Barbara WintroubTis the season when all the snowbirds return to Palm Desert and my business goes wild. All of a sudden the word is out that I am the only one in town who works with clients with issues like back pain and surgeries, joint replacements, MS and all the other goodies that come with aging. No wonder I go home tired every day. I problem solve with each client trying to research their issues and find solutions to their complaints. My new client has MS, her right side doesn’t work any longer. I put up the jump board and had her wear shoes while I held her feet on the board. We tried foot and leg work with both feet on the board then with one foot on the board. I held on to her for dear life. Oh, did I say I was also giving her caretaker a verbal Pilates lesson on the other reformer trying to keep her busy while I was inventing things for my person. I gave two completely separate lessons at one time. I finished the lesson by doing seated isometric progressive resistive exercises like pressing or squeezing on a soft ball and pulling on a yoga strap.
My two other new clients have extreme back issues with all the complications that go along with it: pain, stenosis, numbness, weakness etc. I do have my work cut out for me. I treat each person with an individualized program specifically for them. I find that if they go to the gym they are doing all the wrong exercises. My new female client said she has been injured several times by the personal trainers she has worked with. They try to give her exercises she shouldn’t do and they push her way to hard.
I hope to take my methods of training seniors on the road one of these days. More trainers need the education necessary to work with clients who want to actively age.
Tip of the day: Place one arm up fingertips toward the ceiling on the door jam, try to walk through the door. Change arms. Stand tall. GOOD POSTURE BECOMES YOU.