Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Improve your mobility with this chair-based exercise routine from British Heart Foundation.
Follow along as cardiac rehab expert Hara Markos demonstrates 10 seated exercises, including neck stretches, chest openers and leg circles.
You can try these exercises if you’re less mobile, new to exercising or just looking for a workout you can easily do at home.
Choose a strong chair that’s not too soft and make sure your feet are on the ground with your thighs parallel to the floor.
You can do this workout 2 to 3 times a week. Start slowly and build things up gradually.
Stop immediately and contact your GP if you feel unwell, very short of breath, chest pain, dizziness or heart palpitations while exercising. If you feel unwell or notice any chest pain while you’re exercising, stop immediately and speak to your doctor.
Discover more chair-based exercises at bhf.org.uk/activity
01:00 Head turn
02:20 Shoulder roll
03:12 Wrist circles
04:02 Chest opener
05:40 Spine twist
07:10 Forward bend
08:30 Side bend
09:20 Knee hug
10:45 Hip circles
11:50 Ankle point
13:26 More exercises
Improve your mobility with this chair-based exercise routine from British Heart Foundation.
Follow along as cardiac rehab expert Hara Markos demonstrates 10 seated exercises, including neck stretches, chest openers and leg circles.
You can try these exercises if you’re less mobile, new to exercising or just looking for a workout you can easily do at home.
Choose a strong chair that’s not too soft and make sure your feet are on the ground with your thighs parallel to the floor.
You can do this workout 2 to 3 times a week. Start slowly and build things up gradually.
Stop immediately and contact your GP if you feel unwell, very short of breath, chest pain, dizziness or heart palpitations while exercising. If you feel unwell or notice any chest pain while you’re exercising, stop immediately and speak to your doctor.
Discover more chair-based exercises at bhf.org.uk/activity
01:00 Head turn
02:20 Shoulder roll
03:12 Wrist circles
04:02 Chest opener
05:40 Spine twist
07:10 Forward bend
08:30 Side bend
09:20 Knee hug
10:45 Hip circles
11:50 Ankle point
13:26 More exercises
