Is Going to the Gym a Good Idea for Seniors?
May 24, 2012 08:04AM
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Question: I am a 65 year old with limited exposure to gyms. In fact, I have never exercised before. Will I be able to participate in a class organized by the gym?
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Senior Health & Fitness Expert, Jae Gruenke
Answer:
I can't give you a definite yes or no to that question because classes in gyms vary so much. The gym should be able to, though! For starters, they should have given you a basic health questionnaire when you joined and told you if you needed medical clearance from your doctor. If the class is designed for seniors then it's a good bet you can participate, but ask to be sure. Better yet, begin your gym membership by taking advantage of the free personal training session nearly every gym gives new members – if you're not sure whether yours does this, just ask. Of course the gym gives you this free session partially because they're hoping you'll decide to purchase further sessions, but they're also doing it because they don't want members getting hurt doing things they're not ready for. So in your free session your trainer will perform some fitness assessments and acquaint you with the gym and its offerings so you know what's appropriate for you. In the unlikely event that your gym doesn't give a free session, It would be a good idea to pay for one. Just a single session won't be terribly expensive and will help you know what you can do and also what are the most important things for you to do to improve your health and quality of life.
Good for you for taking action on this! You'll have a wonderful time. Not only will you feel stronger, more energetic, more cheerful, and smarter once you're a month or so into a regular exercise program, but you'll also be getting to know the other regulars in your class. Senior fitness classes tend to develop a wonderful esprit de corps. Enjoy!
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Jae Gruenke is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and ACE-Certified Personal Trainer. She founded Intelligent Exercise in 1998 to offer fitness and movement education to people who need to move more and move better. Her clients have ranged in age from 8 to 96 with goals including managing chronic illness, reducing pain, improving balance and mobility, and healthy aging.
For more information, go to http://www.intelligentexercise.com
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