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."
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. 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.
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
CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | SUMMER FLOURISH 2026 19
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