» Personal Training
Younger Trainer, Older Clients: My Approach to Success
Give extra thought and care when training older clients with health issues
BY LAUREN WALKER
group seems to appreciate and that also bridges an age gap that for me is frequently more than 35 years. Here are some of the ways that I create long standing, productive and mean- ingful relationships with this client demographic.
I
or cane, or they arrive for their work- outs with an oxygen tank. Others may be recovering from hip or knee sur- gery. I take extra care to encourage them to work at a speed that is com- fortable for them. For example I might say, “Take a mo-
1Pack Extra Patience
ment and let me know when you’re ready to continue.” This reinforces the idea that they should work at their pace and feel comfortable doing so. However, while you want to be con- siderate of their needs, avoid babying them.
2Customize Your Customer Service
Help these clients feel comfort- able in what may be an intimidating
28 Fitness Business Canada November/December 2017 Some of my clients rely on a walker
environment for them. Ask for feed- back so you can better serve them. Some of the questions I ask are,
• “How are you feeling today?” • “Do you find it cold in here today? • “Do you find the radio is too loud?” • “Would you like a drink of water?” • “Do you need a tissue?” • “What questions do you have for me today?”
Because some of my clients have
poor grip strength, I may also offer to open their water bottles. I think this shows that I’m thinking ahead, am willing to help and am observant of their needs.
Lauren Walker is a manager at All Fit All Ages Gym in Port Perry, Ontario, and a freelance writer for the Scugog Standard. Visit her new blog
www.fitforallblog.ca to read her health and wellness articles.
3Have a Sense of Humour and Be Encouraging
Part of making people feel comfortable in a new environment is making them laugh. So I treat these clients the same way I would a healthy 25-year-old cli- ent by making the occasional joke and by cheering them on. Providing laugh- ter and encouragement is a universal way to lift people’s spirits and to help them feel they belong. FBC
t takes a special sensitivity to work with older individuals who are dealing with chronic health conditions. Over time, I have de- veloped an approach that this
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