15.5 million people in England are living with chronic pain, according to a 2021 report by Versus Arthritis. It equates to more than 1 in 3 of us, meaning there are a lot of people looking for ways to reduce pain
This figure doesn’t cover the people who struggle with mobility due to a disability but do not live with chronic pain. Or those who are housebound because they are immunocompromised. So, the actual number of people MOVEability could help through our specialised exercise classes is huge – we are on a mission to improve the lives of potentially millions.
It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise is proven to help manage pain and improve mobility. Classes like ours can also help combat loneliness. Just read our client testimonials.
There is clearly a need for classes like ours, which is why we are committed to growing MOVEability and reaching more people.
Benefits of exercise
Less stiffness and greater flexibility, reduced fatigue, improved breathing, faster post-op recovery and, of course, reduced pain are just some of the many benefits our clients have shared with us. In addition, many have reported improvements in their mental health; they feel more energised and less isolated and have accomplished new things within the classes and beyond.
A broader benefit of the improvements in physical and mental health that come from exercise is fewer doctors’ appointments and faster recovery times from operations which helps the NHS.
Chronic pain accounts for 4.6 million GP appointments in the UK every year, equating to a cost of approximately £69 million to the NHS. Not only that but using less medication means less packaging waste, which is better for the environment.
The added benefits of our classes
We are so much more than instructors. We want everyone to have fun because when you’re having fun, you get lots more out of exercising. We also want people to feel a sense of belonging. Limited mobility can leave you feeling isolated, as can being housebound because of limited immunity. Friendships have been borne from our classes, which is something we encourage during the class and afterwards over a cuppa and a biscuit – both in person and virtually.
We encourage clients during the class, but we don’t push them. We know our clients’ capabilities vary from day to day. Sometimes just turning up to watch, listening to fun music and feeling part of a team can be a big win. We aim to have two instructors in each class to cater for people’s varying capabilities on any given day. A seated chair workout can work up quite a sweat for those who can do more. For those who can manage just a little, even a bit of movement will help their flexibility, stability and mood.
We run onsite and online classes. Some of our clients are immunocompromised, have very limited mobility or are housebound for other reasons, so our online classes are a lifeline.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
We want anyone who needs our classes to be able to access them, either onsite or online.
Need support getting set up on Zoom? We’re here to help.
Need a lift to an on-site class? Just ask, and we can usually find someone to help.
It is why we keep our prices accessible and do not charge for classes our clients cannot attend.
Making the world a better place
We believe the world would be a better place if those with disabilities, limited mobility and chronic conditions had the same opportunities as able-bodied people to improve their physical & mental health.
It’s why we do what we do.
Why not try out one of our online or on-site seated chair exercise classes. The first class is FREE. Contact info@moveability.org.uk, or when booking an online class enter the code LD01-0522 at checkout.
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