Susan Birbeck loves to see the happy looks on the faces of those attending her exercise class. As she puts them through their - very gentle - paces, she sees how they light up. “It is so good to see them enjoying themselves.”

Susan, who lives in Idle, teaches Extend exercise classes at care homes across the Bradford district and at a community class in Thackley.

The special exercise techniques, for older people and people with disabilities, help people stay fit as they grow older. They include standing and seated exercise, to suit people’s capabilities.

“A full routine ranges from warm up and circulation exercises, to strength, balance, cool down and stretches. There is also a lot of coordination work,” says Susan. “We start by rubbing all the joints, then go on to toe points, stretching the front of the leg, then the back of the leg. We do a circulation track - alternate heel-toe, heel-toe."

She add: "I also do toe walk and heel walk. Then I do a couple of strength tracks for legs, with knee lift and hold. And we so thigh leg swings.”

Arm exercises include touching opposite shoulders. “We do a lot of finger exercises,“ says Susan, who teaches people aged from late fifties to 100. “In the care homes it is mostly seated exercise.”

Established in 1976 and a registered charity, Extend has its roots in exercise, health, movement and dance. Participants are encouraged to keep fit because they know it is good for them to exercise. It is also fun, an opportunity to meet people, it is stimulating, encourages a sense of wellbeing, personal satisfaction and achievement.

Extend classes are growing in popularity throughout the UK, particularly as people are now living longer and want to maintain a good level of personal fitness well into their later years.

It is a good choice of affordable exercise for people with a disability and older people looking to challenge their fitness levels, from the very active to the not so active.

Exercise teachers are trained in a unique way to make exercise fun but at the same time safe. Therefore, reducing the symptoms of age related conditions and improving mobility for those who have disabilities.It is a good choice of affordable exercise for people with a disability and older people looking to challenge their fitness levels, from the very active to the not so active.

The exercises help the spine and posture. “Gently curling the spine down then sitting back up aids mobility for the neck, then we do side bends, says Susan. "I adapt the exercises to suit individuals. People have said they feel far more supple afterwards.”

A qualified gym instructor, before joining Extend Susan worked as a personal trainer. She has also completed courses with Later Life Training, which provides specialist, safe and effective exercise training for health and leisure professionals working with older people. She has also completed a falls prevention course and a course for seated exercise.

The activities do not require equipment but Susan occasionally uses a sponge ball, batons and hoops for circulation and strength work. "The exercises can help anyone. If people can't use their legs I adapt them so they can do some exercises using their arms."

For many years Susan has taught classes of between six and around a dozen people at nursing homes run by the Czajka Care Group, which own a number throughout the Bradford district.

The residents taking part also enjoy the musical accompaniment. “I try and use music to match the groups I work with, as it brings back memories for them,” she says. “I use music like The Tide is High, Funny How Time Slips Away and In the Mood for Love, as well as dance tunes - the quickstep and tango. I use music ranging from the 1920s to the 1970s. Often, people recognise music from their youth.”

Susan also holds a weekly class at Thackley Methodist Church where more than 20 people take the class. “They love the music and it is a lovely opportunity for people to get together. They may be lonely and by exercising in a group they can meet others. People I have taught have made very good friends through the classes.”

Susan’s also holds classes for young to middle-aged disabled people who suffer from conditions including multiple sclerosis and stiff joints. “The exercises help people to loosen up,” says Susan.

She loves the reaction her classes bring. “It is very rewarding to see people having such a good time. They really look forward to it.”

*Susan’s Extend class is at Thackley Methodist Church, on Tuesdays starting at 1.30pm, to 3pm. Tea and coffee is included. For more information contact her on 07786980659. Also visit extend.org.uk