What are your favorite workouts for your senior clients?

Hi Gretchen!

Older adults are my favorite group to work with. I always start out with a balance assessment just so that I know what they are capable of. It also helps build their confidence a little bit because I find that a lot of them can do more than they think, they just lack the confidence.

From there, I do many of the things that other people have mentioned, but I always make sure I have a variety prepared. Some people absolutely won't try walking without a walker, but they can stand on one foot with their eyes closed without holding on to anything. I try to stay just within their comfort zone, but still make it challenging. Anything that I can turn into a competition also seems to work well. We do obstacle courses, workouts tossing balls around, and walking interval workouts and most older adults generally enjoy all of those. You may look at the ICAA website for more ideas (www.icaa.cc).

Have fun!

I am a Pilates Instructor and the spring tension I use with them on the equipment unloads and opens the joints so they feel taller with better posture and more stretched after a session. I usually start them lying down, then sitting, and then finish the session standing with some balance work so they feel strong and balanced when they leave the studio. I do lots of foot and ankle work as well to help improve their flexibility and strength for better balance. Foam rollers and rolling the feet over balls is very helpful.

Best!

I work with many seniors and I agree with LaRue.
I use balls of all sizes to toss and catch, I also incorporate household items whenever possible such as their chairs, steps, piano benches for stretching, "stand ups", or as the focus of the final reach in an exercise.

Strength work such as basic bicep curls and lateral raises are really great too.

I also like to go outside and walk, navigating sidewalks and uneven terrain with them is important.

Mobility and stability exercises

The ones that are based on their NEEDS ANALYSIS - therefore, rather than favorite it should be what is best for the particular client or patient you are working with.

Fuel the Movement,
JM

I like to use stability ball exercises with lightweight dumbells with many seniors. I DO make sure they are comfortable and SAFE (don't want them falling). I also like using MANY cable machine exercises. Focus on balance is very important.

Throw and catch with medicine balls and rope training are my favorites. By the way I call them mature clients.

I like exercises that incorporate medicine balls, elastic bands, some free weights, stationary bike, walking, body weight squats and leg extensions. Of course each senior client is different and has his/her own limitations and challenges so depending on their condition I use the appropriate equipment and exercises. They are fun to work with.

I love teaching all of my formats. I use the same guidelines for all clients. Progressions are done as tolerated and regressions are done as needed. My senior clients all like the fact that I don't treat them like they are unable to put in an effort. Each participant works at their own level.

If I had to pick one, it would probably be my aquatic exercise class. Most people think aquatic exercise is "exercise lite". But I can adjust this workout for arthritis one hour and elite athlietes the next.

I like all of the answers. Great ideas. Any activity is good. My favorites--walking, cycling, hiking and swimming. If they're capable, I encourage senior clients to participate in some group exercise classes--any format--for the social interaction.

Take care.