Wellbeing Blog

Enjoyment... Exercise... It really helps with joint movement due to my arthritis and osteoporosis. 

Marguerite, Vale Circles Mental Health Hub - Mental Health Wellbeing Scheme

I am a yogini so i was little bit sceptical for my first session when i heard it was called chair dance but it is deceptive because i believe that every week i have a really good cardio workout and the soundtrack is so cheerful. Sophie’s chair dance has the best effect on me because i laugh and dance all the way through the class and i thoroughly enjoy it. I was very impressed with the exercise content after my first class, Sophie really challenges the group in a fun way by making us think about using opposite arms to opposite legs. After engaging in the class i always feel energised!

Kim, Vale Circles Mental Health Hub - Mental Health Wellbeing Scheme

I come for the fun of it, i like the music - it makes me want to get up and dance!! When i come in to the Vale on a morning i might sometimes be down but after i join in the chair dance i feel so much better

Catherine, Vale Circles Mental Health Hub - Mental Health Wellbeing Scheme

Sophie has been working with our scheme since January 2018 and the tenants who participate all thoroughly enjoy it!! The group has grown bigger and bigger each week, i have noticed that some residents especially the men who never normally join in any activities + initially said “it wasn’t for me” have been hooked. All the tenants think it is positive to do the chair dance exercises and are pleased that the sessions have been extended due to popular demand.

One tenant stated that from taking part in the chair dance exercise session she has felt a slight improvement in her back pain, it now doesn’t ache as much when she goes on her daily walks to Cleckheaton Town. Another tenant said he continues with the some of the moves + exercises that Sophie has shown the class in his own time to ensure that he is keeping up with regular physical activity.

Tracy Lawton, KNH Social Housing Scheme Coordinator, Syke Fold Grange - Older Peoples Health Initiative

We have loved having Sophie along to our club nights at Pudsey Gateway. Our members have really benefited from her fun sessions and her lively, enthusiastic style has encouraged even some of our apprehensive members to take part. Thank you Sophie!

Ellie Parry, People In Action - Pudsey Disability Group Team Leader - Active Communities

Love your classes Sophie, always a great workout!!

Sarah, Fitness Fusion Gomersal - Active Communities

Before attending the (chair dance) group i feel low in my mood with no motivation after the class i feel more motivated and my mood has lifted.

Katherine, Lovell Park Hub - Mental Health Wellbeing Scheme

A newbie to the Huddersfield Fitness Fusion class - WOW, Sophie works us so hard but i love it!! The classes are amazing, i enjoy every bit… I leave feeling energised after the class! I love the dancing, the music and the burn... I enjoy meeting up with friends there each week and can’t believe how much magic water (sweat) comes off me lol...!

Tameka, Fitness Fusion - Active Communities

Friendly enviroment. Exercise is suitable for disabled individuals. Very friendly and supporting teacher, it is a pleasure having Sophie teach us. I like how she makes the session specifically designed for people with disabilities and for those without. She is always so positive and is always bringing new creative ideas to the group - the music choices are also great!! Long may it continue!!

Jane, Vale Circle Mental Health Hub - Mental Health Wellbeing Scheme

I really enjoy this weekly chair dance session, i love the group atmosphere, the laughter as well as the exercise and the variety of the music. Laughter is a very good medicine! Being in a wheelchair, i find the exercises are progressive and always varied week to week to keep us working but always at our own pace. Although i get tired from taking part in the exercise it does liven me up for the day

Moira, Vale Circles Mental Health Hub - Mental Health Wellbeing Scheme