Residents at New Copford Place, our Colchester-based residential care home, have been waving their ‘Jazz Hands’ and swinging to the beat, enjoying their new weekly exercise class – Jazzercise – run by qualified Instructor, Lynn Twinn.
“At New Copford Place, we have a wide and varied activities calendar, full of many different things, including Arts and Crafts, Quizzes, Reminiscing Sessions, Gardening, Intergenerational visits, Singing, community events, regular visiting entertainers and of course, the residents’ favourite exercise classes,” said Chelsey Leather, the care home’s Activities Coordinator. “Each of our meaningful activities is tailored to meet the residents’ individual needs, likes and preferences whilst, at the same time, ensuring they are inclusive and not only achievable for everyone, but more importantly fun and enjoyable.”
Lynn, who has a strong tie to the care home as her Mother is a resident, has been delivering different seated exercise class sessions at New Copford Place for six months. “The residents really enjoy their regular exercise classes which I adapt to meet their personal abilities and capabilities,” said Lynn. “They really are fun and joyous sessions. The residents sing along to the accompanying music – the gentlemen residents sing the loudest – and they love doing all the different movements.”
Lynn makes sure that each exercise routine is accompanied by a song which emphasises the movements. “The residents have such pleasure when ‘Let’s Go Fly A Kite’ is played as they know that’s the Ribbon and Scarf Waving exercise,” continued Lynn. “They know all the words and sing at the tops of their voices, which is wonderful to hear.” Lynn, who has been teaching exercise for 27 years, is also a qualified Jazzercise Instructor. “As part of my certified Jazzercise training, I was taught how to teach both high and low impact classes, to ensure everyone who participates receives a safe, all-round workout,” continued Lynn.
“One of the benefits of taking part in a Jazzercise class is that it’s not aimed at the younger generation, it’s for everyone, even those with limited mobility. So, for the residents, I use modified routines which ensures everyone’s exercise needs are met.”
“Seated Jazzercise is excellent for older people as it provides a safe and effective way to build strength, balance, and cardiovascular fitness and it is specifically designed to be accessible for those with limited mobility, joint pain, or those who are new to exercise,” added Chelsey.
“The key benefits to the residents include being safe and stabilised as being a seated exercise, it eliminates the risk of falling, which is ideal for those who have vertigo of balance issues. In addition, by using a chair, it reduces the pressure on the residents’ knees and hips whilst giving them a fun and enjoyable workout helping to improve their strength, flexibility and mobility.”
“I always make sure that each Jazzercise session is fun and musical which also proves to create social connections and bonds over the different songs the residents know,” added Lynn.
“This also means that the residents can join in and participate with what they feel comfortable with. My main aim is just to have them move and have a great time whilst they are exercising. I absolutely love going into New Copford Place and interacting with the residents.
Watching them have a go and try with all the routines is so fulfilling. Seeing them smile, hearing them sing is fantastic. It’s a really lovely place and if I have done a tiny bit through my classes to make their day, then I am very happy. It’s so motivating and rewarding,” concluded Lynn.
Find out more about New Copford Place care home by calling 01206 210 397 or emailing [email protected].