Answers (9)
1
Hi Lisa,
you have two factors in your question that are open to interpretation: the age of a 'healthy senior' and the size of your class.
I saw in your profile that you are certified as a personal trainer but are not a group exercise instructor; thus I assume that you really are doing personal training.
As you are NASM certified, you would do a certain degree of assessment and then tailor the program to the results. Exercises for 'seniors' do not necessarily need to be any different from that of other age groups given the same level of ability.The only things which I observed to be consistently different are the ability to generate power and exercises that require quickness and agility because it has often been many years since more mature participants have done that. (Which is not so assume that every younger adult is good at it.)
I hope this helps.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
you have two factors in your question that are open to interpretation: the age of a 'healthy senior' and the size of your class.
I saw in your profile that you are certified as a personal trainer but are not a group exercise instructor; thus I assume that you really are doing personal training.
As you are NASM certified, you would do a certain degree of assessment and then tailor the program to the results. Exercises for 'seniors' do not necessarily need to be any different from that of other age groups given the same level of ability.The only things which I observed to be consistently different are the ability to generate power and exercises that require quickness and agility because it has often been many years since more mature participants have done that. (Which is not so assume that every younger adult is good at it.)
I hope this helps.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
1
Hello Lisa,
Instead of saying what is total body workout is best, I would use the guidelines for exercise programming for seniors to guide you.
As you know the body changes as we age and the principles related to exercise programming for the healthy older adult change as well.
I would recommend that you purchase the eighth edition of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription and allow that to give you some direction as far as designing a total body program for your clients.
One thing I'd like to add that it is important to know what the goals of your clients are. Are they health or fitness. Do they want to increase their ability to perform ADLs.
It's difficult to say what is best when one doesn't know the condition of the individuals.
I wish you all the best!
Instead of saying what is total body workout is best, I would use the guidelines for exercise programming for seniors to guide you.
As you know the body changes as we age and the principles related to exercise programming for the healthy older adult change as well.
I would recommend that you purchase the eighth edition of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription and allow that to give you some direction as far as designing a total body program for your clients.
One thing I'd like to add that it is important to know what the goals of your clients are. Are they health or fitness. Do they want to increase their ability to perform ADLs.
It's difficult to say what is best when one doesn't know the condition of the individuals.
I wish you all the best!
0
Normally you'd want a client to stay away from machines and keep them on barbells/dumbells to maximize the bang for your buck.
However, with seniors you have to take into account limitaitons in bone density, muscle strength and balance.
Keep them on machines that mimic compound lifts- presses will be their friend. Leg press, chest press, shoulder press, etc.
If they can stand, get them to do squats with a chair.
However, with seniors you have to take into account limitaitons in bone density, muscle strength and balance.
Keep them on machines that mimic compound lifts- presses will be their friend. Leg press, chest press, shoulder press, etc.
If they can stand, get them to do squats with a chair.
0
Do a goggle search and consider the exercises recommended by professional associations and governmental agencies. Also Sit and be Fit, may be helpful, they have been around for years and still going.
0
Hi Lisa. A lot depends on the senior(s) involved. Like any other age bracket, people classified as "seniors" come in all sizes, shapes, and fitness levels. Also, the program you use may (probably will) also depend upon the age of the seniors. It's funny that as our population gets older, and as people live longer, our definition of "seniors" hasn't necessarily kept up with those demographic changes. In some circles, anyone over 50 is considered a senior, so your program will/should reflect the age-range as well as fitness level of your group.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
0
I like the other answers. I would stay within the guidelines of programming and within your scope of practice and possibly re establish each persons goals at this time. Seniors like to be challenged , motivated, encouraged, surprised, and inspired along with all of the other physical attributes you can bring as a trainer.
Look at it from a programming design rather than an age category
Look at it from a programming design rather than an age category
0
I teach Qi Gong at several senior centers in my area and speak at conferences on aging issues, giving Qi Gong demonstrations and I have found it to be extremely beneficial for seniors. It is less intensive and restrictive than Tai Chi, which often leaves seniors overtired and frustrated when they can't "hit" the poses required. In Qi Gong, the emphasis is on breath and on moving only to your own ability. The cool think is that my classes range from younger, very able-bodied to individuals who need to stay seated for the exercises and they all can fully participate in the same class.
0
Hi Lisa,
It depends on the seniors. An assessment should provide you with enough information regarding their fitness level and type of workout, exercises and fitness plan which they will need to be involved at. There are certain guidelines you need to follow when putting together an exercise program and you have to take into a consideration some of the health issues, limitations and age of your participants before starting exercising.
Best,
Harris
It depends on the seniors. An assessment should provide you with enough information regarding their fitness level and type of workout, exercises and fitness plan which they will need to be involved at. There are certain guidelines you need to follow when putting together an exercise program and you have to take into a consideration some of the health issues, limitations and age of your participants before starting exercising.
Best,
Harris
0
Great answers. The guidelines are clear. For seniors the most important first step is to have physician clearance and to determine if there are any individual conditions which might impact on exercise program design...orthopedic conditions, cardiovascular concerns, previous injuries, etc. Other than that the individual exercise program design will be developed based on your knowledge and expertise.
Take care.
Take care.
