Difficult Client Who Doesn’t Want to Get on Floor to Do Core Work
Hi, I have a 69-year-old female client whom I’ve just started working with. She wants to lose about 20 pounds, and tone and strengthen. While I understand that our hormone profile changes as we age, especially after menopause (and she’s had a hysterectomy), and the trim silhouette we had when we were younger, if at an ideal weight, can be more challenging to maintain. I get it.
Nonetheless, my client doesn’t want to do planks, push-ups, Russian twists or really anything on the floor to tighten her core. She also doesn’t want to do squats or lunges because she doesn’t want to aggravate her hip bursitis.
I’m a bit frustrated coming up with exercises to strengthen her core and back. She also says she knows what she needs to do to lose weight — it’s a portion control issue, she says — but have a feeling that she’s not up for problem solving her weight issue. Any suggestions for exercises or how to deal with her to maintain a positive client relationship. Thanks.
Hi Jane,
Everyone has given you some great advice and I agree with them. One of the classes I teach is a Sit and Be Fit Class where the ages range from 60 to 89. My main focus is always to try and make them feel comfortable and safe in their movements. Plus having the ability to modify when needed due to health issues is key.
There is so much you can do just having her sit in a chair or using the chair for support. We use weights, bands and a small ball during our workouts. I try to break it up so sometimes we are standing and other times we are sitting. So for example, we will sit in chair with the ball between our back and the back rest of the chair and perform crunches. Another time we will be standing and I will have them perform Woodchops holding the ball. As for her fear of squats and lunges, perform high knees or while sitting wrap the band around the legs and do side step outs.
If you want to talk more, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Hope some of this helps. Good Luck.