Maureen Hudson (MSc)

All competent fitness professionals should screen all senior clients prior to exercise detailing health history using a physical activity questionnaire. This should entail all risk factors such as smoking, heart problems, cholesterol level, blood pressure and body mass index.

The purpose of screening should be used to identify low, moderate and high risk individuals to exercise under supervision, more importantly conditions that are considered contra-indication should also need medical clearance form there G.P. before commencing exercise.

However, when prescribing exercise for the older market, do not water down the programme. Seniors do not want to be isolated. A good fitness professional can manipulate the same training variables as with the younger members, i.e. exercise type, time, intensity and frequency. It is important the instructor is aware of the start up levels and disabilities and to monitor the client continuously.

It is also essential that the instructor and the exerciser understand the Borg’s exertion Scale (the American College of Sports Medicine) and to monitor how hard the exerciser is working. It should reflect the amount of fatigue but not exhaustion.

It is prudent to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical exercise at a desired level on most days of the week rotating strength, stamina, postural stability and balance. The instructor can manipulate the number of sets, reps and rest period as tolerance and performance improve. As regards to balance training it should consist of progressively more difficult postures that gradually reduce the base of support and dynamic movements that upset the centre of gravity.

I recommend that the instructor helps their client to establish a regular time to look back at where they started from and plan for the future. It is important to give time for evaluation, reflection and planning. Continually evaluate progress relative to the goals they have been set, keep referring to them and their initial picture of success. It is vital to be realistic and keep expectations under control

Most older individuals will respond to aerobic training and benefit from greater endurance, with resistance training they benefit from greater strength. Collectively these training adaptations improve the quality of life and hopefully add life to ones years whilst increasing motivation and social interaction.

INTRODUCTION

During a recent survey when older adults were asked what they feared most as they age, they stated a loss of independence is there greatest concern rather than poverty or death. Many older adults fear losing the ability to walk, drive, step up onto a bus and climb a flight of stairs.

Although a decline in physiological function is inevitable with age I believe the decline can be minimised with a more active and stress free nitritonaly sound lifestyle.Evidence suggest that disability and disease are compressed into a shorter period at the end of life in habitual exercisers

OPPORTUNITY

There is a huge opportunity to exploit the lack of senior’s programmes on the market today. People in their 50s are receptive to opportunities that will improve their fitness and health. We need to use promotional messages that will get the attention of older adults. Feature ordinary people doing ordinary things messages they can identify with –realistic activities.Provide concrete information giving guidance that address real life needs.

For the 60-70s, recognise the obstacles that people face. Empathise with the fears older adults have i.e. exercise might harm them or anxiety that they will make fools of themselves.

Call it activity less threatening as apposed to exercise session.

Which could be perceived as hard work? For this age group the, the social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual benefits of regular activity with likeminded people are as important as the physical benefits.

The 70s will be focused more on functional fitness and being able to undertake basic physical actions such as climbing stairs walking, bending, reaching, opening items. .

A feeling of belonging building friendships social interaction is so important

Finally don’t play the age game, reminding clients of their age can be patronising most of us are proud of our age and they way we look

SALES

Successful clubs/trainers will not sell on price they will always sell value. If you always sell value you will not have to worry about loosing your business to price based competition. Customise your sales conversation to the needs, desires and problems of each buyer.

If you come across sales resistance this gives you valuable insight into the senior prospects thinking what a great opportunity to satisfy their needs desires and problems.

MESSAGE FOR TODAY

WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO ACHIEVE GREAT RESULTS IN LIFE, LEARN FROM THE PAST LOOK TO THE FUTURE, LIVE FOR TODAY AND CONTINUE TO EXERCISE FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN