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Cody Sipe, PhD

Cody Sipe, PhD

Cody Sipe, PhD, is a respected authority on fitness for older adults with 25 years in the industry. He is a professor, researcher, international educator and co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute. Cody is currently an associate professor and director of clinical research in the doctoral physical therapy program at Harding University. He was recognized as the IDEA Program Director of the Year in 2005 and was a finalist for the IDEA Fitness Innovator of the Year award in 2019.

Article Archive

Protecting the Aging Brain

October 12, 2017

Study after study shows that physical activity, diet and other lifestyle factors keep the brain healthy as we age—contrary to the popular notion that cognitive function inevitably declines in the later years of life.

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Tai Chi: The Perfect Balance for Aging Adults

August 15, 2017

Why tai chi?
These Chinese movement patterns have been around for centuries. In recent years, study after study has proven the benefits of tai chi—particularly for older exercisers—yet most fitness professionals seem to know little about it.
That’s too bad, because just about any fitness client can learn tai chi, and any fitness professional can teach it. Like other types of exercise, tai chi simply requires you to learn its movements and experience its benefits.

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Ageism and the Fitness Industry

December 8, 2016

At what age does a person become old? Is it 50 or 65 or 75? I've known healthy 75-year-olds who could outrun, outswim and outlift me, and I've known diseased 60-year-;olds who'd be short of breath walking to the mailbox.

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The Significant 7: Principles of Functional Training for Mature Adults

December 13, 2011

The aging of our global population and the significant increase in numbers predicted over the next 20–30 years (Pew Research Center 2009) offers a unique opportunity and challenge for fitness professionals. When it comes to training older adults, we must look at what we’ve been doing, evaluate its effectiveness and move forward with ideas and…

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Effective Cuing

October 24, 2008

Elite trainers have in-depth knowledge and skill in their area of expertise and know how to communicate information effectively to their clientele. While some trainers may seem blessed with an ability to communicate well, most of us need to work hard at it. One critical communication skill that takes practice and that most elite trainers need at some point in their careers is cuing.

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Training Masters Athletes

August 27, 2008

Dressed in a long-sleeve T-shirt and blue sweat pants, tall, thin, silver-haired trackster Everett Hosack of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, clocked a world indoor record (27.29) in the 60-meter dash for men at the 2002 USA Track and Field Nationals; minutes later, he won the 8.8-pound shot-put event with a toss of 11 feet, 6.75 inches.…

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Bridging the Age Gap

May 31, 2008

Today, older adults represent the largest demographic in the U.S., hold the most discretionary spending power and have a huge interest in anything anti-aging. Professionals …

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Improving Functional Abilities in Older Adults

January 31, 2007

Improving Functional Abilities in Older Adults
Which are the most effective training programs for your mature clients, and how can you best assess their current level of functional ability?
By Cody Sipe, MS

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The number of people now approaching middle age in America is simply astonishing–and unprecedented in history. It is anticipated that the U.S. population of adults over the age of 65…

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