Healthy living · Sub-topic
Exercising
Moving the body is good for everyone. Here are simple ideas, printable exercise sheets and short videos you can use at home — whether the person you care for walks, uses a wheelchair, or needs support to move.
On this page:
In short
- Exercise helps with sleep, mood, pain and strength.
- Little bits of movement through the day all count.
- Pick one sheet below and try it for a week.
Why movement matters
Regular movement can improve sleep, mood, digestion and strength, and it often reduces pain and stiffness. It also creates time together that isn’t about appointments or personal care.
You don’t need equipment or a full hour. Five minutes of stretching after breakfast, a walk to the letterbox, or seated arm circles during an ad break all add up. If the person you care for has a physiotherapy plan, use these ideas alongside it — not instead of it.
Check with the GP or physiotherapist first if there is a heart or breathing condition, a recent fall, or new pain. Stop if anything hurts.
Fact sheets and exercise sheets
Print them, or open them on a phone or tablet.
Getting started with everyday movement
A one-page checklist of small activities to build into the day, with space to note what worked.
2 pages · 480 KB
Seated exercise sheet
Eight illustrated exercises that can be done from a chair or wheelchair, with rest breaks marked.
4 pages · 1.2 MB
Questions to ask the physiotherapist
Editable prompts to take to an appointment, so nothing is forgotten at your appointment.
2 pages · 480 KB
Weekly movement planner
A printable guide to plan and tick off movement across the week for you and the person you support.
2 pages · 480 KB
Watch and follow along
All videos have captions and a written transcript.
Five gentle stretches to start the day
Follow along in real time. Shown seated first, then standing.
Helping someone move safely
Practical guidance on supporting movement without hurting your own back.
