How to Be a Fitness Expert for Seniors

Senior fitness is a growing field, as aging baby boomers concentrate on maintaining their health and independence. However, professionals working in the fields of senior health and fitness must understand that older adults have exercise needs different from those of younger adults.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CPR certification
• Bachelor's degree or certificate program

1. Start by taking a CPR course. If you choose a certificate program, you will be required to have current CPR certification before you can enroll. You will want your senior clients to be safe; therefore, it’s best to be prepared.

2. Earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or other related field. You may decide to go on for a master’s degree afterward. Having a degree in one of these programs of study will prepare you to help others to live a lifestyle that promotes health and teaches the importance of disease prevention and management.

3. Enroll in a certificate program if earning a college degree is not for you. There are accredited organizations that offer certificate programs in various specialty areas. Getting professional certification will help you to learn the practical skills necessary to work in the senior fitness industry, as well as establish you as a knowledgeable expert in your particular field.

4. Get experience working in a hospital or clinical setting, even if you have to volunteer. Try to find a job at a local gym, community recreation and/or fitness center, cardiac rehab clinic or physical therapy office. You can learn a lot from other experienced professionals, including how to do complete senior health assessments so that you can plan successful fitness programs for older adults.

5. Specialize in a couple of different areas of senior fitness. Attend conferences and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), both of which will allow you to enhance your existing skills, as well as build on the knowledge and experience that you’ve already acquired. Such educational opportunities provide the chance to continue to develop professionally, building your credibility in the field.

6. Identify current trends in senior fitness. In order to effectively market your services to this demographic, you need to understand the differences in attitudes among older fitness seekers. What a 50-year-old wants and needs is different from that of a 65-year-old. Also, keep in mind that while these individuals are striving to be fit, they may not necessarily be keen on exercise; therefore, it might be wise to place the focus on fun physical activity instead of just exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Certifying organizations for senior fitness specialists include the American Senior Fitness Association, the American Council on Exercise and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
• Reports show that nearly 25 percent of the 40+ million health club members in this country are 55 or older.

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[jull14]

on 6/15/2009 Wonderful article, thanks for sharing this great article. I love the steps, they are very interesting.