Whether you’re just beginning to learn about senior fitness programs or have been exercising for a while and are experiencing a weight loss plateau, a personal trainer may be the perfect solution for you. Not only will they help you reach your fitness goals, but a fitness trainer will also help you build an exercise routine that’s tailored to your body’s abilities while keeping you interested and engaged.
Knowing how to find the right personal trainer for seniors, however, can really alter your experience for the better. Here are some tips for finding a personal trainer who can create great workouts for seniors like you.
The Benefits of Having a Personal Trainer
Finding a personal trainer for seniors can be tough, especially if you are new to fitness and exercise. Knowing what to expect is half the battle, and there are definite benefits to working with a personal trainer:
- Guidance for beginners AND experts. While wearable devices are effective in tracking your fitness, they are only able to encourage you to a certain degree. A personal trainer can help you regardless of your fitness level, and keep you motivated and challenged, especially if you are unfamiliar with the best workouts for seniors.
- A personalized touch. Personal trainers don’t just simply look at your fitness goals. They take into consideration your age, physical limitations and even your exercise preferences to create the best exercise program for you specifically. They may even be able to help you with other lifestyle changes too, like eating a healthy diet.
- Safety first. No matter where and with whom you exercise, safety is always a top priority. A personal trainer will help you avoid injury by making sure you are performing workouts for seniors safely and using the gym’s equipment properly.
- It adds a social component. In addition to motivating you to stick with your fitness program, exercising with a personal trainer is also a great way for you to socialize. They hold you accountable for showing up for your appointments and will end up getting to know you well throughout your time together. They might even become a lifelong friend!
How To Find a Personal Trainer for Seniors
When it comes to workouts for seniors, consider what your fitness goals are before you even begin looking for a personal trainer. Preparing a set of habit-based goals, such as exercising for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, or 60 minutes 3 days a week, will help you narrow down your personal trainer choices and will give them some direction when creating your fitness routine.
Once you have your goals outlined, you’re ready to start looking for your new personal trainer. Although there are countless trainers out there to choose from, Next Avenue has provided the following tips to help you find the one that’s right for you:
1. Know the trainer’s education and experience. To ensure you are getting a high-quality trainer, you need to do some research on your own first. The gym is a great place to start looking for personal trainers as long as it’s accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies. The American Council on Exercise is a resourceful tool you can use to compare certification organizations.
A trainer’s experience is just as important as their qualifications, however. A physical trainer that has all of the essential qualifications may not be the best choice if they’ve only worked with younger age groups. When it comes to senior fitness, some exercises are better than others, so ask the trainer if they have experience creating workouts for seniors.
2. Ask if the trainer earns any commissions. Some trainers receive commissions the more sessions their clients attend, so if this is the case, you may be pressured to attend these classes. That’s why it’s best to find a trainer who puts your fitness goals and needs first before their commission. Discussing how much time you want to dedicate before starting your fitness program with a trainer will also help ward off any pressure to attend ancillary training sessions.
3. Consider the cost. The quality of the trainer definitely outweighs the cost, but you don’t want it to be a huge expense, either. Luckily, there are some options available to help offset the cost of your training sessions. Ask the trainer if they offer any discounts, package deals or lower-cost small group sessions. Or see if your spouse, friend, neighbor or caregiver will train with you -- bringing a friend with you to your personal trainer may cut the cost by half!
4. Is there chemistry? You’ll be spending a lot of time with your fitness trainer, so you want to make sure you get along with them. Your relationship with your trainer can affect your dedication to your workout regimen, so find a positive and honest trainer who you can see yourself spending a lot of time with each week.
When you think you’ve found a personal trainer that’s right for you, be completely honest with them. Discuss your family’s health history, any injuries you may have suffered in the past and any other medical and physical limitations. This will help your physical trainer create a program that fits your abilities without putting you at risk of injury.
The Role of Safety in Senior Fitness Programs
Safety should always come first when it comes to fitness. Whether in the gym, outdoors, or in a group fitness class, not taking the proper safety precautions can be incredibly damaging in the long run. Injuries can occur at any age, but they can be more detrimental the older you are.
Making an investment in a Mobile Guardian from Medical Guardian can potentially save your life. Small enough to fit in a pocket and able to come with you anywhere, a Mobile Guardian will be able to keep you connected to help anytime, anywhere, allowing you to remain independent, longer.
