A specialist exercise group at Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre is helping local residents living with chronic lung conditions stay active and improve their breathing.
The pulmonary rehabilitation follow-on sessions launched in June 2025 and support people who have completed an NHS pulmonary rehabilitation programme but want to continue exercising in a safe and supportive environment.
Everyone Active manages the leisure centre on behalf of East Herts District Council. The weekly sessions, held on Tuesdays from 2pm to 3pm, are led by Sian Sellen, a Level 4 pulmonary rehabilitation exercise specialist and Everyone Active’s Contract Activity and Wellbeing Manager across East Herts.
Participants are typically referred after completing an NHS pulmonary rehabilitation course, although those who have previously completed rehabilitation may also be able to self-refer if appropriate.
The classes are designed to be accessible for people living with respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma and emphysema.
Exercises are low-impact and include a mixture of seated and standing movements using light weights and resistance bands, along with gentle cardiovascular activity and breathing control techniques.
Jean Mulhall, from Bishops Stortford, joined the group last year after being diagnosed with Asthma and COPD, having found it increasingly difficult to walk up hills or inclines.
“After my diagnosis I was referred to an NHS pulmonary rehabilitation course,” she said. “When that finished, I was told about the follow-on sessions at Grange Paddocks so that I could keep up the exercises.
“I started in the autumn with Sian and I’ve been really pleased with the difference it has made. My stamina and breathing have improved and I can now walk more quickly and for greater distances.
“It’s also a very friendly group. We enjoy the classes and have good fun.”
After several months of attending the sessions, Jean had a consultant review in September which showed an improvement in her peak flow results - an indication that her lungs were working more efficiently.
Sian Sellen said: “Pulmonary rehabilitation is incredibly important for people with long-term lung conditions, but it’s just as important to keep exercising afterwards. These sessions give people a safe and supportive place to continue being active. Everything is low impact and adaptable, whether that’s seated exercises with light weights or gentle cardio.
“It’s fantastic to see people growing in confidence, improving their stamina and enjoying the social side of the group as well.”
Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts District Council: "Jean's story highlights the power of physical activity, and it was wonderful to read how beneficial the pulmonary rehab support provided by Grange Paddock has been. I'd like to thank all the staff members who have facilitated this group and supported people with pulmonary conditions to exercise in a safe and supported environment.
“If reading about Jean's story has inspired you to give our leisure centres a try, I'd really encourage you to pop along to see what's on offer. Both Hartham and Grange Paddocks run a range of classes and groups, and both have team members in the gym throughout the day to offer support."
Everyone Active hopes the sessions will continue to support more local residents as they complete NHS pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.
For more information about the pulmonary rehabilitation follow-on sessions at Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre, residents can contact the centre directly or speak to their healthcare professional about referral options.