THE idea of a full body workout may be the last thing many older people would consider, particularly those with mobility problems.

Yet this all-over exercise regime is no longer the preserve of gyms and workout studios and certainly not confined to younger, fitter generations.

Growing in popularity throughout the UK, Extend exercises classes - which target different parts of the body in a complete workout - allow older people and people with a disability and to challenge their fitness level. From the very active to the not so active, the exercises, which include seated and standing movements - are designed to match individual capabilities.

Extend exercise has many teachers who hold classes throughout the UK, in a number of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, private residential homes, sheltered housing accommodation, village halls, sports clubs, day centres and community centres,

Classes are growing in popularity throughout the UK, particularly as people are now living longer and want to maintain a good level of personal fitness well into their later years.

Susan Birbeck teaches throughout the Bradford district, in both nursing homes and within the community.

“The exercises are very varied,” she says. ”We start with a warm up and circulation exercises, then we address upper and lower body strength, mobility for the spine and we do finger and hand exercises. We finish with a cool-down and stretch. It is a full work out.”

Those taking part say they feel the benefit afterwards. “It is a lot harder than you might think, but I ensure that people only do what they can and rest when they need to rest and only join in when they want to and feel able to.”

“People can sit or stand, or both. We offer different techniques for different abilities. Some people cannot stand but we target and strengthen their muscles.

“As well as the health benefits it there are enormous social benefits. Some older people are quite lonely and this puts them in touch with others. The people I teach in homes absolutely love coming together for the classes. It is lovely to see their smiling faces.”

Susan teaches at a number of care homes run by the Czajka Care Group including Brookfield and Fairmount in Nab Wood. "I have been going into them for 15 years and we have progressed over the years.”

She also takes classes at various locations within the community.

“People are often surprised by how much they can achieve sitting in a chair,” says Susan, “They really feel like they have exercised and feel good afterwards. It gets people together and keeps them active.”

The exercises are carried out to musical accompaniment. Susan chooses music that brings back memories for members of her classes, from sounds of the 1920s through to the 1970s.

She adds: “They have a really good time, and have a good chat and a cup of tea and a biscuit.”

Sidney Guiver, a resident at Fairmount Care Home looks forward to the classes, which he takes part in four times a week, at both his home and nearby Brookfield.

He says: “I am so grateful to Susan. Her exercises have enabled me to increase my mobility, which is important in old age, even to increase it by a small amount. I have definitely got more energy as a result of the classes.”

He adds: “I really look forward to it, it is fun.”

Some Extend exercise teachers, including Susan, offer one-to-one sessions for people who require specialised exercise such as stroke patients, or those who have mobility issues.

Susan also holds classes for young to middle-aged disabled people who suffer from conditions such as multiple sclerosis and stiff joints.a

Extend classes are growing in popularity throughout the UK, particularly as people are now living longer and want to maintain a good level of personal fitness well into their later years.

Teachers are trained in a unique way to make exercise fun but at the same time safe. It reduces the symptoms of age related conditions and improves mobility for those who have disabilities.

Regular weekly classes are a great way of making new friends and are mostly held during the day. The sessions usually last for one hour with a small interval for tea/coffee and a chat.

Susan's classes are held at Thackley Methodist Church on Wednesday 1.30pm to 3pm; circuit class for over 55s at St Cuthbert's Church, Wrose on Tuesday from 9.15am to 10.30am; and once a fortnight at Springfield Community Centre in Old Park Road, Idle. For more information and fees contact Susan on 07786 980659. Susan is also on Facebook.

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