Emerging research on
training techniques for senior populations and their common ailments can be
difficult to manage. Two of the industry's leading authorities, however, keep
professionals updated with Fitness
Professional's Guide to Strength Training Older Adults, Second Edition
(Human Kinetics, May 2010). This resource contains the information and
tools needed to educate, motivate, and assist older adults in committing
to and benefiting from individualized strength training programs.
Authors Thomas Baechle and Wayne Westcott, leading
authorities in fitness and strength training, offer information and guidance
based on their combined 50-plus years of experience as strength training
athletes, coaches, instructors, and researchers. The authors' summaries of
current research will update fitness professional's knowledge of the specific
health benefits of strength training for senior populations, including those
with chronic conditions. Guidelines for senior strength training provide a
basis for program design, and recommendations for program modifications assist
in constructing strength training programs that meet each client's needs,
abilities, and limitations.
Previously published as Strength Training for Seniors, this new
edition has been retooled to assist health and fitness instructors at health
clubs, YMCAs, community centers, nursing homes, retirement communities, and
other organizations in helping older adults obtain the far-reaching benefits of
strength training. Fitness
Professional's Guide to Strength Training Older Adults includes
these updates:
- A new chapter on sport conditioning programs, which
provides specific strength training exercises to boost performance and reduce
risk of injury for older runners, cyclists, swimmers, skiers, golfers, tennis
players, rowers, rock climbers, hikers, softball players, and triathletes - Updated research regarding program design and
performance for special populations, including seniors with diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, low-back pain, balance issues, arthritis, osteoporosis,
fibromyalgia, frailty, and poststroke impairments - Updated nutrition information and specific
nutrition guidelines to help seniors properly fuel their bodies for aerobic
exercise, muscle building, and daily living
Precise illustrations and biomechanically sound
instructions for exercises that use resistance machines, free weights, body
weight, elastic bands, and balls help fitness professionals review
proper techniques and provide their clients with clear explanations.
Unique teaching scripts offer strategies for communicating information that
will help clients avoid errors that cause injury or reduce the effectiveness of
the exercise.
The sample 10-week workout will help beginning clients
establish a foundation of muscle strength to improve everyday tasks and
increase cardiovascular capability. Intermediate and advanced workout programs
focus on increasing muscle size, strength, and endurance along with specific
considerations for older adults at each fitness level. In addition, practical
methods for client assessment assist in measuring muscle strength, hip and
trunk flexibility, and body composition; guidelines also help clients assess
their own progress.
Featuring principles, protocols, and adaptations, Fitness Professional's Guide to
Strength Training Older Adults has everything an instructor needs
for designing and directing sensible strength training programs for seniors.
Information is presented progressively, making it easy to apply for fitness and
health care professionals with varied backgrounds and experiences. In addition,
numerous references for each topic offer starting points for further study, and
tables, figures, and logs provide guidance in exercise program design and
education for clients.
Substantial research has shown that strength training can
reverse many of the degenerative processes associated with aging and reduce the
risk and severity of several health problems common among older adults. The
information and tools in Fitness
Professional's Guide to Strength Training Older Adults helps
senior clients understand the benefits of strength training, overcome their
intimidation, and commit to a training program that will enable them to enjoy a
more vibrant and active lifestyle.
For more information on the second edition of Fitness Professional's Guide to Strength Training Older Adults or any other resources, visitwww.HumanKinetics.com or call 800.747.4457.
