Why Choose a Personal Trainer Over Do It Yourself Fitness at a Gym
- Julie Devinny
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Why Choose a Personal Trainer Over Do It Yourself Fitness at a Gym
There are gyms and fitness centers all over the country and in living communities where members can come and go as they please to work out. But how often have you used these amenities? If you’re not accountable odds are you won’t be successful. Here are some reasons a Personal Trainer may be the right choice for you:
Safety. Going to the gym can be intimidating, and using equipment incorrectly or performing exercises with improper form can lead to injury. A personal trainer is right there to ensure that seniors are doing each exercise correctly and know how to use equipment. They can modify exercises to accommodate personal mobility limitations, imbalance, muscle weakness, and much more to keep individuals safer.
Age-appropriate exercises. Certified Personal Trainers are educated in the challenges seniors face and that the workout a 20-year-old is doing may not be right for a 70-year-old. Instead, they can prescribe a workout that focuses on specific goals the senior may have such as core strength, balance, upper body strength, coordination, or flexibility.
Individual Attention Vs Group. There’s no guessing involved when it comes to working out with a personal trainer. Unlike a group class, personal training clients get a tailored approach to their specific needs. Past injuries, current aches and pains are all taken into account and that information is applied to each session for the betterment of the individual. As seniors make progress toward their goals, the trainer can increase the intensity, adjust modifications, or add new exercises. Every exercise or movement is based on the senior’s immediate needs, not a blanket workout for a group
What are the Benefits of a Consistent Active Aging Program for Seniors?
In working with a personal trainer, seniors can experience a wide range of benefits they might not get being inactive or more specifically, weight training with proper guidance.
Limit and Fight off Disease. Physical exercise enhances the immune system, supports cardiovascular health, digestion, can assist in managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions. It is also great for mental health and social confidence because it can decrease stress and improve cognitive function.
Improved mobility. A trainer can work with seniors to build muscle strength and increase flexibility which can help with coordination, balance, and overall mobility. Many seniors want to stay independent and be on the go, so keeping the body healthy can help you do so for as long as possible. They can bend, stretch, sit, stand, run, twist, and turn with more confidence and greater ease.
Increased independence. As more seniors age in place (often a 55+ or Assisted Living community) working with a personal trainer can help them continue to maintain their independence. They can focus on exercises to help with navigating their home, completing activities of daily living, improving strength and endurance, interacting with grandkids, family and much more.
As we all age, maintaining good health is essential. Partnering with a certified personal trainer can provide the knowledge base and accountability needed to stay independent. Studies show that just 1-2x/week for 30 minutes each with a personal trainer can keep seniors active for longer than their peers who do not have an active aging plan. In addition, personal trainers will often work hand in hand with physical therapists to prehab, or rehab from inevitable surgeries or procedures that come with aging.
Foresight Fitness personal trainers provide on-premises or in-house fitness plans to fit each senior’s unique needs. Getting started is easy, beginning with a free phone consultation followed by a personal fitness assessment and program recommendation based on the results. The plan is built to change with your schedule and lifestyle. Programs are month-to-month with no long-term contracts.
Call us today (910) 218-9158 or fill out the contact form for more information. We are here to support seniors aging in place to live confidently and independently.
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