AMALAwellness CIC & People’s Postcode Lottery have joined forces to teach Chair Yoga and Exercise in Thornaby & Sheltered Accomodation in Billingham
Attending chair yoga & exercise classes has improved the physical, mental and social wellbeing for local residents in Eltham Crescent (Thornaby) and Assisted living complexes in Billingham this year.
Not only have participants gained strength, as well as improving mobility & balance, they have also built friendships over a cuppa at Cafe AMALA sessions.
“It’s an excellent thing to get people out & get them moving!”
High Grange resident
Reaching people in the hearts of communities
Living with mobility issues or long-term health conditions can make it difficult for older adults to travel to fitness classes or gyms when people are most in need of keeping active. This is why we’ve taken AMALAwellness classes to exactly where people need them!
Exercises can be done seated, standing with chair support or free-standing. This makes our classes accessible to all. Whether attending in a wheelchair, a walker – our classes are accessible to all.
There are many benefits for attending regular Chair Yoga and Exercise sessions, including:
Improved Mobility & Flexibility – Gentle seated exercises enhance joint movement and reduce stiffness.
Increased Strength & Balance – Helps maintain muscle strength, reducing fall risk.
Cardiovascular Health – Light aerobic movements promote heart health and circulation.
Social Interaction – Encourages socialisation, reducing loneliness and improving mental well-being.
Pain Management – Low-impact exercises help alleviate arthritic symptoms and chronic pain.
Cognitive Benefits – Engaging in movement supports brain function and coordination.
Accessibility & Safety – Ideal for individuals with mobility challenges or balance concerns.
“Gets you out of your chair!”
high grange resident
Every Monday morning we meet right in the heart of the community in Eltham Crescent, Thornaby, with some members walking to class from their bungalows in the next street. And on a Thursday afternoon, we take resistance bands & spikey balls into the communal lounge next to residents’ flats at High Grange House sheltered accommodation in Billingham.
Older adults are in particular need for accessible, effective fitness programmes because people may lose confidence to exercise as they age, especially if living with a long-term health condition. We have welcomed referrals from Parkinson’s UK & social prescribers.
Exercise & Community
AMALAwellness’ teachers encourage students to move safely to build balance, flexibility & confidence through fun and engaging chair yoga and exercise classes. Classes focus on building strength (for example stronger ankles for icy weather), mobility (increasing range of movement in the shoulder to reach things at the back of cupboards, for instance) and using mindful movements with breathwork to help students to relax.
Weekly we see around 25 people between the 2 classes. Students report reduced pain and increased connection to their local community. Cafe AMALA sessions, where we invite people to stay after class for a warm drink, snack and a chat, run monthly in Thornaby & weekly in Billingham, giving students a great opportunity to get to know each other better.
“You get a natter! It’s nice talking to the different people who are here.”
Eltham Crescent student
Thank You People’s Postcode Lottery!
We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from the People’s Postcode Lottery. You have helped to enhance the wellbeing of many of our students who have benefitted from socially prescribed and fully funded places. Thanks for supporting our staff with their continued professional development, to ensure we are providing the latest evidence based movements for meaningful change.
Thank you to all of our fantastic students for your continued support.
“Social aspect has been a big help when you’re on your own – encourages you to get out more.”
high grange resident