Balance Training for Older Adults
As a personal trainer, you can help older adults improve balance, decrease fear of falling and improve overall fitness through specific exercises geared towards balance, body awareness and overall fitness.
If you do balance training, consider these suggestions from Linda O. Cantrill, a Los Angeles-based balance and mobility specialist and personal fitness trainer who has been an IDEA member since 2003.
1. Do a Balance Assessment With a New Client.
To provide a safe, effective balance training program, discover as much as you can about the person. Assess his readiness and goals within the assessment. I look at muscle strength/endurance, flexibility or joint mobility, motor ability (balance, coordination, speed, agility, power) and physical impairments. These impairments can include vision, sensory and motor function, hearing, neurological function and limited physical function due to the aging process.
2. Have Clients Complete a Medical Release and Liability Waiver.
Since balance training can be somewhat dangerous in respect to other training, it is important to complete the forms listed above.
3. Keep Clients Safe.
Safety is the key to success. Fear is a huge obstacle for many clients with balance challenges. When I do training outdoors I typically walk behind clients or at their side, always available to assist. I am always aware of the environment and may use a gait belt with more frail clients. When working indoors, I put most clients next to a wall or have a chair available.
4. Have Patience With Clients.
Sometimes success is just standing with feet together or in a tandem position turning head side to side. I have clients who have tripped and not fallen since starting on balance training. Many can walk up and down a flight of stairs. Much of balance training is building confidence in your client, reducing fear and opening up those pathways that lead to better balance and overall fitness.
Originally written for IDEA Health & Fitness Association in May 2005 by Linda Owen Cantrill
Copyright © 2005 IDEA, Inc. All rights reserved.
