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Functional Aging/Older Adults

Older woman with dumbbells using muscle strengthening for longevity
Longevity as a Business Narrative

Longevity and healthspan are growing themes in industry forecasts, reflecting interest in long-term capability rather than short-term results. This narrative supports programming that emphasizes function, mobility, resilience, and aging well….

Strength balance and fall risk
Strength, Balance and Fall Risk

Falls are often framed as an inevitable consequence of aging. In reality, fall risk reflects a convergence of modifiable and non-modifiable factors, many of which sit squarely within the influence…

Man exercising in lieu of testosterone therapy
Psychological Drivers of Long-Term Engagement

New findings in older adults further highlight the psychological side of adherence. Rather than physical capacity alone, factors such as self-efficacy and commitment appear closely tied to sustained participation, underscoring…

Older women and weight training
Training for Life Transitions

For many clients, exercise participation is not disrupted by a lack of motivation or interest in health. It is disrupted by change. Injury, aging, shifting health status, caregiving demands, career…

Older man strength training for longevity
Question of the Month

How are you integrating the popular interest in longevity with your marketing and education about the benefits of fitness training? And, are you highlighting the specific advantages of training with…

Older woman doing exercise for osteoporosis
The New Science of Women’s Physiology

Why Women’s Physiology Research Is Entering a New Era For much of modern exercise science history, women’s physiology was treated as an unknown variable. Something too complex, too inconsistent, or…

Older woman with dumbbells using muscle strengthening for longevity
Exercise Timing for Older Adults

Research shows connection between training timing, consistency and positive results. For older adults, regular morning physical activity may lead to better heart-lung function and walking efficiency, according to a study…

Getting Started with Functional Fitness

If you’ve ever wished your workouts made daily life feel easier—like lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with your kids—then functional fitness might be exactly what you’re looking for. This…

Matrix functional training space and tips
New Trends in Functional Fitness

Functional fitness has evolved from a niche training philosophy into one of the most influential paradigms in exercise science. Initially embraced by physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists, functional fitness now…

Navigating the Challenges of Aging

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but its effects on the body need not mean a loss of independence or quality of life. As a certified personal trainer or…

The New Frontier of Active Aging Nutrition

As the population over 50 continues to grow, so does interest in how nutrition can support not just a longer life—but a better quality of life. For fitness professionals, dietitians,…

Secrets of Super Agers
Secrets of Super Agers 

What’s their secret? Why do Super Agers, people who live past 90, have such long lives? What can you do to live a longer, healthier life?

Seniors trained for travel.
Fit to Travel: Exercises for Seniors

Programming exercises for seniors is more important than ever, especially now that travel is opening up again, but your clients may not have kept up with their workouts over this last year. Here are some great ways to prepare your active agers for more adventure. 

Collage of body part X rays
Bone Density and Healthy Aging

If you work with adults 50 and older, it may be time to educate them about the impact exercise can have on bone density and healthy aging.

Sample Class: Seated Exercises for Older Adults

Older adults are more susceptible to deficits in cardiovascular fitness, muscle mass, strength and power, which may ultimately lead to losses in physical function. The following chair-based format focuses on improving outcomes for older participants, especially those who may need the support of a chair during exercise. Ready, Set, Sit! offers the variety of three 15-minute training segments (cardiovascular, high intensity and strength/power), while targeting important components that boost overall function.