If you struggle to walk or balance is a problem, or perhaps you are new to moving more, then seated and supported exercise classes are a great option. It is also a good option if you are in pain or find standing difficult. Most seated exercise classes do build in some standing balance activity too and that’s where the support of the chair helps.
Seated exercise classes work on your cardio system by gently increasing your movement which will increase your heart rate and breathing rate. This is good for you.
Seated exercise classes will build on all components of your upper and lower body strength with exercises especially designed for people who struggle to stand for longer periods.
Most seated exercise classes will build in some balance work because we know that improving balance reduces your chance of falling
Any comfortable clothes that you can easily move about in and some supportive shoes will be fine.
Yes! There’s lots of beneficial movements you can do sitting down. Some classes may offer supported standing options as well, holding onto the back of the chair, but you will always be able to do the same movement seated. And lots of people do.
Some areas offer classes for free, especially for the first few sessions. Sessions vary on cost but are generally around £5 per class. Once a week is enough, especially if you also then do your own sessions at home in between.
It can be hard to know where to start when trying to move more. Everyone begins at a different point, depending on how active they are, how easily they move, and how strong they feel.
To get started, choose the option that best matches what you usually do on an average day in each column below. Look at your daily activities, mobility, and strength to find a sensible place to begin. Then click on the ‘see results’ button to reveal where you should start.
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Once you feel ready, you can continue building strength by using slightly heavier weights or doing more of the class. But always go at your own pace, and stick with light weights if you’re unsure. A bit of muscle ache the next day is normal, it will soon ease.
Lots of people find seated exercise a great way to build strength and balance as well getting your heart pumping a bit more. Try and do some supported options too, perhaps standing behind your chair, using it for support which will help your balance too. Seated exercise is good for building arm strength and leg strength. It’s important to try and do these exercises more than once a week. Try and build up to doing something every day even if it’s not your whole routine.
Seated exercise is good for building arm and leg strength and for getting your heart pumping a bit more. Try and do some supported options too, perhaps standing behind your chair, using a chair or wall for support initially, before moving to standing and walking based options. These will help to improve your balance.
Seated exercise has many benefits for strength, balance and wellbeing even if you are generally able to move around without difficulty. As you progress, try more and more of the supported standing options or you might want to mix it up a bit with another different class based option as well.
Seated exercise has many benefits for strength, balance, posture and wellbeing even if you are generally able to move around without difficulty. You might want to mix it up a bit with another different class based option as well
Yes, seated exercise classes are for everyone and for however much or little you can move.
Supports older people to stay active, independent, and connected through advice, services, and community programmes across the UK.
Offers fun, inclusive exercise classes designed to help older adults build strength, balance, and confidence. Its mission is to empower people to stay active and independent for longer.
Stay active and support your heart health with BHF’s gentle chair-based exercises — ideal for building strength and mobility while seated.
Online and on-site seated chair exercise classes for ALL ages and abilities in the UK.
This site has been put together by specialists in exercise medicine and supported and funded by Nuffield Health Charity. In collaboration with academic experts, specialists in behavioural change, medics across a wide spectrum of specialties, physiotherapists, nurses and most importantly, people living with the symptoms of long term conditions. Through our rigorous academic process we have carefully ensured that all the information on this website is trustworthy and evidence based.
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