Homelife's Living Life

Hobbies Series - Seated Exercises - August 2023

If you find standing challenging, chair exercises provide a low-impact workout that boosts your strength, flexibility, and balance. The best part is that they're safe, which means you don't have to worry about injuries.

Strengthening

Chair exercises offer a safe and effective way to work out your muscles and maintain strength without leaving your home. They're a great option if you can't move around easily. These workouts target your legs, arms, and core, helping you strengthen your entire body, reduce the risk of falls, and boost your confidence and self-esteem. Core exercises strengthen the muscles supporting your back, preventing pain and injury. They are also beneficial for seniors with hip issues who might find it difficult to stand or walk for long periods.

Flexibility

The beauty of chair exercises is that you don't need to join a gym or leave the comfort of your own home to get a good workout. You can do a variety of full-body seated workouts, including arm exercises, core exercises, and flexibility exercises like leg kicks. There are even seated yoga classes designed specifically for seniors, which can be very beneficial.

Balance

Seated exercises for seniors not only strengthen muscles and improve flexibility but also boost balance – a crucial factor in reducing falls and preventing serious injuries. You can perform exercises like the scoot and sit-to-stand to strengthen hip and core muscles, necessary for functional movements like rising from a seated position. Other seated exercises, such as leg kicks and side stretches, can also improve balance.

NHS Advice - Chest Stretch Exercise

A. Sit upright and away from the back of the chair. Pull your shoulders back and down. Extend your arms out to the side.

B. Gently push your chest forward and up until you feel a stretch.

Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and repeat 5 times.

Upper Body Twist

A. Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor, cross your arms and reach.

B. Without moving your hips, turn your upper body to the left. For 5 seconds.

C. Repeat on the right side.

Hip Marching

A. Sit upright and do not lean on the back of the chair.

B. Lift your left leg with your knee bent as far as is comfortable. Place your foot down.

C. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Do 5 lifts with each leg.

Read more here.

Homelife Helpful Highlights:

1. Strengthening: Chair exercises are a safe and effective way for seniors to work out their muscles and maintain strength at home. Targeting legs, arms, and core, they reduce fall risk and boost confidence, ideal for those with mobility challenges.

2. Flexibility: Convenient chair exercises improve flexibility without leaving home. Full-body seated workouts, including arm exercises, core exercises, and seated yoga, enhance flexibility when performed gradually.

3. Balance: Seated exercises not only strengthen muscles but also improve balance, reducing the risk of falls. Moves like the scoot and sit-to-stand help strengthen hips and core for functional movements.

Overall, chair exercises are a convenient and safer option for seniors to maintain their physical health and well-being without the need for extensive equipment or leaving their homes.

Keep enjoying the benefits of sitting exercises with Homelife Stairlifts, designed to provide you with freedom and independence.

For more information about our stairlifts, visit us at https://www.homelifestairlifts.co.uk/ or call our expert advisors on 0808 175 4400.

Homelife Stairlifts - Helping You Live Better Forever.