How to Find the Right In-Home Personal Trainer for Seniors
Finding a personal trainer who specializes in working with older adults can ensure safe and effective workouts tailored to fit the needs of the aging body. Having an in-home personal trainer can fast track your way to increased balance, strength, and mobility while keeping safety priority number one, all within the comfort and privacy of your own home. In-home personal training is especially helpful for those with mobility limitations, a busy schedule, or seniors who do not want to deal with the hassle of traveling to a crowded gym.
Why Seniors Need Personalized Training
As we enter our golden years, our goals shift from looking a certain way to moving a certain way. Losing functionality can be life changing. This is why personalized training is so vital for seniors. Following a workout plan made for a 30 year old who is looking to build muscle mass and lose fat will not yield the results many seniors are looking for and could result in injury. Trainers who have never worked with the elderly population typically do not understand their specific needs. Perhaps balance is a concern, or joint pain causes movement limitations. Working with a personal trainer can help you navigate these areas and move with more confidence.
Many seniors want to focus on building the foundations for functional movement, such as mobility, balance, strength, bone density, and cardiovascular health. It is imperative to work alongside these challenges instead of against them. If one movement causes pain, it is vital to find a substitution that works. If you work with a personal trainer who specializes in working with seniors, they will be able to create an effective plan that focuses on what YOU need.
It’s not just seniors who benefit from personal training; friends and families of the seniors working with a trainer often feel a sense of ease knowing their loved one is working alongside a professional who will keep them safe and help them live a stronger life. Plus, building back that independence you might have lost will allow you to do the activities you love with your loved ones.
When looking for an in-home personal trainer for seniors, here are some key factors to consider:
Are They Certified to Work with Seniors?
It is essential to ask if a trainer has worked with older adults. Trainers that have worked with seniors understand the importance of adapting to their clients limitations, whether it is a hip replacement, arthritis, balance issues, or mobility challenges. A trainer who has the proper certification and experience understands how to address these challenges, build a more resilient body, and provide a safe and effective workout.
Look for certifications like:
NASM Senior Fitness Specialist
FAI Functional Aging Specialist
ACE Senior Fitness Specialist
ISSA Senior Fitness Specialist
These certifications meet the highest standards for being well equipped to work with seniors. At Strongevity, each of our coaches is equipped with at least one of these certifications.
Do They Have Experience with Seniors?
When a trainer has worked hands-on with seniors, they are better equipped to understand how to modify the program based on the person’s individual needs. For example, if someone struggles with doing a free weight squat due to balance limitations, they might substitute with a sit to stand instead. It’s not about just having a plan - it’s about being able to change the plan if an exercise is causing pain or if energy levels shift during the session.
I would recommend looking for a trainer who has at least two years of experience working with seniors. This vital experience allows the trainer to pick up on subtle cues, communicate effectively, and make sure the workout is appropriately challenging. At Strongevity, all of our coaches have over 3 years of experience working with seniors from all walks of life and all ability levels. We are well equipped to help you live a healthier, more independent life.
Do They Create Customized Programs?
Personal training should be just that - personal. But many trainers often use a one size fits all approach for their clients. They may create a workout plan that they use for each of their clients. Everyone’s bodies, ability levels, and goals are different, especially those of seniors. Seniors typically require a more customized plan in order to work with limitations such as joint pain, mobility challenges, or balance issues. That is why at Strongevity, we create training plans tailored to the individual client. We keep any goals or limitations in mind when creating the program, ensuring success in our clients. The fastest and safest way to reach your goals is through a customized workout plan.
Do They Have References?
It’s always a good idea to ask for references. This gives you the chance to hear directly from other seniors or their families about the trainer’s ability to create customized, thoughtful workout plans. Hearing directly from clients the trainer has worked with will provide you with valuable insight into the trainer's patience, adaptability, and reliability - all extremely important factors for working with seniors.. It’s always a good idea to ask for references. This gives you the chance to hear directly from other seniors or their families about the trainer’s ability to create customized, thoughtful workout plans. If a trainer can’t or won’t provide references, that’s a red flag.
At Strongevity, we proudly display testimonials from current and past training clients, so that prospective clients feel confident in their decision. It is not just about finding the best, most certified trainer, it is about finding a match that will help you stick with fitness in the long term.
Do They Offer A Free Trial?
A trainer allowing you to try one free session before committing is another green flag. Offering a trial session is a great way to ensure the trainer is a good fit for your needs. If a trainer does not offer a trial, it might be worth considering other options.
At Strongevity Fitness, we always want our clients to feel confident in their decision before committing to a training plan. That is why we offer a complimentary trial session. This allows any prospect client to ask any questions they might have, and allows us to build a safe, effective, and personalized program.
Our Special Offer
At Strongevity Fitness, we know that finding the right trainer is about more than just the workout. It is about building a connection to ensure your success with achieving a fun, rewarding workout program that will keep you healthy and capable for life. We want you to feel empowered in the decision to commit to a workout program that will yield long term success.
In order to make sure we are a great fit, we offer a complimentary first in home session so you can get a feel for our approach. During this session, we will ask you about your goals, assess your physical abilities, and discuss any concerns you might have. This first session will allow you to get a feel for our supportive, personalized approach to training.
If you're interested in working with a trainer focused on longevity, balance, and functional strength, reach out to us. We’re here to help you feel your best at every stage of life.