Use Your Chair for Exercise  

Who likes Chair Aerobics classes? 

Chair Aerobics is an exercise class for men and women of all ages and especially appeals to seniors and persons with limited mobility. If you use a wheelchair or a cane, or if you have an injury that limits your range of motion, this class is a great place to start your exercise routine.  

What is a Chair Aerobics class? 

Get ready to have fun and learn many more uses of the chair you think is just for sitting. Chair Aerobics is functional aerobics done with a chair, which you can either sit on or stand and hold on to the chair for balance, or both. Functional aerobics uses many different muscle groups to replicate the movements you do during normal daily living.  

Whether sitting in a chair or standing, exercises that use only the chair include leg lifts, marching, and a twist and reach. If you choose to stand and use the chair for support, some additional exercises might be squats and lunges. When standing, the chair helps with balance. You can challenge your balance and have the chair nearby to feel safe.  

Some movements include the use of exercise equipment in addition to the chair, such as therapy bands that stretch, squishy balls you squeeze with your hands or a yoga block. Light hand weights also may be used depending on your ability and preference. Whether you choose to sit or stand or use any extra equipment, be sure you have clearance from your doctor. Wear sensible shoes and clothing that allow you to move around easily.  

Chair Aerobics incorporates gentle movements to increase your flexibility and range of motion. Reasonable outcomes you can expect are improved strength, flexibility and balance, and an increased range of motion and stamina. Many participants are able to recover mobility after injury using the rehabilitative exercises done in this class.   

When and where does the Chair Aerobics class meet? 

Chair Aerobics classes meet in the aerobics studio for 50 minutes. Each WK Fitness & Wellness Center location offers the Chair Aerobics class on different days each week. Look for the current schedule online. 

Why do Chair Aerobics? 

Chair Aerobics is a great way to start a fitness program, especially if you have limited mobility or if you need accommodations for joint or balance issues. Feel the physical benefits as you become better able to sit and rise from a chair, reach up, lean forward and backward – things you are likely to do in everyday life. This class is not intimidating. It’s very social and a great way to meet new people. 

Wear supportive workout shoes, no sandals or flip-flops