New Exercise Club Helps The Priory Residents Keep Fit

A new exercise club that runs three times a week is helping Residents at The Priory Care Home in Romford keep fit.

The fitness initiative was launched after Colleagues at the home spoke with the local physiotherapy team to discuss how to maintain and improve Residents’ mobility during the lockdown.

Activities Co-ordinator Ken Harrop wanted to make sure that all Residents had the chance to participate in exercise to boost their physical health and wellbeing.

But with limited options due to the restrictions, Ken had to get creative to devise sessions that would be suitable for everyone.

Ken said: “The physio team gave me fantastic guidance to make sure the exercise classes achieved the right balance of fun and fitness.

“We’ve had a great response to our exercise club – the Residents have said how much they look forward to it. I’ve become The Priory’s very own Mr Motivator! We have a lot of fun, and they are a highlight on the weekly activities calendar.”

Although Residents have different levels of mobility, each session includes exercises that are achievable for all, and are chair-based.

While the club was launched during the first lockdown and when the weather was good, the sessions are flexible and can be run inside or outside.

After the success of the initial exercise classes, Residents now meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the lounge for group sessions.

Home Manager Subin Sebastian said that Ken had done a great job.

Subin said: “It’s been a fantastic success and we’re all very proud of Ken for establishing the group and leading the sessions.

“He was a finalist for the Activity Organiser Award at the Great British Care Awards 2020 and deservedly so. Ken’s hard work and dedication is an inspiration.”