Sports at age Which gym is the right one?

Older people should pay attention to some details when choosing a gym
Sufficient exercise is also important in old age. However, senior citizens should not overstrain their bodies. The visit to the gym offers older people, although good exercise options, but especially if so far only little sports was operated, the studio should be chosen wisely, reports the news agency "dpa", citing the German Fitness Teachers Association (DFLV).

Sporting activities often gain in importance for senior citizens entering the retirement age. Many gyms have therefore expanded their offer targeted in this direction. Michael Branke of the German Fitness Teachers Association recommends older people to choose a gym that has its concept rather health-oriented. Here, the name could already provide hints and the course plan show whether the offer is also suitable for older people. In addition, the expert advises to pay attention to the qualifications of the coach.

Special training programs for the elderly
According to the expert, good conditions include, for example, trainers with a sports degree, physiotherapists in the team and staff who have special training for training with the elderly. Such training is, for example, the "specialist trainer for functional training with senior citizens", whereby the training focuses according to the DFLV include the physical and psychological changes in old age and strength, balance and mobility training and moving condition training. The fall prophylaxis and the right fall (fall school) are also part of the training. There are also practical movement sequences without equipment, practical movement sequences with Theraband and balls, equipment training for older people and active cognition training.

When choosing the gym, attention should be paid to the health sport orientation. (Image: Kzenon / fotolia.com)

Testing studios during the trial training
Fits the course offer and the quality of the trainers, Branke advises the studio in a trial training test. Because the other conditions must fit. "The audience has to like it. Anyone who is a bit older may not only be among the older, but also not just among body builders, "Branke is quoted by the" dpa ". Furthermore, the expert recommends gym newbies, not immediately complete a contract for several years. Often, for example, tens of cards are available.

Discover new capabilities
In general, "an active lifestyle is the most important prerequisite for staying fit and mobile into old age," explains the DFLV. Health-oriented exercise offers could contribute to maintaining and improving the everyday motor skills of seniors. Learning exercises, movements and techniques to minimize a potential risk of falling plays an important role as we grow older. Furthermore, older people often need a special psychological pedagogical approach to sport. Fears and prejudices have to be reduced and new possibilities of achievement discovered. (Fp)