SrFit™

SrFit™ Second Edition is advanced training for experienced, certified personal trainers who wish to work successfully with the older adult (ages 45 and up). Even a slight increase in muscle strength at any age can improve quality of life and stave off frailty that was once considered to be a normal part of getting old. Gain an understanding of how the aging process affects all the systems of the body, identify dietary changes that may be needed, and develop effective training strategies to improve flexibility, endurance, strength and optimal function in your older-adult clients. Stay current with the most recent techniques to train this growing population as they demand services and products that allow them to maintain peak health and an active lifestyle.

This comprehensive course includes a 330 page manual, 60 page study guide, 2 1/2 hour DVD set featuring Wayne Westcott and a one hour audio CD featuring Tammy Petersen and her husband Mark, a geriatrician. The online exam, which requires a passing score of 80% to earn CEU credit, is also included. Additionally, a wealth of information (more than 300 pages) is provided in cooperation with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), which is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health. This material is accessible through a "virtual appendix" in a portable document format (PDF). This NIA material is also provided in Spanish.

Course Objective:

To instruct already certified and experienced personal trainers so they are able to build upon their existing knowledge and skill to safely and effectively work with the ever-growing senior population (ages 45 and up), and more specifically teach the trainer to:

  1. Learn and appreciate how the aging process impacts the organ systems, as well as understand the risk factors associated with chronic diseases.
  2. Identify dietary changes that may be needed as a result of aging, and also recognize how diet is related to the different chronic diseases that become more apparent as people grow older.
  3. Gain knowledge of safe and effective training techniques for the older adult, including guidelines specific to older adult flexibility, endurance and strength training.
  4. Be aware of and be capable of conducting comprehensive senior health assessment and fitness testing procedures.
  5. Understand chronic diseases and be able to design and modify programs for clients with specific chronic diseases.
  6. Identify with what motivates the older adult and discover how to create an age friendly environment.
  7. Become skilled at finding and appealing to senior clients, in addition to discovering ways to build credibility and become established as an expert in the field of senior fitness.

Course Outline:

  1. Aging: What Is It? – A look at chronological vs. biological age, and a detailed look at how aging affects every organ system.
  2. General Diet and Nutrition – General information on things like trans-fats and fiber, and also a discussion of the effects of aging on the nutritional health of older people.
  3. Lifestyle Modifications, Risk Factors and Disease – A look at different lifestyle and chronic diseases and in-depth explanations of risk factors and the positive changes that people should be making.
  4. Health Assessment, Evaluation and Fitness Testing – Who needs to consult a doctor; health assessment tools, and fitness testing specifics for older adults.
  5. Flexibility – Guidelines specific to seniors and exercises to increase flexibility, and specific programs for different purposes.
  6. Endurance – Guidelines specific to seniors and a discussion of exercises to increase endurance, along with a special section of “alternative exercises” suited to special circumstances such as water exercise, lack of equipment, and the need for the client to be seated.
  7. Strength Training – Guidelines specific to seniors and exercises to increase strength, with the focus on exercises that incorporate the balance ball, resistance bands and dumbbells.
  8. Chronic Diseases and Exercise – Exercise considerations when designing programs for clients with specific chronic diseases.
  9. Low Back Pain, Posture, and Balance – A discussion of each of these areas, with specific exercises to fight low back pain, improve posture and balance.
  10. Lifetime Sports: Golf, Tennis and Swimming – Specific exercises that will improve your client’s game, along with information on getting clients involved in the Senior Olympics.
  11. Motivation – Identification of exercise barriers for older adults, the six stages of exercise adoption, and understanding ageism.
  12. Building Your Business as a Personal Trainer of Older Adults – Insights and in-depth information resources aimed at helping you build your business as a personal trainer of older adults; including recommendations for business, marketing and publicity tools from experts in those fields.
  13. Web Links – Links to articles, Fact Sheets and resources from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging. Also links to files containing forms like the health assessment form and physician cover letter that were discussed in SrFit™.

Continuing Education Credit Information

  • ACE 2.0 (ACSM accepts ACE CECs)
  • BCRPA 20.0
  • BOC 24.0
  • CAN-FIT-PRO (PTS, OAS) 4.0
  • CPTN 14.0
  • ISSA 20.0
  • NASM 1.9
  • NASN 2.0
  • NESTA 2.0
  • NCCPT 1.1
  • NSCA (CSCS, CPT) 2.0
  • SFA 2.0
  • WITS 22.0

Registration