I wish more people would see fitness for seniors as a norm not an acception.
Fairwinds has over 200 hundred residents and at least 1/2 workout. I get inspired by those who are 90+ and are still going. More and more the generations I am working with is realizing it is not to late to get fit.
It is still a battle. Not only with my residents, but others outside. I have met trainers who were surprised when they had 65 year olds training or taking classes. In my world 65 is young and vital.
I have two saying: 1st; the PRIMEFIT gym, where the only limits are what you make! 2nd; Age is a number not an excuse.
I have learned to see the person, not their age. We need to stop putting limits on people because of their age. Physical aliments give us enough restrictions in over 1/2 the residents I work with. I refuse to give them any more!
Well I have never written a blog, so this is all new to me. Bare with me as I start this.
I wanted to start off with something I just started working with. I have a COPD client. I know that exercise in moderation is good for him, along with breathing exercises. He is advanced in his stages of COPD so we can only do about 3 to 4 exercises a day. My biggest struggle is getting him to relearn how to breath. He never gives up or gives in. Although he will practically depleat his oxygen just to finish a set of 10 reps. I have found I have to pretty insistant in getting him to slow down and breath through the exericses.
I found on Google some advice regarding the breathing techniques to use. I have to admit I have been having him open his mouth wider and count to 4 on his exhale. The article I read said to have the client, when winded, breath in and out through the mouth and with pursed lips. Then slowly have him/her move to breathing in through the nose and out the mouth.
Personally I would like to avoid the winded part. But have to confess I apparently have been having him breath wrong when he does get winded. BUT, I have to point out when he does it my way he recovers his breath pretty quickly.
If you have a client with COPD, just try slow and controlled breathing through all exercises. this should reduce them getting winded.
If anyone has more suggestions, please let me know. In my job COPD clients will be around again and any advice is appreciated.
Have a great day!
