The Gentle Exercise DVD series is a seated exercise program for persons with limited strength or range of motion. The video begins with a slow and easy warm-up, then progresses through a gentle full-body routine, including seated dancing and a relaxation routines set to Broadway style music. They combine exercise, dance, music, movement and fun. (Duration: 30-minutes) Dance leader: Betty Switkes.
Chair Full-body
An exercise program for persons with limited strength and range of motion. The video begins with a slow and easy warm-up. Teacher Betty Switkes progresses through a gentle full-body routine including a seated dance and a refreshing relaxation with Broadway style music. Skill level: Moderate to Good (30 minutes)
Benefits of this program include:
- Improved flexibility and coordination
- Increased strength in hands, arms, and legs
- Strengthened heart and lungs
- Lower blood pressure
- Relaxation and improved mind-body harmony
- Enhanced sense of well-being and reduced susceptibility to depression
Chair Aerobics
This award-winning program features three 20 minute routines of lively stretching and strengthening motions with big band-style musical accompaniment. Inspiring teacher Betty Switkes leads a class of people ages (about) 30 to 92. All exercises are done from a sitting position, in a chair or a wheelchair. Skill level: Moderate to Good. (60 minutes)
Benefits of this program practiced two or three times a week include:
- Strengthened heart and lungs
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved circulation, flexibility and coordination
- Increased stamina and muscle strength
- Stabilized blood sugar for diabetics
- Enhanced sense of well-being and reduced susceptibility to depression
Yoga HealthMaster teacher and health educator Pat Hulbert leads participants in three 27-minute sessions of breathing for relaxation, coordinated stretching, and yoga movements seated in a chair. This program is recommended as a tranquil supplement to the other chair exercise sessions. Regular practice of rhythmic stretching and relaxation promotes confidence, a deepened sense of well-being and serenity. The movements require no prior yoga experience.
Soothing music accompanies the program. Skill level: Moderate to Good. (81 minutes)
Benefits of two to three practices a week include:
- Improved circulation, energy, flexibility and coordination
- Improved muscle tone and control
- Lower blood pressure and improved immunity
- Increased awareness, harmony between body, mind, and emotions
- Enhanced sense of well-being and reduced susceptibility to depression
Strength ImprovementImprovement of upper body and leg strength is important and possible at any age. In the first 20-minute session Betty Switkes leads the group in a warm-up, emphasizing strength building with neckties, a balancing exercise done standing or seated, and a lively seated dance. The second 20-minute session features gentle aerobics, upper body strengthening using soup cans as weights, enjoyable dance motions and a pleasant cool-down. The routines are accompanied by lively
big band and popular music. Skill level: Moderate to Good. (40 minutes)
Benefits of this program practiced two or three times a week include:
- Increased stamina and muscle strength, especially in the upper body
- Improved circulation, flexibility, coordination and balance
- Strengthened heart and lungs
- Lower blood pressure
- Enhanced sense of well-being and reduced susceptibility to depression
- Relaxation and improved body-mind harmony
What we like best about this product: This simple video, is specially designed for persons with limited range of motion to:
- Improve flexibility and coordination;
- Increase in arm-, hand- and leg-strength;
- Strengthen heart and lungs;
- Lower blood pressure;
- Provide relaxation for those experiencing anxiety or agitation;
- Reduce depression; and
- Provide a whole lot of fun
Quotes: "Lively, thoughtful and fun... a well designed program... to work out without wearing out." The Washington Post
"Suitable for viewers of all ages... for people at all levels of ability... easy-to-follow routines and enough variety to keep exercisers interested even during repeated viewings... and alternative to the plethora of highly energetic aerobic tapes on the market." The Library Journal
"The Armchair Fitness cassette does not intimidate or embarrass or tease anyone." Los Angeles Times
"Those of us who can't manage Jane Fonda's Workout or who cant' bear to see another aerobics video led by some slinky young thing can take heart... Armchair Fitness... is the exercise video for anyone who's unable or unwilling to take part in strenuous activities." USA Today
