Should you have your clients squat to a depth where their thighs are parallel to the ground, or should they go deeper? As is the case with so many health- and fitness-related questions, the answer is dependent on several factors. Aside...
Working with older adult clients can be hugely rewarding, particularly because regular physical activity can play a crucial role in helping them maintain their independence and ability to perform activities of daily living. However, there are special considerations to keep in...
The process of aging varies widely from person to person, but we all naturally lose some of the functionality we had in youth. One of these areas of decline is in muscle size and strength, which accelerates with physical inactivity. Fortunately,...
Muscle strength is an important factor for aging well, but it might not be quite as important as you think. Muscle power—the ability to generate force quickly (force x speed)—may actually claim the top spot. Research studies that have compared the...
More than 90 million adults in the U.S. (28% of the population) are over the age of 55 and, unlike many stereotypes would have you believe, they are a diverse population. When it comes to why they exercise, however, many do...
Small groups provide a great format for training older clients of all ages and ability levels, as it creates an environment of social interaction, motivation and fun, which is critical to engaging and retaining this population. Circuit training is an effective...
As health and fitness professionals, we are not immune to harboring senior stereotypes, but doing so may seriously hurt our businesses as the older population gravitates toward fitness studios, gyms and programs that understand them, accept them and help them see...
Creating a sense of community is key when connecting to active agers in group fitness classes. These participants want to be challenged while having a great time in class. As an instructor, balancing those two can be a challenge. Whether you...
Beginning at age 40, muscle mass begins to diminish. This corresponds to a progressive loss in muscle strength. Unfortunately, power ebbs at an even faster rate. While strength is important, the ability to generate power has a greater impact on our...
Baby boomers who once fueled the growth of the fitness industry in their younger years are now gravitating toward fitness-related activities, including athletic competition, in their later years. The swelling ranks of the 65+ population, increases in life expectancy, changing attitudes...
