| Given that exercise can reduce disease, prolong | | | | you don't end up working with someone who got |
| life, and increase vitality, it's no wonder that each | | | | their certification after a three-hour class on a |
| year more and more senior citizens are | | | | Saturday morning. |
| committing to a regular exercise program. Many | | | | Do you have a degree? Look for a trainer who |
| seniors begin with a basic routine consisting of | | | | went to college to learn about exercise. Common |
| walking, riding a stationary bike, and using a few | | | | degrees in the field are Exercise Science, Human |
| weight machines. | | | | Movement, Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Fitness |
| This is a great start, but if you want to see | | | | Management, and Community Health. In-depth |
| continued improvements in your health and | | | | knowledge of the human body will usually |
| energy levels, it is important to try new things | | | | translate into a safer and more effective exercise |
| and evolve your program every few months. | | | | program for you. |
| Too many people continue to do the exact same | | | | Do you have experience? Ask how long they |
| program for years on end. | | | | have been a trainer and if they have worked with |
| The problem with this is that if you don't challenge | | | | someone your age before. Training a senior citizen |
| your body with new exercises every few | | | | is a lot different than training the typical client. |
| months, it will get used to what you are doing. | | | | What kind of exercises will we be doing? A good |
| Then your workouts will no longer present enough | | | | senior fitness workout should emphasize leg and |
| of a stimulus to encourage the body to make | | | | core strengthening exercises, drills for balance and |
| further improvements. | | | | coordination, and stretches for good posture. |
| If developing a new exercise regimen seems like | | | | Cardiovascular training is another essential |
| a daunting task for you, meeting with a personal | | | | component of a good regimen, but most trainers |
| trainer for a session or two could be exactly | | | | will have you do that on your own. |
| what you need. But you don't want just any | | | | How long will workouts be? Personal training |
| trainer. In many states, just about anyone can be | | | | sessions are usually one hour, but that may be |
| a trainer without even a certification or a degree. | | | | longer than your capacity allows. If needed, ask if |
| Here are some things you should ask before | | | | workouts can be broken up into half-hours. This |
| choosing the right person for you: | | | | will also result in lower expenses per week for |
| Are you certified? Though there are hundreds of | | | | you. |
| certifications out there, there are only a few that | | | | Overall, finding a good personal trainer can do |
| are generally accepted as high-quality. They are | | | | wonders for your workout routine. Whether you |
| the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), | | | | only do a few sessions, or you see your trainer a |
| the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), | | | | few times a week for several months, you will |
| the National Strength and Conditioning Association | | | | probably find going to the health club a little more |
| (NSCA), and the American Council of Exercise | | | | exciting, and you may be surprised by the |
| (ACE). Check for these credentials to ensure that | | | | improvements in your fitness level. |