The fastest growing demographic joining health clubs today are those over the age of 60. Many seniors want to improve their quality of life but may feel intimidated by the health club scene. You can capitalize on this growing demographic by becoming an ASFA® Senior Fitness Instructor.
Take the fear out of fitness for this older generation by guiding them on a well designed fitness program. Strength and balance training are two of the main ingredients to help this age group enjoy a better quality of life. Arthritis and osteoporosis are of main concern and strength training can help both. Arthritic joints become more mobile and pain free with the right kind of exercise but most seniors are afraid to use weight training for fear of causing injury. This is where a certified ASFA® Senior Fitness Instructor comes in. You can help get them started on an age appropriate exercise program that is safe and effective.
Read the following information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
“Tufts University recently completed a strength-training program with older men and women with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. The results of this sixteen-week program showed that strength training decreased pain by 43%, increased muscle strength and general physical performance, improved the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease, and decreased disability. The effectiveness of strength training to ease the pain of osteoarthritis was just as potent, if not more potent, as medications. Similar effects of strength training have been seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
As people age, poor balance and flexibility contribute to falls and broken bones. These fractures can result in significant disability and, in some cases, fatal complications. Strengthening exercises, when done properly and through the full range of motion, increase a person’s flexibility and balance, which decrease the likelihood and severity of falls. One study in New Zealand in women 80 years of age and older showed a 40% reduction in falls with simple strength and balance training.”
For a list of all of our certifications, just click: Fitness Certifications
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