Published: 17 minutes ago
Twelve weeks ago, thanks to funding from the GreenSquareAccord Community Impact Fund, we launched free chair based fitness classes across two GSA sites, Pleck and Old Vicarage Close in Pelsall. Our aim was simple. Give older adults in the community a safe, welcoming way to stay active, build strength and connect with people locally, at no cost and without any of the barriers that traditional gyms or fitness classes can bring.
Honestly, we didn't quite expect just how much of a difference it would make.
At Pleck, the class was oversubscribed every single week. It was brilliant to see! At Old Vicarage Close, numbers were smaller, but the group that came along week after week was small and mighty, building its own lovely little community all of its own.
A Warm Welcome, Every Week
Every session has been led by our wonderful instructor Sue Grassick, supported by assistant instructor Shelley McGurk. Together, Sue and Shelley have created a space where everyone feels comfortable moving at their own pace, whatever their starting point.
At Pleck, that warmth and welcome clearly struck a chord with people. Week after week the class filled up, and we actually had to move from an open drop in format to a fixed attendance list, just to manage numbers and keep the venue safe. We were a little worried this might put people off, but it actually did the opposite. Participants loved having a guaranteed spot each week, and it encouraged even more consistent attendance.
At Old Vicarage Close, the group was smaller, but no less special. A steady, familiar circle of faces who got just as much joy and benefit out of their weekly session together.
More Than Just Exercise
The physical benefits have been wonderful to see. Participants told us they feel stronger, more mobile and much more comfortable getting in and out of th
eir chairs. Long standing aches and pains in shoulders, necks and joints have eased for many. People also told us they feel more confident moving around generally, and worry less about falling, which means so much to us.
But honestly, it's the social side of the class that people talk about the most.
"Socialising is important, this is the only socialising I do in the whole week."
"I feel less lonely since coming to the sessions."
"This class has greatly reduced pain associated with generally getting older. This has improved my mood and my standard of living... I am glad that I get to benefit from this service," says participant Madhu Patel.
For so many participants, this class has become a genuine highlight of the week. A chance to move, have a laugh and see familiar, friendly faces in a space made just for them.
What's Next
We are absolutely delighted to share that, thanks to further funding, Sue will be continuing the chair fitness class at Pleck from September, so participants can keep building on all the strength, confidence and friendships they've made over the last twelve weeks.
We are also taking everything we've learned at Pleck and Old Vicarage Close and using it to grow. That includes a brand new chair fitness programme launching in Solihull, plus ongoing conversations about bringing consistent, reliable classes to even more communities in the future.
Want a Chair Fitness Class in Your Area?
If you would love to see a class like this running near you, whether you're a resident, a community group, or someone who works with older adults locally, we would absolutely love to hear from you.
Get in touch with us today and let's talk about bringing chair fitness to your community!