AGING & MAINTAINING FUNCTIONAL ABILITY: WHICH EXERCISE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

According to the World Health Organization’s 2015 World Report on Ageing and Health, healthy aging is “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being at an older age.”

If you search online for “older adult exercise”, “balance for older adults” or some combination of those, chances are your results will be fairly universal and “basic.”

Why?

The same reason I’d classify Silver & Fit group classes in that category. It’s programming for the lowest common denominator because:

1. In a group class, you are going to program for the member who is on the lower end of functionality to keep everybody safe.

2. Online, they will give you generic exercise recommendations that pretty much everyone can do regardless of medical concerns, physical ability, etc.

And – most of the time – these exercise recommendations will be far beneath your ability, not challenging enough to change you or affect your quality of life.

What do you want to look for when identifying the correct exercise program for YOU?

One that takes into consideration your goals, your lifestyle, and your limitations.

One that is based on progressions – e.g. doesn’t just repeat the same exercises over and over again without challenging you.

One that identifies the main focus for your programming and evolves to encompass other areas as confidence, skill, and strength are learned.

One that ensures your workout is efficient AND effective. (nobody wants to waste time at the gym).

Your workout should be unique to YOU!