Let’s get physical – Horsham care home gets fit with the Green Goddess

A care home in Horsham has taken part in a very special exercise class taught by 1980s fitness star, the Green Goddess.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Skylark House, on St Mark’s Lane, donned their workout wear and neon accessories to take part in the bespoke virtual session with fitness guru Diana Moran, which forms part of Care UK’s ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative. 

Diana, known as the Green Goddess, is best known for hosting 'wake up and shape up' on breakfast television while wearing her trademark green leotard in the 1980s. 

As part of their activities, residents wore their ‘Team Skylark House’ workout gear to complete a series of low impact, tailored exercise routines suitable for those in later life and designed to improve flexibility and blood circulation. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, team members also got involved by dressing up in their best exercise outfits, much to the resident’s amusement. 

Commenting on the Green Goddess workout, one resident said: “Wow! She really knows her stuff. My shoulders feel better already.” 

The ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative sees Care UK homes across the country encourage residents to get active by trying something new and exciting – whether that be a fitness class with the Green Goddess, a seated ballet class, disco yoga or even ice skating. 

Dorota Woloszyn, Home Manager at Skylark House said: “We had a fantastic time in our 80s gear taking part in The Green Goddesses’ official Care UK workout.

“Here at Skylark House, we strive to ensure residents lead active and fulfilling lives. While regular activities at the home include gentle exercise classes and movement activities, we were keen to encourage residents to kickstart the new year by trying something new.

“Exercise is incredibly important for maintaining physical and mental health, especially in older people, whose mobility, balance, and strength naturally begins to decline with age. Enjoying physical exercise in a novel and exciting way can greatly increase resident involvement, leading to improved fitness levels and a more positive mood.

“Many residents remember the Green Goddess from their younger years, and seeing everyone dressed up really did put a smile on resident’s faces. We’ll certainly be taking part in this for weeks to come!”

Diana Moran, the Green Goddess, added: “I am delighted to support Care UK to encourage residents across the country to get active by trying something new. 

“Regardless of age, keeping active is what keeps us young. Whether it’s walking a little further on your everyday stroll, or exercising a little longer, every day brings a new possibility. Even for those less mobile, chair based exercises can be just as beneficial. Nothing should get in the way of you being the best version of you!”

Skylark House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite and palliative care.   

For more information on Skylark House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Beverly Jordan, on 01403 887 578 or email beverly.jordan@careuk.com.

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/skylark-house.

To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with the Green Goddess, and for more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home, visit careuk.com/lets-get-physical.