10/04/2026
We regularly discuss the importance of exercise to maintain good health, mobility, flexibility and brain function.
This was amply demonstrated when Ria from Chair Yoga Club visited the Chiswick Nursing Centre. The room was packed with residents and our Activities Co-ordinators, Sharon, Diana and Chris joined in and assisted residents.
Chair Yoga Club provides energising and engaging seated Yoga Flow exercise classes in care homes, community groups and individuals at home. The activites embrace gentle, physical exercise to increase or maintain muscle mass, improve breathing and stimulate brain function. As important, is the social interaction to enhance communication, happiness and mental wellbeing.
Our one-hour session began with a breath exercise as the instructor encouraged everyone to slow down their breathing and connect within. Next, came some seated gentle yoga exercises and positions such as sun and moon salutations – sun salutations awaken the body and moon ones, soothe. Soft but rhythmic music played in the background to help us all along.
Other exercises involved the use of small items of equipment such as therapy bands for gentle stretching and hand therapy balls, at this session bean bags.
Finally, a cool down session, including a calming, visualisation meditation. If a few nodded off at this point, apparently, it is quite common.
The energy levels in the room rose again once everyone realised how much they had accomplished. There was a lot of ‘high-fiving’ as well as the many smiles that showed happiness and wellbeing had definitely been achieved.