Downham Grange hosts exercise class using Zoom

Downham Grange care home invited local pensioners to shape up after the coronavirus lockdown with a virtual seated exercise and mobility class.

Certified group fitness instructor Joe Hardy led the session with staff and residents of the Kingsley Healthcare home and people from the local community joined in via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Ms. Hardy, who has previously worked as a dancer and fitness instructor on five-star cruise ships, said: “Laughing is the best medicine and it’s great to make fitness fun for everyone.

“Sitting in the comfort of their chair throughout the session, people don’t even realise they are actually working out and improving health and mobility!”

Mariya Pepkova, deputy manager of the home in Clackclose Road, Downham Market, said: “The exercise class was such a good idea. I hope people in the community enjoyed it just as much as our staff and residents.

“It’s been a difficult three months for many elderly people, unable to enjoy even the simple pleasure of a country walk, and we thought the class would be a fun way to start getting back in shape.”

Kingsley’s head of public relations, Stephen Pullinger, said: “A number of our care homes are hosting Zoom exercise classes with Joe. We promote them in advance so the local community can join in.

“Zoom, Skype and FaceTime have become important lifelines for our residents during the coronavirus lockdown.

“As well as the exercise classes, we have been livestreaming concerts by entertainers into our home; residents have also been able to keep in touch with their families through video calls.”