Am I or my loved one too old or frail for personal training?
Most likely the answer is NO! You should always check with your doctor before starting and exercise program. If you have some significant disability, physical therapy may be the place to start and then personal training when your course of PT is completed. I am more than happy to work with your doctor or physical therapist to develop an exercise program that is right for you or your loved one.
Personal Training for older adults can be very beneficial if provided by an experienced fitness professional. A personal trainer can work with clients in the areas of strength, balance, endurance and agility.
Balance
According to the CDC 1 in 4 older adults 65 and over fall each year. 1 in 5 falls results in serious injury, with hip fracture and head trauma being the most common. Personal trainers can develop an exercise program to improve overall balance and decrease an older adult’s risk of falls. Participating in and exercise program that addresses balance is proactive way to prevent falls and maintain independence as we age.
Strength
The average person starts to lose muscle mass starting in our 30s! The number one reason for nursing home placement is decreased gait speed and lower extremity weakness. Losing strength as we age can contribute to falls, and also make normal activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and preparing meals more difficult. A personal trainer experienced with older adults, even frail adults, can develop and progress and individual exercise plan that addresses that clients needs.
Endurance
This NIH study concludes that strength and endurance training helps improve both and decrease risk of disability in the healthy and frail elderly. A personal trainer can develop and implement an endurance training program for older adults that is appropriate for their level of function.