Movement for Life: Active at any age

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 face her fear; we had to practice in small doses. She accomplished that feat once today, and that is a big win as far as I’m concerned.

It Gets Easier

Over the years, many of my clients present with various fears of falling. Once we work on developing overall strength and balance, these fears become less and less. I had a client who was afraid of stepping off curbs. I assured her that, with practice, one day she'll just do it without thinking about it. One day, she came in and told me she had stepped down off the curb without even thinking about it, and she was so proud of herself!

Do Something About it

Now, let’s be clear, I’m not telling you to go out and start walking off curbs if you're afraid of falling. Strength training with an experienced trainer is a safe way to learn how to navigate unstable environments. I teach people how to navigate stairs, get out of a chair, or even get off the floor. All these movements require a level of strength that needs to be developed.

For more information about our personal training services, please call 289-356-2140