Sit-Ups?…No Sit Down!
Armchair Aerobics
You've got to love a fitness program that involves pulling up a chair and sitting on it for the next hour! But, the benefits of this type of exercise can be outstanding.
Of course, chair fitness isn't going to get you in shape to run a marathon. But what it will do is: give participants the strength and flexibility they need to perform everyday activities; older drivers might find it easier to look over their shoulders when backing out of a parking space; those with back problems may be able to get out of chairs with greater ease; and arthritis suffers might be able to handle a pencil without experiencing pain.
The idea is to target every muscle group (including the heart), enhance joint movement, and increase muscle and tendon flexibility. The session will start off with a warm-up including some joint mobility, progress onto a cardiovascular period to work heart and lungs, and then move on to a light weightlifting section before finishing with a cool down incorporating muscle flexibility.
You may be asked to march your feet, perform the breast stroke, carry out toe taps and arm lifts – all within the comfort of your chair. Each of the exercises, no matter how simple or silly, is effective at boosting physical health & self esteem and keeping participants functionally fit and independent for as long as possible.
