What are the benefits of chair-based exercise?

Local expert Sophia Dickinson from Home Independence Occupational Therapy shares her experience of how alternative forms of gentle exercise can improve quality of life…

Stair climbing can be a great workout, and calorie burner! But if you’re experiencing reduced muscle strength, poor health or suffering from specific conditions such as arthritis or fatigue, you may decide that you want to save your energy for other (more fun) activities around your home. A stairlift can of course help take stairs out of the equation, and you could consider more chair-based exercises to keep you mobile.

Taking part in regular, gentle chair-based exercises can help to keep you healthy, improve your level of fitness and strength and help you to conserve your energy levels. Simple chair-cased stretches can also provide a great deal of muscle relief and that all-important feel-good factor.

Finding the time (and motivation) to exercise can be tough – even more so for people with reduced mobility, but many exercises can be adapted to suit individual needs, particularly chair-based ones.

If you’re reading this right now, you could make a start! Simple neck stretches will help to relieve tension and stiffness when performed slowly and smoothly. There are a selection of different exercises on the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/sitting-exercises. Please consult your GP before taking part in any exercises.

Remember, wear loose, comfortable clothing and keep some water handy when you’re taking part in any exercise activity, and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or discomfort.

If you’d like to get involved in an exciting and inclusive chair-based exercise group, local Occupational Therapist Sophia Dickinson at Home Independence Occupational Therapy has created a virtual, home-based group class called ‘Keep Fit, Stay Strong’.