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Mature Age Personal Trainers

by Aubrey

I'm in my 60's and during my workouts at my gym, 6-7 days a week, I noticed that , on many occasions, an older person eg. 50+ who was new to the gym, would be seen using the facilities for only a few days . I can't help but think that these individuals were intimidated and felt out of place when looking at all the much younger and pumped up young people.I have maintained a fairly high level of physical fitness over the years and received a black belt in the martial arts at the age of 56, in 2001. Personal Trainer Certification would help me to see that these individuals achieve their goals.

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Go For It!
by: Anonymous

Dear Aubrey,
Your article is just what I was looking for. I'm 51 years old, have a lot of medical training, have always exercised. Like you, I am thinking of getting certified as a personal trainer and that our mature age(s) (50+) is a benefit. And like you, my target group would be the more mature individual who is not only concerned with appearance but a healthy body as well.
However, if appearance is the primary motivation of a potential older client, than what better advertisement than an older trainer who looks great? After all, it's a lot easier to look great at 20 then it is as we age. A PT who is middle age or older would not only be less intimidating, but would also be someone that they could relate to and would also be living proof that they too could look as great!

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Older CPT
by: Anonymous

It is not easy in the youth culture but we are needed especiallly with cert in corrective exercise...and fun group activities.

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Older Adult Personal Training
by: Richard Haynes

I have worked in the field of Physical Therapy for over 21 years, most in the home health sector. I think its vital we as older adults our self educate our patients and clients on the importance
living a healthy life and building functional fitness to remain as independent as possible and reduce their health care costs.
Being 60 years of age myself, I completely understand what most older adults are beginning to battle and confront at our age.

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Senior Fitness Certification

I would like to specialize in Senior Fitness. I've just received my PT Cert. from ACSM and would like to get a certification in Senior Fitness. Do you recommend any particular certifying organization?

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Senior Fitness Certification
by: Alexis

Visit http://www.silversneakers.com

Silver Sneakers is one of, if not the, most respected Senior Fitness programs offered.

If you are, or become, employed by your local YMCA, you can get SS certified for free. In exchange, you must teach a Silver Sneakers class at said YMCA. If you do not work for a YMCA, the cert. class is still very reasonably priced (under $50, if I remember) and is 1 day, about 8 or 9 hrs.

If you are not employed by a Y but have one near you, call or visit them and ask if they run SS programs, if not offer to add one to their schedule. Call SS if you don't know where your nearest SS-friendly Y is.

Beyond SS...
Most companies that offer personal trainer certs offer some sort of Senior Fitness or Compromised Population class. It might not be a cert, but it is good knowledge and a resume builder.

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Best Cert for Seniors
by: Dan

I would like to train the senior demographic, or people plus 40 years old thru senior age.

Which is the best cert for this age range? I realize that NSCA certification enables me to do this , but being a newcomber to the industry I afraid it may be over my head and to complicated.

I want to stick with the top four certs, NSCA, ACSM, NASM or ACE.

Which one allows newcombers to enter the market and train both 40 yrs plus and seniors also.

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Personal Training for Seniors
by: Alexis

Good news... there isn't one which is more appropriate than another. Regardless of the age group or population you plan to work w/, your primary concern is becoming a certified personal fitness trainer. After you receive your cert., you will have only to seek out classes and workshops which focus on senior and/or compromised wellness.

More good news... you're never too old to become a trainer! The senior population often responds more quickly to a trainer who is in their second prime. You have an advantage over a younger trainer; you will excape any possible age bias which often shadows young trainers.

In the meantime, gain experience by contacting your local senior living communities, senior center(s), adult day facilities, community recreation center/dept., or YMCA and volunteering to host a one hour a week fitness class e.g the basics of stretching, chair exersize, balance, agility, left brain/right brain etc. Don't go beyond your ability or training. For example, save teaching a weight training class 'til you're certified. The more involved your class format, the more equipment you may need to provide. Though you are volunteering, liability is always a concern. Keep it simple - stick with what you know, and what can be easily taught and learned. The less complex the better.

Not sure what to teach? Search expertvillage.com for senior fitness or exersize. No convenient indoor location to host a class? Offer a free class at a local park when the weather is nice. Do a little leg work, develop a professional flyer. Print that flyer up in a variety of sizes and post full size, or stack smaller version, at locations where they're sure to be seen by your target audience.

Workshops and teaching exp. are great resume builders. No experience is too small... and no competent trainer is too old.

Hope this has helped.

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Senior Fitness Certification
by: Toula

I am 65 year old retiree and I would like to be certified for Senior Fitness. I travel South in the winter for about 3-4 months and I have seen seniors that want to improve their health though fitness. I usually stay in an RV park and most of them do not have a fitness program with an instructor to motivate them. All my life I kept my self active and I was in the gymnastics in high school. I am thin and fit and I exercise 4-5 days a week plus I do 3-4 times a week power walking. I want to help the seniors to maintain their health and they will do it if someone in the facility will motivate them. They will not go to look out there in a gym facility, because they feel intimidated and embarrassed, and also they will feel more comfortable if their instructor is close to their age. I can't do it though without certification. What are the steps I need to take. YMCA will be able to help me? I leave in DesMoines, Iowa. I know I can do it. Your respond will be very much appreciated.

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Just what I needed to hear!
by: Mariann

Wow, this is just the info and enouragement I needed. I am a retired phych nurse, senior and have always been physically active. I now have a foot disorder ( metatarsalgia) which limites my dance ability, etc. I really want to get some kind of certification and training to conduct exercise sessions at senior facilities, homes, senior centers and possibly fitness facilities. I am going to investigate further at a local fitness club that offers Silver Sneakers. Thanks so much for being here!

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Senior Fitness Certifications
by: FitnessDiva

It is nice to see some of the more national reconized assoications getting on board with Senior Fitness Certs. Do no get one of those online $69.99 deals. There really is alot to trainer older adults. I have my through Senior Fitness Association which has the the approval of NCOA (National Council on Aging) and ACE (American Council of Exercise). I have noticed that ISSA has recently release their program for Senior Fitness. Do be fooled by the cheap prices and/or the online courses. Do some investigating and get the right course for you. You will be glad you did. I have been in Senior Fitness now for 4 years and I am still learning.

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Physical Therapists for Seniors
by: Anonymous

Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (CEEAA) for Physical Therapists

Evidence for the benefits of effective exercise programs for the full spectrum of aging adults is overwhelmingly positive. The unique role of the physical therapist in providing these programs is unequivocal. Further education can enhance the ability of physical therapists to incorporate evidence into practice in order to appropriately examine and provide the quality of exercise that will yield optimal benefits for the aging adult. The Section on Geriatrics, in adopting the position that physical therapists should be the exercise experts for aging adults, will be a leader in providing physical therapists with a mechanism to develop and demonstrate expertise in the design and delivery of effective exercise programs for aging adults.

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Modified exercises
by: Anonymous

Hi, I would like to teach modified exercises to boomers and seniors with my joint aliments. I walk the walk.
Which is better SS or senior group fitness thru FiTour? I see this as my ministry. Do I need to get insurance. Won't the senior centers have this?

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Senior Fitness Trainer
by: Roy Patterson

I have been ask to work as an Assistant to one of the best Trainers in the country in Senior Fitness. Now that I am leaning so much, I thought it my be good for me to get my Senior fitness Certification. I am 71 years in good health and exercise 3+ times a wwek.

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Best Certification for Training the Elderly?

I want to learn more about personal training and fitness overall. My ultimate goal is to create an e-book and market it on the internet. I want to acquire some sort of certification and the sources here are really narrowing that down for me. I am only 18 but i want a way to support my family as well as myself through university.

I want an online certification but what I'm asking you is which certification do I need if I want to be involved in the elderly niche? I have began to research and create notes for an ebook but I want my customers to see that I'm certified as they will not buy the product otherwise.

thanks

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Working with seniors
by: Kathy

I did extensive research before selecting a training and certification program. I chose NASM because of their philosophy on starting with stabalization, core stability and strength and their OPT model. It makes a lot of sense when working with seniors and out of shape individuals.

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Senior Specialist Certification - IFPA
by: Anonymous

You would need a senior specialist certification. I would recommend IFPA. I have not taken their senior cert but every other certification I have through them has been very good. very practical....... Good luck on your business.

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Education, not certification.
by: Stephen L.

The certification doesn't matter much in this area (elderly). I am ACE certified but, I was an Army medic for 4 years. Training the elderly takes a good education and proper research. I agree that NASM's OPT module IS a good tool to incorporate when working with frailer individuals. Realize also that there are many personalities amongst our seniors; many think they can when they can't, or can't when they can. Just some advice. Study hard and good luck!

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providing physical fitness training for baby boomers and seniors

by larry hull
(Oceanside, Calif)

I am 71years old and have consistently practiced weight training and cardiovascular adtivities and LIVE all of the benefits of being in extraordinary shape for my age.

I am seriously considering starting a personal training business for
seniors of all ages to convey to them the philosophy and knowledge
regarding regular exercise to improve their quality of life.

Finally, my question. What is the market potential for finding these
individuals and are they more prone to the gym situation or one on one
training? Also what is the value of group training vs one on one?

Any added value of being a senior training seniors?

Thank you for any information you can provide.

Larry Hull

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You're Not Alone
by: MIke Belt

I read your blog with great interest. I too, am a babyboomer and I've decided to take it up a notch. I blog myself at www.beltsocalelevatedphotography.com about nutrition and bicycling as well as my personal biz of 'elevated' photography

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