Senior fitness
New UD program focuses on fitness training for those over 55
11:16 a.m., Aug. 13, 2015--The youngest baby boomers turned 50 last year. Now with an age range of 51 to 69 years old and numbering nearly 75 million in 2015, baby boomers are expected to live longer than any generation before them.
As a result, many baby boomers are committed to healthy aging and a high quality of life in retirement like never before, and have become a fast-growing segment of the fitness population. Industry associations report older adults frequenting and joining gyms in record numbers.
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Most health clubs and fitness trainers welcome the trend with open arms, but many do not know how to handle their changing clientele. “The baby boomer generation has a completely different motivation than the mainstream fitness industry recognizes,” says fitness expert Jim Menz, faculty member and program director for a new UD program training fitness specialists to work with older adults. “Rather than cosmetic results, folks over 55 are thinking more about their health, living longer and enjoying a great quality of life.”
The University of Delaware’s new Senior Fitness Training Specialist Certificate was created with a variety of fitness and health care professionals in mind, preparing them to work as personal fitness trainers to clients over age 55. The program will also appeal to fitness enthusiasts seeking a rewarding career change or side career helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.
The certificate program takes place at Hockessin Athletic Club and combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The 15-week curriculum includes a detailed foundation in exercise science; anatomy and physiology; and health, medical and exercise considerations for older adults. There are no academic prerequisites to enroll in this program.
With over 20 years in the field, program creator and lead faculty member Menz is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, a corrective exercise specialist, and holds a master’s degree in exercise science and a postgraduate certificate in rehabilitative science. He has created and served as faculty in numerous college-level fitness and health sciences programs.
In addition to Menz, program instructors include Mark Szaroleta and Danny Singles, both alumni of UD’s doctoral program in physical therapy, and Ann Gioia, nursing instructor at Delaware Technical Community College.
Internship opportunities through the program’s partners will be available to a limited number of qualified program graduates, and application has been made for approval of continuing education credits from the examining boards and professional associations for relevant health and fitness fields. For details, visit the website.
This noncredit program is offered through the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies.
An information session for the program is planned for Monday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m., at the Hockessin Athletic Club in Hockessin, Delaware. This information session is free, and all walk-in attendees are welcome.
UD students and UD alumni are eligible for a discount when enrolling in this program. Other discounts and financial assistance options are available. For more information or to RSVP for the Aug. 24 information session, visit the website, write to continuing-ed@udel.edu or call 302-831-7600 or 1-866-820-0238.
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson