More than a workout: how my seated exercise classes make a difference

During a recent bout of funding applications for my chair workouts, I asked my regulars to give me some feedback on how attending had impacted their lives.

It was quite wonderful to hear how exercise had improved both their physical and mental health.

As a personal trainer, I plan sessions to help people build strength, maintain mobility and feel more confident moving their bodies. Hearing how those benefits translate into everyday life is particularly rewarding.

Renee shared that she can walk farther, feels more flexible and gets less tired when preparing meals and cleaning her flat. She also reported improved movement and less pain in a shoulder, helping her get back to gardening and everyday tasks.

Daphne told me her daughter had noticed she was getting in and out of her high car more easily.

Tina said she could walk for longer without her stick and swim more lengths.

Jane recently had a hip replacement and told me her nurse commented on her upper body strength and how easily she could get out of bed after the operation. Her physio has since signed her off from her daily exercises earlier than expected. According to Jane, her physio praised her for attending the chair workouts and said they had clearly made a big difference to her recovery.

For Felicity, the seated format allows her to exercise while being mindful of a knee injury. “I really enjoy the classes both socially and the variety of exercises. They benefit my fitness and mobility especially the upper body movements,” she says.

Jini described having more confidence moving about, running for a bus and going upstairs to fetch forgotten things. Her feedback captured the connection between physical and mental wellbeing beautifully: “Since my physical well-being has improved, this has also affected my mental well-being. I no longer see myself as a decrepit nearly 80-year-old — you’re as ‘young’ as you feel!”

Val also notices a difference: “I feel stronger and more flexible and I do believe my balance is improving.”

Making everyone feel at ease matters just as much. As Viv explains: “I feel comfortable with the level of the exercises but never feel awkward if I cannot complete an exercise.”

These experiences remind me that a weekly chair workout can offer much more than movement: confidence, connection and the strength to manage everyday life more comfortably.

Thank you to my regulars for sharing their experiences and making the chair workouts such a welcoming community.