Exercise at home

Last updated on October 29, 2020

Introduction

Illustration showing a woman exercising

We have collated various exercise resources from the likes of the NHS and British Gymnastics that are specifically designed for older people. These are all routines that can be printed off and enjoyed in your own home at your own pace. If you don’t have a printer, you can just open the documents on your device and follow along.

If you are interested in joining an online class, please visit our Exercise Sessions: Online page.

If you are unsure whether or not you should be doing these exercises, please check with your doctor first.

For all these exercises the following is recommended.

  1. For chair-based exercises choose a chair which is stable and solid. If using a wheelchair, make sure the brake is on.
  2. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  3. Have a bottle or glass of water with you.
  4. Start slowly and gradually increase the how ofter you do each exercise over time.
  5. Attemp the exercises at least twice a week and combine them with other routines for maximum benefit.

Balance exercises

These are NHS-recommended balance exercises that can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility. The exercises are gentle and easy to follow, suitable for people who may have not exercised much recently.

get_appLinks to follow the balance routine

Flexibility exercises

These are NHS-recommended flexibility exercises that can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility. The exercises are gentle and easy to follow, suitable for people who may have not exercised much recently.

get_appLinks to follow the flexibility routine

Sitting exercises

These are NHS-recommended sitting exercises that can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility. The exercises are gentle and easy to follow, suitable for people who may have not exercised much recently.

get_appLinks to follow this sitting exercise routine

Strength exercises

These are NHS-recommended strength exercises that can be done at home to help improve your health and mobility. The exercises are gentle and easy to follow, suitable for people who may have not exercised much recently.

get_appLinks to follow this strength routine

British Gymnastics Foundation - Love to Move

Love to Move from the British Gymnastics Foundation is an age and dementia friendly chair-based gymnastics programme. Developed with experts in Japan, the programme is delivered in community settings and care homes across the UK.

get_appLinks to follow Love to Move routines