SilverSneakers' FITT Principle for Older Adults

Recently, I have observed quite a few instructors who are coaching their participants to stay under 5 or 6 on the Perceived Exertion chart.

 In 2008, SilverSneakers updated their FITT Principles for Older Adult Exercise, based on recommendations from "Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults:  Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association," 2007.

The recommended intensity level is now 5 - 8 on the Perceived Exertion chart.  As always, we should coach participants to follow all their doctor's directions and work at a pace that it right for them.

I hear so many new instructors say that they are afraid someone will get hurt, so they don't want participants to work too hard.  If we are following the safety quidelines, it is okay for our participants to be working hard as long as they can still talk in a normal tone of voice.  Seniors like to be challenged- just remember to offer modifications for those who need them.  (such as:  they can stand or sit, use the tools or not, etc.)

So, have fun and don't be afraid to sweat (or "glisten" for us ladies) together!!

If you need a copy of the FITT Chart, just e-mail me and I will send you a copy.

Here's a Joke for you:

     Golf Lover

A man and his friend are out playing golf one day.  One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course.  He stops in mid-swing, takes off his cap, closes his eyes, and bows his head in prayer. 

His friend says, "Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen.  You truly are a  kind man." 

The man then replies,  "Well, it's the least I can do since we were married 35 years."

The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent SilverSneakers' positions, strategies, or opinions.