Exercise is important, and sometimes difficult to do when you have limited mobility. Whether by attending one of our community-based classes, in a care environment or in the comfort of your own home, our Armchair-a-cise is designed to help keep you moving, with friendly and stimulating classes.
The benefits of exercise for those with limited mobility are vast; increased energy, fitness and flexibility levels will improve performance of day-to-day activities. Gentle exercise can also help to enhance sleep patterns, appetites and general morale.
Our Armchair-a-cise classes are carefully choreographed to a level that is suitable for age range and general ability of those attending each group. Movements are set to music chosen to appeal to participants, and we use a variety of themes and accessories (soft foam balls, light hand weights, therabands and more) to keep the class interesting. Content of the classes is refreshed every 6 weeks with new music and exercises.
Exercises are developed specifically with those in mind who are seated for long periods – lower leg, toe, ankle and hand movements to aid circulation to the extremities; wrist and arm strengthening to exercises to help with the strain of lifting and lowering oneself into a chair or bath; gentle squeezing and releasing of stomach muscles to engage the core muscles.
The general structure of the classes: the instructor and participants are all seated in a firm chair, usually in a semi-circle so that everyone has a clear view and the instructor can see each participant. Beginning with a gentle warm up including light cardio followed by strengthening and resistance exercises, stretching to improve joint flexibility and a cool down. Each class finishes with a relaxation technique that will leave each participant with a sense of feeling calm and refreshed.
Drop-in classes
Our regular classes are very relaxed – there is no pressure and just do what you feel comfortable with. It may be necessary to check with your doctor before taking on exercise. Please wear comfortable clothing and soft soled shoes.
All Saint’s Church Hall, St Mary’s Bay
Mondays 12:00-12:45
£4.00 pay-as-you-go
Community classes
If you would like to arrange for an instructor to come to a pre-existing charity or government run group as a one-off or occasional class to mix-up your groups’ regular routine, please do contact us to discuss further.
Home visit
If it is difficult for you to leave your home shorter sessions for one-to-one or small groups can be arranged if you live in the Ashford or Romney Marsh area. Please contact us and we will see if we can arrange something.
Care homes
We have regular sessions in several care homes in Kent. If you are an Activities Co-ordinator who is looking for something both fun and beneficial for your residents to add to your schedule please get in touch and we can provide you with further information. Discounts are available when block-booking.
