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March 22, 2007

GROUP TRAINING MAKES FITNESS FUN FOR OLDER ADULTS
Classes offer more than physical benefits

DALLAS – In the United States, the 65-and-over population will increase to 40 million by 2010; however, around one third of these people live alone, making it difficult for them to begin and continue a personal exercise program.

Group training classes can be a fun, motivating way for older adults to stick with a fitness routine. Also, many prevalent chronic health conditions can be eased or eliminated through regular exercise.

Fitness expert Rodney Corn, M.A., spoke on the benefits and how-to’s of group training for older adults during a presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 11th-annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition in Dallas, Texas.

Options for group training classes are numerous, from step aerobics to spinning to weight training. According to Corn, classes that offer varying skills levels are best, as they allow participants to safely accomplish routines and progress to higher levels within the same program.

“(Group classes) should be interactive, fun, and focus on necessary skills such as flexibility, coordination, balance and reaction,” Corn said. He added that instructors for group training classes should cultivate this fun atmosphere and be experienced in working with older adults.

Corn says that exercises involving dumbbells, speed ladders, rubber bands and cones can be especially effective with older adults. Agility drills to increase quickness and coordination are also beneficial.

In addition to physical benefits, Corn cited psychological and social benefits of group training for older adults, such as a heightened sense of well being, companionship with fellow trainers, and a feeling of independence.

The Summit is presented this year with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as an educational partner. 

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 International, National and Regional members are dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific research, education and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.

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