Level 2
Chair‑based Exercise Instructor
Overview
This CIMSPA endorsed Chair-based Exercise (CBE) Instructor certification equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to design and lead your own inclusive seated exercise sessions for both older adults and disabled adults.
You will learn how to plan and deliver safe, engaging and effective chair-based exercise grounded in the core principles and values of the adult social care sector. The course covers the wide-ranging physical, mental and social benefits of chair-based activity, teaching you how to engage participants, adapt exercises to individual needs, and deliver sessions that genuinely enhance quality of life and support greater independence.
This Chair-based Exercise Instructor course can be completed online in approximately 6-10 hours. Alternatively, if you would prefer face-to-face training, we can offer the course live on Zoom.
On successful completion it leads to an AllActive Level 2 Certificate in Chair-based Exercise Instructing.
Content
The core values and principles
Understand the value of chair-based exercise
Planning and preparing for chair-based exercise
Doing and reflecting
Seated posture
Structure of session
Warm-up exercises
Main exercises including strength
Cool-down exercises
Putting it all together
Format & Assessment
Format
Complete the Chair-based Exercise Instructor course online via AllActive’s Learnstream platform. The course includes videos, downloads and podcasts covering session structure, seated exercise technique and programme design. You’ll have 12 months’ access, with the option to purchase a comprehensive printed course manual to support your learning.
Assessment
- An online quiz (18/25 marks, 70% pass mark) with unlimited attempts.
- You’ll retain access to the course for 12 months, allowing you to revisit the material after passing and downloading your certificate.
Format
Join us live for a one-day Zoom course. Ahead of the Zoom sessions, you’ll receive a comprehensive study pack with your course book, three latex-free resistance bands (extra light, light and medium), and supporting handouts. You’ll also complete guided pre-course preparation via the book and online via AllActive's Learnstream platform (12 months’ access included), watching practical exercise videos (approximately 2–3 hours).
Assessment
- Certification requires full attendance of the Zoom sessions.
- Failure to attend will result in no certificate being issued.
- Failure to attend both workshops will result in no certificate being issued.
Live Virtual (Zoom) Dates
- Thursday 30th July 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
- Tuesday 18th August 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
- Wednesday 9th September 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
- Wednesday 14th October 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
- Wednesday 11th November 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
- Wednesday 2nd December 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
Format
If you are interested in a making group booking we can provide the CBE Instructor course as an in-house course and create bespoke training to meet your needs. We can offer discounts on group bookings.
Assessment
- To gain a certificate, you need to attend the training sessions in full.
Entry Requirements
Over 18 years
Key Documents
FAQs
Are there resistance exercises within the course?
Yes, these are covered in the main component section using resistance bands.
Does it include any standing exercises?
No, although the sit-to-stand exercise does involve standing up and sitting back down again as part of the exercise. The level 3 courses include standing exercises.
Can I use music in my CBE classes?
Yes, you can include the use of music with your exercises so it’s in the background.
What is the benefit of seated exercise?
There are numerous benefits of participating in chair-based exercise. These fall into the health, physical, mental, emotional and social domains, and range from delayed onset/management of many chronic diseases, to alleviation of functional limitations, and reduced social isolation.
Does this course meet outcomes from UK frameworks?
Yes, we have mapped this to a range of frameworks, strategies and standards.
Is this a regulated qualification?
This course is not a regulated qualification. There is no specific entry requirement for this course as chair-based exercise instructing is a non-regulated activity.
What setting can I run these classes in?
This course enables the instructor to run chair-based exercise sessions in a variety of settings, for example, within health, adult social care and leisure environments.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is ideal for anyone looking to run seated exercise sessions for groups or on a 1-2-1 basis. People enrolling on these courses are typically care workers, community support workers, assistant occupational therapists, assistant physiotherapists, librarians, volunteers, sheltered housing scheme managers, activity co-ordinators, mental health support staff and fitness instructors.
Does the course include resistance bands?
Three resistance bands are provided as part of the course pack for those enrolled onto the Zoom course format.
How do I get my certificate?
If you are taking the online course format, then the certificate can be automatically downloaded as soon as you have passed the quiz. For those attending the Zoom course, the certificate will be emailed a couple of days afterwards.
After this course, what can I study next?
Once you have completed this course, you will meet the entry requirements for a range of further study options. These may include:
- Advanced Level 3 courses
- Level 2 games-based courses
You may also wish to explore our course packages, which include free course books to support your learning and help you progress further in your chosen subject area.
For CIMSPA members, how many points does this course contribute to CPD?
This course contributes 10 CPD points.
What happens if I don’t pass the quiz?
If you should need to retake the quiz to pass the course, this will be available free-of-charge and automatically available.
Do I need to purchase the book with the course?
This is entirely optional as all the content required for the course is available via AllActive’s Learnstream platform. You may find it useful to accompany your studies and then afterwards for reference in the future.
Is this course available in different languages?
If you would prefer to view the course in a different language, this can be done easily. Our eLearning platform is compatible with the built-in translation feature available in Google Chrome, allowing users to translate the course content into a wide range of languages, including Urdu.
Most of the course content can be translated, including video transcripts. This means that while watching the videos, learners can read translated subtitles/transcripts alongside the content to support their understanding.
We can also provide step-by-step guidance for anyone who would like assistance in translating the course and accessing the translated content.
Course Book
A printed 359‑page course book covering all course content is included with live virtual (Zoom) courses. It's also available as an optional add‑on for those enrolled in online learning.
Book Now
Online Learning
The course includes videos, downloads and podcasts covering session structure and programme design. You’ll have 12 months’ access.
£220
+VAT / pp
Save up to 10% on group bookings
5+ places
£209 +VAT/pp10+ places
£198 +VAT/ppLive Virtual (Zoom)
Join us live for Zoom workshops. You’ll also complete guided pre-course preparation via the manual and online via AllActive's Learnstream platform (12 months’ access included).
£280
+VAT / pp
Save up to 10% on group bookings
5+ places
£266 +VAT/pp10+ places
£252 +VAT/ppIn-House Training
We offer flexible in-house delivery, online via Zoom or in-person, with bespoke content tailored to your organisation's goals. Preferential group rates are available.
We've conducted in‑house training for a wide range of clients including the NHS, local authorities and many more.
