Resistance is Not Futile
Posted by William on January 11, 2012
To encourage the mature market to participate in strength training, the Cooper Fitness Center organized a group strength-training program called CREST (Classics’ Resistance Exercise Strength Training), which is designed to encourage independence and improve quality of life for participants. CREST concentrates on the stabilization muscles (neck, shoulders, back, abdomen and hips) to “improve core strength, thus improving balance, gait, postural alignment and general body awareness,” says Michael Kolling, mature market director. Measurable results are seen after completing the seven-week program.
Adults 55 and older are permitted to join CREST, with classes limited to eight participants who are instructed by certified personal trainers. Prior to joining, participants fill out a detailed medical history and are given personal fitness assessments to ensure proper programming for individual strengths and weaknesses. As part of the program’s educational curriculum, reviews and questions are encouraged and anatomical names and functions are taught.
Staff at the Cooper Fitness Center realized that the success of this type of program depends on two factors. First, the participants must feel comfortable in this type of exercise atmosphere. Since CREST exercisers know that they have to be 55 or older to join, knowing they will be exercising with peers gives them comfort. Participants do not feel incapable, intimidated or ineffective, but rather begin to feel a sense of independence.
Kolling sums up the CREST success: “Not only are the members becoming more fit and improving their quality of life, they are becoming more acclimated to the club setting and the benefits provided.”