5 Things Mature Aged Adults Should Look for Before Joining a Gym
Strength training is arguably the best way for mature adults to stay functional and independent. Public gyms and boutique studios are the most popular places for people to strength train. But not all gyms are designed with mature adults in mind.
As we get older, our exercise needs can become more individual. Previous injuries, health conditions and changes in mobility can all influence the type of exercises that are safe.
Before signing up for a new gym, here are five important things mature adults should look for in a gym.
An Initial Consultation
If you’re a mature adult, a good gym shouldn't simply sign you up, hand you a program and tell you to get started.
Before signing up at any gym, there should be an initial consultation to understand your individual circumstances. This should include discussing your health history, previous injuries, current activity levels, exercise experience and any concerns you have about exercising.
This information helps a fitness trainer determine what types of exercise and equipment may be appropriate and whether any modifications or additional precautions are needed.
For example, someone in their 60s who’s looking to start exercising after a major operation will have very different needs from someone in their 70s who has been strength training for years.
The goal isn't to put unnecessary restrictions on exercise. It's to make sure your exercise program starts at the right level and progresses appropriately.
Supervision and Guidance
Having access to exercise equipment is one thing. Knowing how to use it safely and effectively is another.
Mature adults will benefit from having qualified staff available to provide guidance, monitor technique and make adjustments as their abilities change.
Exercising completely unsupervised can increase the risk of ineffective (and potentially dangerous) technique, inappropriate exercise selection or progressing too quickly. For someone with significant health or injury considerations, there may also be circumstances where exercising without appropriate supervision isn't advisable.
Good supervision doesn't mean a trainer needs to stand beside you for every repetition. It means there is someone knowledgeable available to help you understand what you're doing, identify when something needs to change and provide support when you need it.
Fitness Trainer Qualifications
To continue on from the previous point, one of the most important questions to ask is “Who will be supervising me while I exercise?”
At an absolute minimum, a fitness trainers working with mature adults should hold a Certificate IV in Fitness and have current First Aid and CPR qualifications. However, it is worth looking beyond the minimum requirements.
Exercise professionals who work with mature aged adults should ideally have additional education and experience in areas such as:
Exercise considerations for older adults
Working around previous injuries
Exercise modifications for people with health considerations
A trainer who understands the exercise needs of this age bracket can make appropriate choices and adjustments for exercise, and will know when to refer someone back to their medical health professional for further consulting before starting exercise.
Don't be afraid to ask about the qualifications and experience of the trainers who will actually be working with you.
Personalised Exercise or Group Classes
There's no single "best" way for every mature adult to exercise.
For some people, personalised exercise may be the better option. This can be particularly useful for people with specific health considerations, previous injuries, mobility limitations or individual goals that require a more tailored approach.
A personalised program allows exercises, equipment, weights, progression to be adjusted to suit the individual.
For others, group exercise classes can be an excellent choice. Group classes can provide motivation, variation and a good social environment, particularly for people who enjoy exercising alongside others.
The key is making sure the class is appropriate for you and that exercises can be modified when necessary.
If you have significant health or injury considerations, speak with a qualified fitness trainer before joining a group class to determine whether the class is suitable and what modifications may be required.
Flexible Memberships
There's one more thing mature adults may want to consider before signing up - How flexible is the membership?
Many retirees enjoy travelling, spending time with family or holidaying for extended periods. If you're going to be away for several weeks or months, you may not want to continue paying for a gym membership you can't use.
Ask whether the gym offers membership freezes or suspensions when you go on holiday or need to be away for an extended period.
This blog is brought to you by Community Fit Over 50s Gateshead. If you’re over 50 or a mature aged adult and want to start exercising for your health and wellbeing, read about our exercise programs by following the link below.
