According to the National Institutes of Health, exercise training in older adults is associated with many health benefits, including lower cardiovascular mortality and bone strength.
Personal training is a popular option for people of all ages at Kettering Recreation Center. However, many seniors work with trainers for a variety of specific needs. Larry Fox is a certified personal trainer who has been with the Rec Center for 11 years and enjoys seeing people achieve their fitness goals.
“I've worked with a variety of clients,” Fox said. “Genders, ages, and fitness abilities vary. I like to work on strength training and balance training. Everyone comes to me for a reason, and I want to help them in that specific area. That's my goal. And just seeing them succeed gives me great satisfaction.”
About 60% of Fox's customers are over 60 years old. Many older adults who come to personal training have had injuries or surgeries and need help recovering. It's Fox's job to create specialized training plans just for them.
“Older adults need more individualized care, including exercises to improve balance and core strength,” Fox says. “Many older adults have had medical problems before, so we want to customize their training to help solve those problems.”
One of Fox's customers, Jerry Craig, 78, of Centerville, has worked with Fox for more than five years. She came to him after undergoing rotator cuff surgery. After three years of therapy, Craig felt she had to get stronger or she might hurt herself even more. That's when she connected with Fox, or as she called him, “the merry green giant.” Craig also had knee replacement surgery, and she said Fox's help was invaluable.
“I went through a crash course of about three months to build up enough leg strength to get through this surgery, and hopefully get through it with few problems,” Craig said. “The surgery was successful. Larry will be successful.'' [training] fun. He encourages me. He challenges me, pushes me, and if he doesn't push hard enough, I push. ”
Craig works with Larry twice a week for 30 minutes to do various exercises. Craig is a widow and lives alone. She values her independence and she believes her training will definitely be of value to other seniors.
“It's so needed,” Craig said. “I don't have osteoporosis, but I do have osteopenia, so I have to keep my body and bones as strong as possible. Otherwise, I'll be like a little old lady sitting on the couch and not being able to do anything.” ”
Personal training at Kettering Recreation Center comes in a variety of rates and plans. For pricing information and to sign up for training, visit www.playkettering.org/personal-training.
senior group exercise class
Some people love working out one-on-one with a trainer, but many find it boring and scary. Fortunately, the Charles I. Ruslem Senior Center, attached to the Kettering Recreation Center, offers group exercise classes for adults age 55 and older.
One class is Senior Circuit Training, taught by Ben Parsons. Parsons has been working as a trainer and teacher for 11 years. He holds a degree in Exercise Science and his dual certifications from the American College of Sports Management.
“I have clients who are in their 90s, and I have clients who are 14 years old. I like that because I get to work with all different types of people,” Parsons said. “I don't want to focus on one thing, but I want to keep everything fresh and experienced.”
Senior circuit training classes incorporate weights, ropes, steps and other equipment to provide a complete workout. Classes are held twice a week. Parsons said he tries to mix up classes each week so seniors can strengthen their muscles and build needed bone density.
“We have to be careful about the level of effort from our seniors,” Parsons said. “But as far as training style goes, you can still do a lot of the same things, but it's just going to be a little bit lighter, the pace might be different, and you have to monitor certain things a little more closely. I’m not going to make you run, but there’s no reason you can’t get your heart rate up.”
Parsons described the senior circuit training class as “loud,” and it was obvious. The music is loud, conversation can take precedence during the workout, and many of his clients like to say something a little cheeky to Parsons. But it's all in fun. Many of the advanced exercises had much to say about the class and Parsons.
“I've been going here for over a year. It's great to meet people. I met Ben and went to him for personal training. I'm retired and my husband passed away. Art I really enjoy it here. My friend came to this class and I started taking classes as well,” said Mary Mewazi.
“I've been coming here for several years. It's been a big help. I wake up in the morning. [Ben] Great to work with. He is irreverent and motivating. He is now retired. I played squash for his 47 years until he retired. Over the last few years, we felt like we needed something else,” Terry Murray said.
“I started going in June. I feel stronger and more in tune. I like the pace. It can be as challenging or not as challenging as you want it to be. I is retired, so this fits the bill perfectly. I hope more people come,” Linda Langenderfer said.
To attend classes at the Charles I. Ruslem Senior Center, most people become a member. However, there are also drop-in classes that cost a few dollars depending on the class. The Kettering Recreation Center also has classes open to members of all ages. The Kettering Recreation Center also offers drop-in classes for non-members.
Aquatic training in the pool is also offered, perfect for those looking for a low-impact workout. For those who are more active, the rec center also hosts a senior open gym for basketball and volleyball several days a week. Anyone interested in pickleball is offered almost every day. For more information on membership and class costs, please visit www.playkettering.org.
Senior Exercise Drop-In Class Schedule at the Charles I. Ruslem Senior Center: Free for CIL passholders, $2 for CIL members, $3 for Kettering resident non-members, $5 for non-resident non-members.
- Senior Circuit Training Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
- Chair exercises Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
- Dance Cardio Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
