Armchair exercises for Basildon residents

An exercise class has transformed life for dozens of older residents living in isolation in Pitsea, Basildon.

The class, which is part of a programme of measures run by St Georges Community Housing to support elderly residents, offers a unique form of exercise which aims to keep residents fit and healthy while providing a socialising opportunity for the area’s elderly population, many of whom live alone.

Participants, whose ages range from 62 to 88, take part in a combination of chair-based and standing exercises such as swirling scarves and batons as well as throwing footballs to the music of Michael Buble and Tony Christie among other favourites.

In addition to keeping their joints moving and reducing the pain caused by arthritis, the class has given residents the chance to get out of their homes and meet and make new friends.

Joyce Armstrong, 75, is a St Georges Community Housing resident and has been attending the class for 18 months.

“It’s more than just an exercise class, it’s so enjoyable, a great ice-breaker and there’s such a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. We do the exercises in time to the music, always having a laugh and teasing each other and we’ve all become friends. I come away from the class with a really good sense of wellbeing.”

She said numbers have soared in the past year as word spreads of the class’ popularity. “The class is very, very popular. I love the music, we exercise to everything from Doris Day to Michael Buble – and all the time you’re moving your joints.”

Mary Fisher, co-ordinator of St Georges Community Housing’s Sheltered Housing Scheme who runs the classes, said: “The classes promote good physical and mental health. As well as increasing mobility and improving strength, stamina and co-ordination, the class tackles loneliness and isolation which can be a common problem amongst older people.”

Fisher launched the exercise class for St Georges Community Housing residents after seeing a demonstration of seated exercises at a training day. She studied for a diploma and is now a qualified Extend teacher.

“The residents get a lot out of the class. For those with limited mobility this is a great way to keep their joints supple and I try to get them to stand up for at least one song during the class,” she says. “They really enjoy learning the routines and listening to their favourite music. I introduced them to Michael Buble and they’re all huge fans now and have all bought his CD.”