Become a Certified
Senior Fitness Instructor
* 20 Credits *
Build Your Legacy In Fitness !
How It Works
What You'll Learn From This Course
✔️ Recognize the health and fitness challenges facing older adults and explain how exercise fits in the continuum of care.
✔️ Identify a basic understanding of chronic conditions associated with aging and how to incorporate exercise for these conditions.
✔️ Administer the proper health and fitness assessment techniques for older adults. Discuss the benefits of exercise to the older adult population.
✔️ Apply the motivation and teaching techniques that are appropriate for the older adult demographic.
✔️ Identify the correct exercise(s) to address an older adult client’s specific condition (cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological, orthopedic, and / or sensory).
✔️ Design strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health and fitness programs for older adult clients.
✔️ Explain business and marketing principles that support exercise programming for the older adult demographic.
✔️ Identify the situation(s) when it is necessary to seek out a doctor’s assistance with exercise design and/or injury needs.
COURSE CONTENTS
Age Related Changes
Exercise, the Anti-Aging Solution
Agism
Causes of Premature Aging
Getting Old Does Not Equal Becoming Disabled
“Normal” Effects of Aging
Theories of Aging
Men’s and Women’s Health Issues
Lungs
Heart
Brain
Kidneys
Body Fat
Muscle
Sight
Hearing
Personality
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Musculoskeletal System
Nervous System
Controversial Exercises
Exercises to Eliminate
Special Precautions to Be Aware of with Older Adult Clients
How to Teach Older Adults
Accommodating
Behaviors of Effective Teachers
Professional Conduct
Getting the Older Adult Started
Fitness and Stress
The importance of Balance
Knowledge As a Motivator
A Different Era
Socialization
Goal Setting
Excuses or Barriers to Exercise
Thoughts for consideration
Basic Assessment
Intensity of Exercise: Target Heart Rate
Progressing
Using MET Equivalents to Measure Exercise Intensity
Assessment for Cardiovascular Endurance
Assessment for Muscular Strength
Assessment for Muscular Endurance
Assessment for Flexibility
Frequency of Exercise
Safety Considerations
Cardiovascular Exercises
Goals and Techniques
Phases of a Strength Training Program
Strength Exercises
Optimal Conditions for Eliciting a Stretch
Stretching Techniques
Contraindications for Performing Stretching
Performance Requirements for Stretching Techniques
Stretches
Frequency and Intensity
Safety
Progressing
About Floor Exercises
Cardiovascular Conditions
Pulmonary Conditions
Neurological Disorders
Exercises for the Neurologically Impaired
Metabolic Disorders
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
Neck Problems
Low Back Problems
Shoulder Problems
Hip Problems
Knee Problems
Ankle Problems
Osteoporosis
Amputations
Deafness and Hearing Loss
Visual Impairments
Business Basics
Marketing Basics
Basics of Assisting a Person in a Wheelchair
Transfers
Progressive Mobilization
Ambulation Aids
Posture Evaluation
Procedures for Spinal Screening
Your New Career as a Specialist in Senior Fitness Starts Here
Your focus on senior fitness will not only bring you more clients (and possibly better rates) but will also be extremely rewarding as this group tends to value their health more than most of their younger counterparts. While this burgeoning segment of the personal training market is highly motivated and fun to work with, the real value is in the joy you’ll experience in changing people’s lives.
✔️ Study at your own pace with flexible, online learning to fit your busy schedule.
✔️ Pass your certification exam online wherever you’re most comfortable.
Premium Resources and Expert Support
This online handy reference guide walks you through the course unit-by-unit, allowing you to gain a better understanding of corrective exercise concepts.
The practice exam and quizzes test your understanding of the materials; so while you’re reading you’re preparing for the exam at the same time.
ISSA and Hyperstrike provide you with an exclusive online exercise lab with over 250 animated exercises. 3D animation and three different angles ensure that proper form and technique are a breeze!
ISSA Master Trainers are online and ready for your questions anytime. Post your questions and receive guidance from both our on-staff personal training experts and the worldwide ISSA community.
All ISSA students have access to unlimited educational support. If you have questions about the course materials, our on-staff professors can guide you through. This support continues even after you earn your personal trainer certification.
ISSA’s certification exam solidifies your proficiency as a fitness professional. Choose a paper-and-pencil exam or utilize our secure online testing portal. One No-cost Retest (if necessary).
COURSE AUDIENCE (for whom this course can be useful)
✅ Aspiring Senior Fitness Instructors and Fitness Professionals looking to build a career in training older adults safely and effectively.
✅ Individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in designing, implementing, and supervising fitness programs tailored to the needs of seniors.
✅ Those seeking reputable certifications to strengthen their professional credibility in senior fitness and wellness.
✅ Trainers and health professionals striving to improve their knowledge of age-related limitations, mobility enhancement, and fall prevention strategies.
✅ Motivated individuals committed to helping older adults maintain strength, flexibility, balance, and overall quality of life through targeted fitness programs.
Approved by the International Sports Sciences
Association (ISSA), USA.
