New UD certificate program focuses on fitness training for those over 55

4:02 p.m., Jan. 5, 2016--With an age range of 51 to 69 years old and numbering nearly 75 million last year, baby boomers are expected to live longer than any generation before them. Many are committed to healthy aging like never before, and represent a fast-growing segment of the fitness population.

The University of Delaware’s new Senior Fitness Training Specialist Certificate was designed to help respond to this trend, preparing personal fitness trainers to work with clients over age 55. 

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University of Delaware graduates planning to attend Alumni Weekend are encouraged to register for the annual Blue Hen 5K walk and run, which will be held Sunday morning, June 5.

June 6-9: Food and culture series

The 20th annual June Lecture Series at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UD in Wilmington will be held June 6-9. Titled 'June a la Carte,' this year's program focuses on great political documents, feminism, world politics and a Newark cuisine sampler.

• June 6-9: Food and culture series
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• Through Sept. 16: Women of color in academia

An information session for the spring program is planned for 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Hockessin Athletic Club in Hockessin, Delaware. The information session is free, but reservations are requested.

The Senior Fitness Training Specialist Certificate will be of interest to the growing field of exercise, fitness and other health care professionals serving older adults seeking to increase their longevity and boost their quality of life. It will also appeal to fitness enthusiasts seeking a rewarding career change or side career helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.

Prospective students attending the information session will have an opportunity to meet the program faculty, including lead instructor and program creator Jim Menz, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and corrective exercise specialist with over 20 years’ experience. 

Other instructors include UD alumni Mark Szaroleta and Danny Singles, both graduates of UD’s doctoral program in physical therapy; and Ann Gioia, a nurse educator with over 20 years’ experience in nursing, health care, curriculum design and teaching.

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. Classes meet 6-9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday evenings from Feb. 15-May 25. 

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. 

This noncredit program is offered through the University’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies.

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 Jan. 14 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