Armchair workouts power Durham enterprise

A County Durham fitness initiative is helping boost wellbeing and is bringing communities together through a unique approach to exercise and social inclusion.

Get Fit NE CIC, founded in April 2024 by fitness instructor Michelle Garton, is helping tackle loneliness and improving physical and mental health across the region. 

The social enterprise runs a range of classes, from post-natal to children’s fitness, but its Chair Fit sessions – seated workouts designed for older adults and people with health conditions – have proven especially popular.

Michelle said: “I’ve always had a real passion for helping people and making a difference in the community, so after qualifying as a life coach last year, I decided the next step in my career would be to become a social entrepreneur.

“We started off with just a handful of people attending our sessions, but as soon as we introduced Chair Fit, it just blew up.

“We’re now hosting sessions five times a week, with each class typically attracting around 40 people aged 50 and above. 

“We even have one regular who is 98.”

Based in Pelton and Ouston, the sessions aim to improve mobility and social connection, especially for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. 

Michelle added: “It was a real pinch me moment, but one of the things that really drove home the impact of our work was when we welcomed a husband and wife to one of our Chair Fit classes and the woman suffered from dementia.

“The illness impacted her life so much that she often struggled to even remember the names of those closest to her; however, when the activity finished and our cooldown song, ‘Always on my Mind' by Elvis Presley began to play, she grabbed her husband’s hand, remembered his name and said to him ‘this is our song’. 

“They had a very emotional sing along together. 

“Her husband said, ‘that song brought me my wife back’.”

Support from the North East BIC’s Social Enterprise Durham Boost programme helped Michelle launch the venture, with business adviser Anthony McDermott providing key guidance. 

Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the programme backs grassroots social entrepreneurs in target areas.

Anthony added: “Michelle’s passion and dedication to making a difference in the community is truly inspiring. 

“It’s been a pleasure to support her on this journey, helping to turn her vision into a thriving social enterprise.

“Get Fit NE CIC is not just about fitness - it’s about bringing people together across County Durham, improving well-being and tackling social isolation. 

“After visiting a session recently, seeing the incredible impact of Chair Fit firsthand has been remarkable – such a buzz in the room and everyone had a huge smile on their face. 

“I have no doubt that Michelle’s work will continue to transform lives across County Durham and beyond.”

Michelle added: “If it wasn’t for the support and grant funding we received from the BIC, there’s no way we’d be where we are today.

“Having ran my own business, I knew the basics of setting up, but I had no idea of how to run a social enterprise and the different options available to me, but they just made everything so easy.

“The advice and support we have received has been invaluable and I also think they have been key to us securing funding from Sport England and The National Lottery. 

“I can’t thank them enough.”

Looking ahead, Michelle plans to expand across County Durham with a year-long community centre project offering specialist fitness programmes. 

She also hopes to launch children’s summer camps with cookery sessions to promote healthy lifestyles from an early age.

Michelle added: “The journey so far has been incredible. 

“In less than a year, we've helped hundreds of people, and this is just the beginning. 

“Our community is growing week by week and with more classes and service offerings in the pipeline, I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

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