The joy of bringing Zest to life

Helen Core, Wellbeing Manager at Anchor, shares why she enjoys delivering live Zest sessions and seeing residents get active, have fun and connect with others.

One of the things I love most about being a fitness professional is delivering sessions live and seeing people getting involved in the moment.

Technology means Zest can reach lots of residents at the same time, wherever they are. But there is something special about a live session. I can see residents, respond to them in real time and encourage them as they exercise. It also gives people a regular time to prioritise their exercise, while enjoying it with friends.

Keeping active together

Meadow Court in Southampton has been joining my weekly Friday Zest session for more than three years. What started as a regular group has continued to grow, and they have become a real Zest community.

The sessions include seated and standing exercises, with a mix of cardiovascular exercise to get the heart rate up, strength work and balance exercises. They are suitable for different abilities, and everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace.

I have to admit, the Meadow Court group often put me to shame. They work incredibly hard, and I have to make sure I work just as hard each week if I’m going to keep up with them.

I asked the group what they like about Zest and their answers really sum up what being active can be about:

Age is no barrier.

Have fun and keep fit.

Use it or lose it.

Why sit at home and be lonely? Exercise is fun.

Exercise and get rid of those aches and pains.

I enjoy it because it is live.

I love that last one. There is something about knowing other people are joining you at the same time that makes a session feel different.

Dance, music and having fun

Live sessions aren’t just about traditional exercise. We also run Zest Dance twice a month for residents in our care homes.

Each month has a different musical theme, giving us the chance to explore different songs, styles and eras through movement.

The format is simple. I show residents some moves, put the music on and lead them through the track. But there is no pressure to copy me.

If someone doesn’t want to join in with my dancing, they can move to the music in their own way. They might tap their feet, move their arms or simply enjoy listening to the music.

For me, all movement is good movement, as long as it is safe.

In August, we took a trip back to the 1920s, and Victoria Court in Ilkeston really got into the theme. Residents came along wearing accessories inspired by the era, which made the session even more fun.

It’s about more than exercise

For me, Zest is about more than getting people moving. It is about giving residents something to look forward to, spending time with other people and having fun along the way.

Whether it is the Meadow Court group joining me every Friday or residents getting into the music during Zest Dance, I love seeing how people make each session their own.

And after more than three years of Friday sessions, I think the Meadow Court group have shown something important: it is never too late to get moving, have fun and keep challenging yourself.

I’m already looking forward to seeing what they do next.

Learn more about Zest and Anchor’s approach to wellness and activity here.

Helen Core is Anchor’s Wellbeing Manager