated in a wheelchair or any other type of chair.
We provide a variety of chair-based exercises, using aids such as exercise bands and exercise balls.
Exercises programmes are created with the support of our qualified yoga therapist. They are designed to improve heart health, and are strength based to help improve muscle and yoga inspired to stretch the body.
Being active can not only help manage symptoms but has a positive impact both physically and mentally.
Exercise session take place in our bright day lounge which has plenty of space to meet individual requirements and nursing support is on hand to help as needed.
In the summer sessions may also take place in our tranquil hospice gardens (weather permitting)!
