Move · Videos · Gentle & Seated · 17 min

Seated Mobility for Everyday Tasks (Move It or Lose It)

Video by Move it or Lose it UK on YouTube · Open on YouTube

A slow seated routine for older people, made with a consultant geriatrician for people in hospital, in care or recovering at home: neck, wrists and fingers, ankles, shoulders, knees, legs, arms and trunk twists, each tied to an everyday task.

  • 17 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • chair

Good forHealthy ageing

Step by step 10

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Neck forward bend: chin towards the chest to a mild stretch, hold about five seconds, five times. 1:08
  2. Neck side bends, then turns to each side, holding up to five seconds; never force the movement. 2:20
  3. Wrists: point the fingers up, then down, holding each; then make a fist and stretch the fingers wide. 4:37
  4. Toe raises onto the heels, then heel raises onto the toes, lowering with control, 10 of each. 6:45
  5. Foot flexors: heel then toe on the same spot, 10 each foot, then slow ankle circles both ways. 8:10
  6. Shoulder lifts towards the ears, then slow backward shoulder circles, drawing the shoulder blades back. 9:48
  7. Knee bends: sit towards the front of the chair and slide one foot back as far as you can, each leg. 11:16
  8. Leg raises: sit back, straighten one leg with toes pulled up and hold for 5 to 10 seconds, each leg. 12:22
  9. Seated marching: lift the knees, swinging the arms or holding the chair, 10 each leg. 13:40
  10. Biceps curls with the elbow tucked in, 10 each arm, then slow trunk twists with arms crossed. 14:34

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Hold neck stretches for about five seconds and never force them
  • Sit towards the front half of the chair to bend the knee further
  • Breathe normally and avoid over-stretching

What it works Whole body

Tap an area for more videos that work it.

Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Neck moveschin to chest, side tilts, turns
  • Shoulders movesshoulder lifts and circles
  • Elbows movesarm strengthener curls
  • Wrists & hands moveswrist flexion and extension, finger clenches
  • Upper back movesshoulder circles, trunk rotation
  • Lower back movesseated trunk rotation
  • Hips movesseated marching
  • Knees movesknee bends, leg raises
  • Ankles & feet movestoe and heel raises, ankle circles

Easier option from the coach: Cushion behind the back; hold the chair for marching; bed version available

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Move it or Lose it UK; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety