A Hartlepool care home is helping residents keep fit by introducing specialist exercise classes designed for the elderly.
Abbeyvale Care Centre, which cares for 48 residents from the ages of 28 to 104, invited Nouveau Dance and Fitness instructor Carly Taylor to introduce chair exercise to the class.
Julie Shield, manager at Abbeyvale Care Centre said: “The residents really enjoyed the class which saw them get active and carry out exercise in a very safe and secure environment. We are hoping to make the class a regular event and I have every confidence that it will improve and maintain the health and wellbeing of the residents here at Abbeyvale.
“The expertise and experience that Nouveau Dance and Fitness have made it a perfect partnership for us with our residents in mind.”
Seated exercise has been noted to lubricate joints and keep them flexible, strengthen and stabilize individual muscles and increase blood circulation. Studies have also supported improved outcomes for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Nouveau Dance and Fitness is an award winning community interest company based in the North East and is an NHS approved supplier of health and fitness classes.
Carly Taylor, 25, from Peterlee, an instructor for four years, said: “The class at Abbeyvale Care Centre were a great group to work with as they were enthusiastic and the staff were very helpful and encouraging with the residents.
“Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is very beneficial to elderly people as it maintains independence and mobility, as well as providing a fun and enjoyable past time.”
The class will include flexi band exercises as well as Zumba style dancing from the comfort and safety of a stable chair. Participants are encouraged to stretch the legs and arms through aerobic style movements adapted to their abilities.
Executive Care, which runs 25 homes, primarily in the North East, has been encouraged to implement the classes in the homes after the success of the introductory session.
David Harrison, chief executive at Executive Care said: “Our care home managers and activities teams do a fantastic job of organising events with our residents best interests at heart.”