What to Expect from Our Exercise Therapy Classes
We asked our participants what they’d tell a friend who was thinking about joining one of our chair-based exercise classes. Here’s what they said.
If you’ve been thinking about getting more active – but the idea of going to the gym feels wrong, or you’re not sure where to start after an injury, illness or a long period of inactivity – you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common conversations we have at The Lomond Clinic.
The truth is, for a lot of people, the barrier isn’t motivation. It’s finding something that feels right for where they are right now.
That’s exactly the gap our exercise therapy classes were designed to fill.
Why we started the classes
We’ve always taken an integrated approach to health – treating the whole person rather than just the presenting problem. So when it became clear that many of our physiotherapy patients needed not just treatment but ongoing, supported movement to maintain their progress, it made sense to build something for them.
The result was two classes: From the Chair and Beyond the Chair. Both run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Bridge (Helensburgh Parish Church Hall), and both are designed and led by Rachael Peddie Temple, an exercise referral specialist with 18 years of experience – and Physiotherapist Sakshi Duseja, who assesses every participant at the start and end of each 10-week block.
What “exercise therapy” actually means
It’s worth explaining what we mean by ‘exercise therapy’, because it’s not the same as a fitness class.
Exercise therapy is structured, evidence-based movement designed to improve specific aspects of physical function – balance, strength, flexibility, coordination – in people who may have health conditions, injuries or reduced mobility. It’s prescribed and supervised by qualified professionals, not designed as a general workout.
That’s why our classes include a physiotherapy assessment at the beginning and end of each block. It’s not just a formality. Sakshi’s assessment tells us where you’re starting from, whether there are any considerations Rachael should know about, and it gives you a genuine benchmark to measure your progress against.
When participants come back for their final assessment after 10 weeks, the improvements are often striking – and motivating.
What the classes are like
From the Chair is a 45-minute session using seated exercises to build strength, improve flexibility and circulation, and work on core stability and balance. It’s welcoming to complete beginners, to people recovering from illness or injury, and to anyone who wants to build a foundation gradually.
Beyond the Chair incorporates both seated and standing work, balance training, and more dynamic movements – the kind of functional strength that makes everyday activities easier. Like, getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, walking with confidence. It’s a progression from the first class, and participants often move between the two over time as their fitness develops.
What strikes most new participants, though, is the atmosphere.
“An exercise class that is fun, gentle and beneficial,” says Annette. “With a fabulous instructor who demonstrates the different exercises and explains the benefits of each one making each session something to look forward to. Good company, too.”
That community aspect – familiar faces, encouragement, a shared goal – is something that’s hard to replicate in a commercial gym setting, and it’s part of what keeps people coming back.
The difference Rachael makes
Rachael’s qualifications are extensive: she’s an Advanced Personal Trainer, a GP Referral Exercise Specialist, a Cardiac Rehabilitation Instructor, and a Postural Stability Instructor, among other credentials. She’s worked in this field for two decades.
But what participants describe is less about her certificates (impressive though they are) and more about how she makes people feel.
“Rachael is an excellent teacher with infinite patience and understanding and compassion,” says Jan. “Her class is a safe and non-judgemental space filled with laughter, where everyone is encouraged and pushed to improve to the best of their abilities under her watchful eyes.”
That word – safe – comes up again and again. It matters enormously when you’re older, when you’ve had a fall, or when past experience of exercise has left you uncertain of your body’s limits.
Rachael Peddie Temple, Exercise Referral Trainer
See more about Rachael | See Rachael’s clinic days | Book an appointment with Rachael
Thinking about joining?
If this sounds like it might be for you, the best first step is just to give us a call on 01436 672677 and have a chat. We’ll talk you through which level might suit you and what to expect in the first session.
You can read more about the practical details – class times, pricing, and what’s included in the 10-week block – on our exercise classes page.
Join our mailing list
We are a well-established multi-disciplinary health clinic on the seafront of Helensburgh. Join our mailing list to get all the latest news and updates directly to your inbox!