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Finding
a Senior-Friendly Fitness Club
If you're an older adult who's considering joining a fitness
club, you should choose one that is prepared and equipped
to serve you.
That's the advice of the International Council on Active
Aging (ICAA).
Many older adults have chronic health issues, including
physical limitations. Before you make a decision about joining
a health club, the ICAA suggests you go over a checklist
that can help you determine whether the fitness club is
age-friendly.
Some questions you need to ask include:
Do you feel comfortable in center's atmosphere?
Are the locker rooms clean, accessible and monitored by
staff?
Are the membership contracts and marketing materials available
in large print?
Are signs visible and easy to understand?
Is the music acceptable and set at a reasonable level?
Does the cardiovascular equipment have age-friendly features
such as a display panel that's easy to read, easy to change,
and easy to understand?
Do the facility's treadmills start slowly -- at 0.5 mph?
Do the recumbent bikes and steppers have a wide and comfortable
seat with armrests?
Does the strength-building equipment have instructional
placards with simple diagrams, easy-to-read text, and correct
usage information?
Does the strength building equipment have a low starting
resistance -- less than 5 pounds?
Does the fitness club have programs to meet the needs of
people with chronic ailments such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, balance abnormalities and muscular weakness?
Is the staff certified by a nationally recognized senior
fitness organization to work with people who have various
age-related health issues?
More info on activity and aging here
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) website
is located here
Article Source: HealthDay
Article Author: N/A
Net Reference 101
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