How hard do you push older clients?

trainer89 · 03-24-2009, 01:11 PM

If they have no injuries or any problems how hard would you push someone 60+? It seems like i cant win cause if i push them too hard they complain or it can cause an injury. But if I dont push them at all and there just enjoying there workout no sweat then they probably wont get the results there looking for.

htes · 03-24-2009, 01:17 PM

i was issa and i seem to recall jack barnathan answering this question more than once saying not to ask anoyone to do anything out of their fitness level.
for most old timers just walking around and doing machines with no resistance is great. instread of going heavier just add another exercise.
You have to find the line where you can challange the person without going overboard. If you hurt em they'll never come back.

mikeylhc · 03-24-2009, 02:19 PM

From what I hear from a trainer at Better Bodies down here in Tucson is that some older active adults actually are bothered when you baby them. She says that she actually pushes them rather than baby them through strength routines aiming for strength @ 8 reps with stuff like dumbbell chest presses, squatting, and shoulder work. Although if it were me, I'd be more comfortable with them doing some machine work to develop some neuromuscular adaptation for the first 2 months before switching to too many free weights. Always keep an eye on volume! She says that she has had many clients not want to come back because they got so sore and were in/out of bed for days!

jkdman81 · 03-24-2009, 06:34 PM

depends what they want
you want them to really get results get them strong slowly
then build up cardio into the routine

Rap_Rocky · 03-24-2009, 08:28 PM

I do what ACSM recommends me to do, which is giving them 1-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions - working them at maximal or near maximal fatigue during those last reps.

askthetrainer · 03-24-2009, 11:46 PM

For me a guy who's average client is 40 years old I push them pretty hard.

I just started training a 67 year old who is around 50 pounds overweight and it seems that the primary difference in the training program is volume.

The overall volume is decreased primarily by 2 things.

1. Less Range of Motion (old rickety joints just don't have that great a range of motion).

2. A little more rest in between sets...

I would agree with some of the previous posts. Older people tend to take way less crap. They don't like being babied and treated as they are old. Push them progressively harder and rely on the feedback they give you to adjust your workout intensity.

IMHO being in shape is ageless. An in shape 60 year old can out perform an out of shape 20 year old most of the time.

sargefit · 03-25-2009, 03:38 AM

I always ask them how they are feeling and if they want to do more or less. After a couple of sessions I generally get a feel of where they are at.

Keltron · 03-25-2009, 08:21 AM

This is a good question..

Environ · 03-25-2009, 10:03 AM

It depends on their physical condition and their health. My eldest client is riddled with ostoeporosis, so I'm hardly going to get her doing her 1RM squat. The most important for her is working her joints through their full range of motion using load bearing exercises. She is always uneasy in the gym, so I have to strike a balance between how hard I want to push her and how comfortable she is doing it.

Like everything personal-training-related, you have to examine this question on a case by case question. I have another client in his 50's who'd led a very unhealthy life until he was approaching his 50's and his poor health was starting to take its toll. I'm push him really hard and he's very grateful for it. Fitness has given him a whole new lease on life. I train him in the mornings, so I am restricted to 1/2 hour sessions because he has to go to work and he and his partner have a young baby. So, I use things like supersets, compound sets and circuits to make him work as hard as he can during the 30 minutes.

Papa_GC · 03-25-2009, 08:52 PM

Start light and go for repetitions, a lot of light repetitions wont hurt them, and you can get an idea if you can go heavier. I had a client who was 53 and I slowly progressed every workout, even if the progression is very small just keep it going. She said it felt really empowering to realize even at her age she could get stronger and move weights. Make sure to show your progress so they get this encouragement. Good luck!

trainer89 · 03-26-2009, 08:30 AM

Thanks for your advice everyone!

Wolfmuscle · 10-29-2009, 06:50 PM

Im 50 and in the best shape of life....just joined a hardcore gym and love it!
age is just a number boys!

hublife · 10-29-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfmuscle

Im 50 and in the best shape of life....just joined a hardcore gym and love it!
age is just a number boys!

Thanks old man river!

jk.

But seriously I really enjoy training older clients. That generation has a good work ethic and once you've earned their respect with your knowledge and compassion they will run through a brick wall for you. Obviously pay attention to heart rate, labored breathing etc... to make sure it's nothing out of the ordinary. Also your older clients physicians are going to be the key to you not getting sued for killing someone. Develop that relationship. Not only does it cover your ass but you may get a referral or 6 if you're worth your salt.