Movers and Shakers at Weavers Court
Staying fit and active plays an enormous part in feeling good about ourselves and helping us to look after our own wellbeing. Moving in some shape or form is key to our daily activities at Weavers Court. Making time to move is important for many different reasons and we’re excited to share the news that Sophie Dales, from the Leeds United Foundation, will be spending time in Weavers Court to work with our residents.
Sophie will join us at Weavers Court on a regular basis, as our Health and Wellbeing Activator, running inclusive and fun exercise sessions with our residents. Sophie is currently working with other care homes across the Leeds area and is seeing the benefits felt by residents. Sophie will organise light chair-based activities and fun games at Weavers Court.
Sophie says, “I am really looking forward to spending time with the residents and staff at Weavers Court – and, of course, having lots of fun with everyone when I come and meet you all.”
Why Move?
Moving is of benefit to everyone, regardless of your mobility. We use a chair-based approach to ensure that our residents are comfortable and getting the maximum output from their time spent ‘working out’.
Chair exercises are a very smart way to keep fit without putting undue pressure on the body. It also helps our residents to focus on the movements they are making, improving them with practice and feeling the benefit. Movement will increase blood flow around the body, which smooths joint movement and can help to ease aches and pains.
Chair-based exercises can help to build muscle, which helps to create a strong core. It may help our residents to feel more confident about moving about our home and feel steadier in their feet. Even though the mind may have forgotten certain exercises, the muscles retain them. This allows residents to enjoy repetitive exercises that helps to maintain hand-eye coordination and it allows them to take part in a shared activity.
Another important aspect of exercise is the impact it can have on hormonal balance. Exercise releases endorphins which can reduce inflammation and reduce physical pain. In addition to the physical benefits, our exercise programme also has other more intangible benefits. These can include reducing stress and promoting better and healthier sleep patterns. In turn, this can help to lift moods and help in keeping feelings of anxiety and depression at bay.