Chair Aerobics

Some of you may know that I have a bad knee problem, so am unable to do much cardio work - as I walk at snails pace!!

I have been trying to find a place where I can use a pool without having to pay full membership for a gym (to no avail!)

Anyway, as I'm unable to find somewhere to do my hydrotherapy, I have been considering chair aerobics! I am also hoping to buy an excercise bike, so that I can continue with my physiotherapy at home.

I know a small amount of information about it (from the day centre my Mum volunteers at), but I was wondering if anyone does it/has tried it?

Does anyone know of any good instruction videos/DVDs/books?

Any and all information will be greatly appreciated!!

Sarah does your local leisure centre not have a pool you can use?!

Never heard of it but it sounds very interesting...

Originally Posted by rosiemac

Sarah does your local leisure centre not have a pool you can use?!

Click to expand...

I can't find one that will just let me use the pool - despite the fact that I can't really use the majority of the equipment! (all the local leisure centres were bought by the same gym company and want to charge something like £140 for six months!!)

I'm going to try ringing round the smaller ones and see if they could offer me a deal - failing that, I'll try the Council!

Originally Posted by Pombina

Never heard of it but it sounds very interesting...

Click to expand...

It's generally the excercises that they have for the elderly!

I emailed my sis for you-she is a college coach (for swimming) Perhaps she could have some ideas for you.

Originally Posted by GailC

I emailed my sis for you-she is a college coach (for swimming) Perhaps she could have some ideas for you.

Click to expand...

Thank you, Gail! It would be excellent if she could give me some ideas, it would be really helpful!

This is what she replied to me.....

If she has a bad knee problem I don't know how she can ride a bike. That would be the cheapest option if she had a bike available. "Chair aerobics" boy does that sound boring after about 15 min. but it is better than nothing - any activity that keeps her arms above her head will raise her heart rate.


To lessen the stress on her knee she should exercise in 20 min. segments and ice (15-20 min)/aspirin after each session.

Hope this helps.

Thank you, Gail!

Just to clarify, I am able to ride a bike with very little resistance, and using my other knee to almost take the other around - just to keep the movement! (have been recommended it by both my physiotherapists)

I didn't realise that by having my hands above my head would raise my heart rate - so I will try to integrate my yoga into sitting on a chair and see how that goes!

I'll give it a go and let you know how it goes!