Uncomfortable with Online Training?
These Women Show Bone Ailments Don’t Have to Prevent Online Training
Aurilla Woodburn has always been outdoorsy, active and strong. So, when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis a few years ago, she didn’t hesitate to start regular resistance training in a fitness studio to improve her bones and muscles.
And with the coronavirus recently closing that studio to in-person exercise, Aurilla, now 71, wasn’t about to let that stop her, either.
“It’s just a matter of getting down and doing it,” she says. “It’s fun – and I have worked hard.”
Aurilla is like millions of people around the world over age 50 who have begun online training recently. They’re not sacrificing their strength, stamina and balance because of coronavirus quarantines or their own reluctance about using technology.
Fitness studios, gyms and trainers are doing everything possible to keep their clients safe, active, in shape, and connected. We’re here for you. If you need help reach out to us at Project Body Smart and we’ll keep your workouts going at home for you with online videos, printed programs or live streaming. We will help you with whatever format works for you. You’ll be ready to hit the gym once it’s open again or maybe you’ll prefer to keep up with home workouts or a little of both. Customize your health and fitness strategy with Project Body Smart and Global Fitness & Racquet Centre.
As some of my followers know I not only teach and train all ages but also have specific training sessions appropriate for older age groups. Different generations may require special considerations when it comes to exercise. Some considerations might be joint pain, restricted mobility, balance challenges, cognitive decline or osteoporosis. Don’t give up on keeping your health and functional independence.
People of like mind, age and fitness levels get so much more out of sessions if they are designed to lesson the particular challenges they face. It’s nothing complicated. Just good human movement training to prevent premature aging and frailty. It helps participants build friendships and a community connected by the common goal to live life better, longer.
Age related challenges such as Osteoporosis affects 200 million women worldwide, including about a tenth of women over 60, with that percentage increasing with age. It affects some 75 million people in various parts of the world. Men get it, too – with 20 percent of men over 50 experiencing osteoporotic fractures.
Strength training is a mainstay of protecting and improving bones.
Aurilla’s trainer, Holly focuses on bones, balance and the psychological benefits of exercise, including the social aspect that’s so valuable during the Covid-19 crisis. She uses resistance bands, small Pilates balls, a steadying stick and other common items.
She says her online training is cautious but effective. It’s especially important for “older” people with osteoporosis to stay strong so they remain confident and able to resist falling. “Our strength training follows the protocols for maintaining bone density. We work on dynamic balance including agility and power.”
At Project Body Smart, we are experts at training people facing challenges that may come with age. We are here to help keep you strong, healthy and safe during this time and after.
Holly had a few practice sessions on Zoom to help everyone get familiar with the online video platform. It lets her see all of her clients and provide individual coaching. And just as important, it lets them all see each other, which they enjoy.
“I love to see my friends on there and say hi,” says Jean Martinka, 64, who made new friends through the class locally since moving to the community a few years ago. “I wouldn’t want to give it up now. I still want somebody watching me – and the interaction with others.”
Aurilla Woodburn agrees. She got over her dislike for technology a few years ago when her granddaughter was born. Seeing the baby was more important.
And now so is staying healthy and socially connected.
Gordon Palmer. Register Personal Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, Precision Nutrition Coach
Training and Fitness Coordinator at Global Fitness & Racquet Centre
Founder of Project Body Smart
Kelowna BC, Canada