By: Lauren Walker Working with older adults for 20+ years has allowed me insight to the aging process. I'll be turning forty this year and most of my clients are 30+ years older than I. I see common threads amongst the aging population and as they age, little things become big challenges. My purpose, as a personal trainer, is to help them maintain functionality in their daily lives. Let's look at the common issues I help my clients with. Its All in the Hips One of the biggest

by Lauren Walker Valentines Day is fast approaching which makes me think of how to keep our hearts healthy. Health is always number one in my book and being well means more time for who you love. Your heart is a muscle Why is it so imperative to look after your heart? It only supplies blood and oxygen to your entire body! Keeping the traffic flowing means finding ways to make your heart more efficient. This means, yes, you guessed it: exercise is vital to keep it strong. What

by Lauren Walker Would you believe I had my very first experience with vertigo when I was thirty and again five years ago. No, this isn’t just an age related problem but it can be scary, if you’ve never experienced it before. I worked with a client today and, she is currently having to manage symptoms for the first time. At 75, it was obvious she was feeling uneasy. Exercise is an important help to manage symptoms but where do you start? Take a Moment There are varying levels

by Lauren Walker What is a resolution? According to Google, “A firm decision to do or not do something.” It got me thinking about the reality of resolutions and why people wait for a New Year to start. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll know who said this, “Do or do not. There is no try.” A resolution really means nothing if you’re not following through. More Than Words The word itself reminds me of other words I dislike such as, “diet” which I never ever use. It is a buzzword

by Lauren Walker I recently started reading “100 Rules for Living to 100” by Dick Van Dyke. Many older individuals find it difficult to maintain a positive attitude as they age, and yet it is so crucial. I definitely recommend this book! Being Stubbornly Optimistic What gets you out of bed in the morning? “I’ve made it to one hundred, in no small part, because I have stubbornly refused to give in to the bad stuff in life: failures and defeats, personal losses, loneliness and

By Lauren Walker Most of my clients are over 65. What do you think their biggest challenge is? The fear of falling is very real, but I’ve learned over the years the fear isn’t the fall itself. The fear is not being able to get back up. Let me share with you how I help my clients. Facing the Fear I’ve worked with this client for several years, and one of her biggest fears is not being able to get up after a fall. My client was very anxious about it, I admit, but I told her to

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley I know from experience, exercise is very effective and beneficial for most seniors. I anticipate a right knee replacement in the new year. I am looking to further improve my strength, balance, and flexibility, as well as my mental and emotional well-being. As we age, we see physical changes that can negatively affect muscles and bone strength, as well as other bodily systems. Moderate physical activity does benefit your overall health. It’s import

by Lauren Walker Have aches and pains beyond normal? Do you find it hard to sleep? Maybe you have stomach pain and have trouble going to the bathroom. No, you’re not facing some life-altering health issue, but there is something going on. What is it? STRESS. People tend to search for physical reasons for why these physical symptoms are occurring. At the top of my list of causes, stress is number one. It has such a distinct effect on both your physical and mental well-being, y

by Lauren Walker A frustrating part of aging for my clients is their short-term memory. While their body are in good condition, it becomes a struggle to remember basic things. It’s quite frankly, a downer for a lot of my older clients. While age-related memory loss is normal, what can I do as a personal trainer to help? The Benefits of Exercise Increases blood flow to the Brain by improving circulation Releases hormones that lower inflammation and insulin resistance, protecti

by Lauren Walker Since Autumn is upon us, I thought it pertinent to talk about Fall. The leaves are falling and it got me thinking about Fall prevention! My clients have a varying range of mobility issues and a very realistic concern is falling. Fear of Falling Life is unpredictable, so its important to mention, I cannot necessarily prevent people from falling. Sometimes it just happens! Even those who do not have mobility issues can find themselves in these moments. The good

by Lauren Walker What gets you out of bed in the morning? When you wake up every day, there are a million reasons not to exercise, but...

by Lauren Walker As our parents age, their needs change. Are we ready to accommodate their ever changing lives? New issues arise, and...

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Local councillors recently voted to continue offering...

by Lauren Walker Over the years I've heard a lot of misconceptions about exercise. These false ideas can discourage people from...

by Lauren Walker Where does positivity come from? I came across an interesting thought I learned from Betty White: "Look for the...

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES:  Members of the Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) worked extra hard to prepare for their annual...

by Lauren Walker I have my birthday coming up on July 2nd and I’ll be turning 39. I have no shame mentioning my age or that I’m enjoying...

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley I was leaving my granddaughter's 12th birthday party and I couldn't fit into my shoes to drive home!...

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The township is calling on residents to recognize the local...

by Lauren Walker I’m not sure what we’re chasing but all I know is, it’s an endless pursuit. When I peruse social media, I am often...