At Cedarhurst Senior Living, movement is about much more than exercise. It is about confidence, connection, and creating opportunities for residents to thrive. That is why Cedarhurst recently certified Life Enrichment Directors across the organization in Chair One Fitness, a nationally recognized seated fitness program designed to make movement accessible, engaging, and fun.
The initiative aligns naturally with Cedarhurst's Living TRUE℠ philosophy and its focus on supporting the seven dimensions of wellness. While physical wellness may be the most visible benefit, the impact of Chair One Fitness extends far beyond exercise alone.
"We want to offer the best programs possible," said Tara Burrow, Director of Education & Engagement at Cedarhurst Senior Living. "We know that physical fitness not only strengthens the body but also builds endorphins and enhances mood. Studies have shown that people who engage in regular physical activity live longer and enjoy better overall health."
Movement, Music, and True Connection
When exploring fitness programs, Cedarhurst sought a solution that could be adapted to residents with varying abilities while remaining engaging and effective. Chair One Fitness quickly emerged as the ideal partner.
"Chair One Fitness was easy to work with and offered both onsite and virtual training options," Burrow said. "Having the opportunity for our team members to learn in person, ask questions, and experience the program firsthand made a difference. Their credibility also stood out. They have trained more than 1,000 instructors and are active in 13 countries."
What makes Chair One Fitness unique is its ability to combine movement, music, and social connection into a single experience. Residents participate from a seated position, making the program accessible while still challenging participants to improve strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility.
The benefits reach across multiple dimensions of wellness that are central to Cedarhurst's Living TRUE philosophy.
Residents benefit physically through improved mobility and strength, cognitively through coordination and memory-building activities, socially through shared experiences with peers, and emotionally through the confidence and joy that come from participation. The combination of movement, music, and camaraderie creates an experience that supports the whole person.
"This program is fun," Burrow said. "It incorporates music and camaraderie, which supports multiple dimensions of wellness that are key components of Life Enrichment at Cedarhurst."
At Cedarhurst of Canton, Life Enrichment Director Samantha Seitz has witnessed those benefits firsthand.
"For our residents, exercise isn't perceived as a chore," Seitz said. "It's a way to stay independent and feel successful regardless of fitness level. It's also a way to connect with friends, cheer each other on, and help stay mobile and independent."
Personal Achievement Over Perfection
Chair One Fitness classes focus on personal achievement rather than perfection.
"It's about singing to the music and moving our bodies in a way that builds endurance, coordination, and mobility," Seitz explained. "Residents are also working their brains by processing both the music and the movements. Once they start singing along, they often forget they are exercising."
For some residents, the program has opened doors they never expected.
"I have a couple of residents who thought they could never dance again," Seitz said. "They soon learned they could still enjoy music and dance from a seated position. That has helped build confidence and reduced some of the worry they had about their limitations."
The enthusiasm surrounding Chair One Fitness was on full display during Cedarhurst's May Fitness Challenge, which encouraged communities to increase participation in fitness programming through friendly competition and teamwork.
"Whenever residents hear there's a competition, they immediately go into 'Let's do it!' mode," Seitz said with a laugh.
At Cedarhurst of Canton, residents focused on improving core strength, reaching a little farther, trying new exercises, and encouraging one another every step of the way. Success wasn't measured by who could do the most. Instead, it was about showing up, making progress, and celebrating accomplishments together. As reward for their dedication, the residents of Cedarhurst of Canton took home the trophy as the champs of the May Fitness Challenge.
One participant, 101-year-old Helen, rarely misses a class. "She always says, 'Use it or lose it,'" Seitz shared.
Each fitness session concludes with a group mantra that reflects the supportive spirit of the program:
"We are Smart. We are Strong. We are Loved. We have Faith. We are Safe."
The final phrase changes daily based on how residents are feeling: happy, motivated, excited, or inspired.
It is a simple tradition, but one that perfectly captures the purpose behind Chair One Fitness. At Cedarhurst, movement is about more than exercise. It is about building confidence, creating connections, and empowering residents to continue living life to the fullest, one song, one smile, and one movement at a time.
This story will appear in the Summer 2026 issue of Flourish Magazine.
About the Author
Ryan Davis is the Corporate Communications Manager at Cedarhurst Senior Living and the writer behind every story in Flourish® magazine. He holds a Communications degree from Indiana University and brings 19 years of experience to his role, which he began in January 2024. Ryan is passionate about storytelling, especially sharing the meaningful lives of Cedarhurst residents, families, and staff. He hopes each published story becomes a treasured legacy for loved ones.
