Senior Fitness Plan

Dear Fitness Coach,

I am a 78-year-old widower and would like to join a gym (at the urging of my daughter). Obviously, I'm not intending on training for a triathlon, but I would like to improve upon my strength and flexibility. I generally do not like to ask for help, but my daughter is insisting on my getting assistance on the where/what/when and how!

Vintage Model

Dear Vintage,

I'm glad you're listening to your daughter and realize you need guidance. Just like the necessity for taking swimming or skiing lessons if you've never done those sports before, you need to learn how to exercise in a gym. The average gym has well over 100 different pieces of exercise equipment that that can be used to execute 600-plus different types of exercises. There is a learning curve when it comes to exercise, like learning any other kind of skill.

Because of your age and since you are new to exercise, you do have particular limitations. That is not to say that you will not get immense benefit from starting an exercise program, but you will need to proceed slowly and with caution. This is where a qualified fitness professional specializing in senior fitness can be of great help. He or she will assess your strength, balance and endurance, and will come up with a suitable exercise plan that can help you achieve your goals safely. You will learn to navigate through the gym and use the equipment that is appropriate for your fitness level.

Check with the personal training manager or fitness specialist at the gym you are considering joining and ask about which trainers have experience in working with special demographics. Ask to see their bios or speak with them directly. Once you find a trainer that you feel comfortable with, he or she will be able to assist you with the where, when, what and how.