PERSONAL TRAINING FOR SENIORS
August 8, 2017
People over 50 years old come in all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, but there’s one thing we all have in common: We’re a long ways from 20. Seniors do not need to be jumping on and off boxes or doing jumping lunge squats. Why? The reason is obvious: We should avoid putting undue stress on our joints and focus instead on fitness that enhances our day-to-day lives.
At this time of our life, we have different needs and goals than we did in our younger years. The primary goal of working out is no longer to look good in a bathing suit on spring break. Instead, the focus tends to lean more toward becoming stronger and more flexible while increasing stamina and endurance.
We need the strength and flexibility to pick up our grandchildren without straining our backs. We need the conditioning to be able to carry grocery bags up a flight of stairs without getting winded. If we go on a trip, we want to be able to keep up with the tour group, not fall behind. When we put focus on getting or staying in shape as a senior, we’re thinking less about short-term gratification and more about long-term success.
This isn’t to say I haven’t seen and trained several seniors who have more power than some 20 year olds. But at the end of the day, when I train a senior, I make sure to take the time to demonstrate proper modifications that can give my client the same results without the strain. One program does not fit all and we must pay attention to past injuries and work together to overcome obstacles standing in the way of a better life. We shouldn’t train with the intensity of a 20 year old; we should train with the durability of a senior.
Tip: how much does a personal trainer cost? Click here to find out.
By Judy Rinsler
P.S. If you are interested in a solid simple workout routine, see our latest blog on the Big 3 Workout.