Author: Alex Orlov, Personal Trainer at Llanishen Leisure Centre, Cardiff.
The benefits of physical exercise in later life are well documented, from balance and coordination to weight management, brain health and bone strength, plus a reduced risk of a number of diseases including heart disease, some cancers, stroke plus type 2 diabetes.
What’s more, the right levels of activity can help older people to remain independent for longer and either lessen the chances of developing dementia or slow its progress.
As a personal trainer, I love working with older people, and have developed this work as a specialism. Clients at this point in their lives require a special, different approach, which I provide.
Crucially, my sessions with older clients incorporate elements of sport massage and physiotherapy techniques.
The reality is that waiting times to see a professional for these skills can be lengthy, while many private providers charge high fees. So my workouts, involving aspects of physio and sports massage, can really help while you wait, especially if meanwhile you are having to put up with bad knees or a bad back.
To learn more about what I could do for you, here’s one of my client case studies.
Martin’s story
Martin Keane, 63, is a retired prison chef and married father and grandfather who’s a Welsh-born Irish citizen from Tremorfa, Cardiff. He first came across me via Better Health and got in touch as he thought my profile stood out and that I could offer him what he needed. He also liked the positive reviews from other older clients and my focus on flexibility.
He says:
“I’ve now been working with Alex for three months or more. I have osteoarthritis and had lost a lot of weight, so my main focus was to be more flexible and mobile and to do specific exercises for these issues.
“My first arthritis started when I was 16, and it has significantly worsened over the years. I am on the waiting list list for a knee replacement.
“I have to get my BMI down to 35 before they will consider me for surgery. And although I have already lost some six stone, I have about the same amount to go again - Alex is helping me to lose weight in a safe, controlled way.
“You can’t hide with a personal trainer! He will always know if I don’t put in the effort. We work on different exercises, and he gives me sheets to follow. We have a laugh in our sessions, too. For example, he might get me to do six reps or repetitions of an exercise. But when I get to the fifth, he’ll make me do three more!
“But he is an excellent instructor, and due to being deaf you have to look face to face so, as I said, nowhere to hide!
“I have long Covid, affecting my cognitive ability. So, for example, when we kneel on all fours and you have to stretch out your left leg and your right arm together and vice versa, I struggled to comprehend this simple task. So Alex stood with his back to me so I understood what he meant.
“I find Alex very observant in picking up on body language and modifying his methods to offer a tailored approach.”
I’ve helped Martin and others, and I could help you, too. Call 07494 763135 or email [email protected] and book your free taster session today.