I see it too . In my aqua fitness world I have observed a significant increase in class numbers over the past five years or so . Also , in our current COVIDSafe aqua fitness domain , classes are being added to timetables to meet the growing demand .
So why don ’ t more trainers and fitness providers jump at this opportunity ? Especially when the ACSM report also mentions that ‘ these individuals in general have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts do , and fitness clubs may be able to capitalise on this growing market . People are living longer , working longer , and remaining healthy and active much longer .’ 1 Is the image of mature fitness so poor that it is inadvertently dampening business opportunities for fitness professionals and organisations ?
Mature fitness is so much more
Where other areas in the Fitness Industry seem to evolve at the speed of light , mature fitness as a whole appears to have not done so . Although there is a time and a place for a chair and machine-based workouts , mature fitness is so much more .
It is about getting to know your clientele . It ’ s about upgrading your skills as a professional to cater to this market . Your clientele may also need a little extra convincing to venture beyond their comfort zones of gentle , seated workouts if they have started to believe the ‘ oldie ’ stereotype themselves .
Positive reassurance , support and motivation are essential for making participants believe that they can do much more than they are currently . Yes , there may be limitations to what they are able to do , but
The skillset required for teaching mature age classes will benefit your coaching capacity in other populations – it makes you a better trainer .
it ’ s highly unlikely they ’ ve come anywhere near those limits yet . The opportunities for us as fitness professionals are equally limitless , especially considering that we are also not immune to the ageing process .
Trainer advice from the ‘ cute oldies ’
Leigh asked the members of her seniors ’ squad what advice they would give trainers working with senior clients . There was a loud and unanimous response of ‘ don ’ t be patronising or condescending !’ One of her members added , “ It is very off-putting when you have an instructor who treats you like you ’ re old .” I remember a conversation I had with my late dad when he was in his late 50 ’ s . I tell Leigh , “ My dad told me , ‘ when I look in the mirror this old man looks back at me and I think who is he ?’ Inside I still feel like I ’ m 28 .” Leigh nods , she continues , “ My seniors have also highlighted the importance of how I explain why certain movements are vital . It is one of the key things for them , gaining understanding about movement and how to transfer this to their everyday life .” That is the real , practical interpretation of functional fitness .
Take a leaf out of their book
If fitness can be defined as the ability to do your daily tasks without getting out of breath or overexerting yourself , some of our mature age participants are the epitome of fitness . If I ’ m lucky enough to make it to 80 , I can only hope that I am as fit , and able to live my life as fully , as the participants in our classes .
We can learn a thing or two from many of our mature gym goers . They are some of the most disciplined and loyal members you ’ ll find in any gym or pool . Come rain , hail or shine , they ’ re there . They don ’ t overcomplicate things : they simply find a workout they enjoy , and then attend , weekin , week-out . As Leigh and I are privileged to see , it pays off for them , both physically and mentally .
In Part 2 of this article series , we will delve into exercise prescription for mature participants and clients .
REFERENCES
Lianne Tiemens Lianne is a Group Fitness Leader , PT and Aqua Fitness Presenter based in Adelaide . A passionate and in-demand instructor and mentor at leading gyms and aquatic centres , she specialises in land- and water-based group HIIT workouts .
Leigh Sherry The founder of SmartLife Health & Fitness based on Sydney ’ s Northern Beaches , Leigh is a wellness advocate , Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Accredited Exercise Scientist .
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