Sit Fit: Gentle Exercise Classes at Flaxmere Centre

🪑 Sit Fit offers a well-balanced exercise programme at Flaxmere Community Centre designed for those with limited to reasonable mobility. This FREE class includes fall prevention techniques that improve cardiovascular health, respiratory function, muscular strength, and nervous system coordination.

👵 Who it's for: Ideal for adults 65+ (or 55+ for Māori and Pasifika) and anyone at risk of falling who can safely participate. Available at two difficulty levels to accommodate different mobility needs.

🧠 Benefits include:

• Improved balance and fall prevention
• Enhanced flexibility and mobility
• Better cardiovascular health
• Mental wellbeing and cognitive function

👕 What to bring: Comfortable clothes (track pants, shorts, tights) and secure footwear (lace-up shoes or snug-fitting sneakers).

📍 Location: Flaxmere Community Centre, 400 Swansea Road, Flaxmere, Hastings 4120

📞 Contact: 06 879 9812 or email flaxmerecc@hdc.govt.nz

Why Chair-Based Exercise is Essential for Mobility and Wellbeing

Chair-based exercise programmes like Sit Fit are becoming increasingly popular in Kiwi communities as they provide accessible fitness options for those who might find traditional exercise challenging. These classes are specifically designed to accommodate varying mobility levels while still delivering significant health benefits.

Sit Fit exercises focus on maintaining and improving essential daily movement functions that many of us take for granted. The structured programme helps participants maintain independence and confidence in everyday activities like:

• Getting up from seated positions safely
• Reaching for objects without losing balance
• Improving coordination for daily tasks
• Building strength for carrying shopping and other items

Regular attendance at chair-based exercise classes has been shown to provide significant social benefits too. Participants often report improved mood, reduced feelings of isolation, and a sense of community that extends beyond the exercise session.

The cardiovascular components help maintain heart health without high-impact stress, while the balance exercises significantly reduce fall risk – a major concern for many older adults. The holistic approach addresses physical health alongside mental wellbeing, creating a comprehensive health maintenance programme.

These classes are particularly valuable for those transitioning from rehabilitation or those who've previously been inactive and wish to begin their fitness journey in a supportive, low-pressure environment.