Care home exercise classes for residents of every ability

Staying active is vital for the health and happiness of care home residents. Move it or Lose it care home exercise is designed for every level of ability, from chair-based exercise for frailer residents to more dynamic standing sessions for active people in sheltered and extra care housing.

Choose one of three flexible options: classes led by a visiting instructor, training for your own staff, or online classes through the Move it or Lose it Club.

Why exercise matters in care homes

Regular, enjoyable movement helps residents keep doing the everyday things that matter to them, from standing up from a chair to walking to the dining room.

Strength and independence

Strength exercises help residents keep the muscle they need for everyday tasks like getting up, dressing and walking.

Balance and falls prevention

Balance and strength work is a key part of reducing the risk of falls, which matters for residents, families and staff.

Mood and wellbeing

Moving together lifts mood and energy, and gives residents something to look forward to.

Social connection

Group exercise sessions bring residents together, reduce isolation and build friendships.

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that older adults do activities to improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility on at least two days a week. Every Move it or Lose it session follows our FABS framework: Flexibility, Aerobic fitness, Balance and Strength.

Care home exercise classes led by visiting instructors

Our friendly, trained instructors can visit your care home to deliver engaging, inclusive exercise classes for your residents. The programme adapts to a wide range of abilities, with chair-based exercise for frailer residents and standing exercises for more active participants.

Whether it’s a seated exercise class or a more active approach, our instructors bring energy, expertise and fun to each session. Classes improve strength and balance and also boost mood, confidence and social connection among residents.

Move it or Lose it instructors run classes across the UK. Tell us where your care home is and we’ll put you in touch with your nearest instructor.

Find your local instructor

Older adults enjoying a chair-based exercise class in a care home

Care home staff learning to lead chair-based exercise for residents

Train your care home staff to deliver chair-based exercise

Equip your care team to get residents moving every day, not just once a week. Our bespoke chair-based exercise training for care home staff gives your team the skills, confidence and resources to lead safe, fun sessions that improve residents’ strength and mobility.

Choose a half-day workshop, a one-day programme or a two-day package, in person at your care home or online. With our guidance, your staff can build a sustainable exercise routine that promotes independence and enhances residents’ quality of life.

Explore staff training

Online exercise classes for care homes: the Move it or Lose it Club

Our Move it or Lose it Online Club brings exercise to your residents anytime, anywhere. The online club includes:

Live weekly classes – 30-minute sessions led by our expert instructors.
Pre-recorded sessions – Targeted tutorials focusing on strength and balance.

We also offer group licences, allowing multiple residents to enjoy individual accounts. This makes it easy for everyone to participate at their own pace. Get in touch to discuss how our online club can support your care home.

Enquire about the club

Move it or Lose it online Club exercise classes on a tablet

What a care home exercise session looks like

A Move it or Lose it session is fun first. Residents warm up gently, then move through strength, balance, coordination and gentle aerobic exercises, seated or standing depending on ability, before a relaxing cool-down.

Everyone can join in. Exercises are adapted for limited mobility, frailty and long-term conditions, and for residents living with dementia we keep movements simple, clear and positive.

Trusted by care providers, councils and charities

We’re proud to have worked with Royal Voluntary Service, Hallmark Care Homes, Dudley Council and Elmbridge Borough Council. Move it or Lose it is a CIMSPA Education Partner rated “Enhancing”, the top of CIMSPA’s quality assurance scale.

Care home exercise: frequently asked questions

What exercise is suitable for care home residents?

Chair-based exercise suits most residents, including those who are frail or have limited mobility. More active residents can do standing exercises with support. Our sessions combine flexibility, aerobic, balance and strength exercises, adapted to each person.

How often should care home residents exercise?

The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that older adults do activities to improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility on at least two days a week. Short, regular sessions work well in a care home, and training your staff makes daily movement possible.

Can residents living with dementia join in?

Yes. For residents living with dementia we use simple movement patterns, clear cues and lots of positive encouragement, so sessions feel safe and enjoyable.

Can an instructor come to our care home?

Yes. Move it or Lose it instructors run classes across the UK. Contact us with your location and we’ll put you in touch with your nearest instructor.

Can our own staff lead exercise sessions?

Yes. Our bespoke training teaches care staff and activity coordinators to plan and lead safe, fun chair-based exercise sessions, from a half-day workshop to a two-day package.

Do you offer online exercise classes for care homes?

Yes. The Move it or Lose it Club offers live weekly 30-minute classes plus recorded strength and balance sessions, with group licences so several residents can take part.

Get your residents moving

Not sure which option is right for your care home? Get in touch and we’ll help you choose.

Find a visiting instructor

Train your staff

Enquire about the Club