Active aging and performance based exercise.

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In a broad sense active aging is a strategy to help an aging population to maintain or improve their physical, mental and social health. Active aging through athletics means improved health and fitness by programming athletic performance strategies.

The status quo for the most part assumes that an older trainee should be given a light, idiot proof body part resistance routine with some light, idiot proof cardio on stationary bikes or some other type of equipment. I get it! Some older folks have issues that demand this type of caution but all too often I see otherwise healthy older trainees being programmed in the same cookie cutter manner.

My argument is that these healthy individuals need to have ALL their systems up-regulated to stop or reverse the degeneration of those systems. There are exciting research studies in neural science that show how one can develop new neural pathways for various tasks, and indeed improve on those already present regardless of age. The world of athletics utilizes neural adaptations with great success. This includes visualization techniques which ties in with the neural thing.

My method of achieving this is to include (regressions where needed) prehab, strength, speed, agility and flexibility protocols from the world of athletics. Why athletics? Athletic movement requires the human body to perform in a manner that it was designed for. Jumping, bounding and sprinting are a big part of teaching good mechanics and body awareness for improved joint health. Agile quickness and the mobility to achieve it will give trainees confidence in their ability to move well in the game of life. The fun factor should have them coming back for seconds and thirds.

My argument is that these healthy individuals should have all their systems boosted to halt or even reverse the degeneration of those systems. Exciting research studies in neural science demonstrate how it is possible to develop new neural pathways for various tasks and improve existing ones, regardless of age. The world of athletics has successfully leveraged neural adaptations, including visualization techniques, which tie in with these neural advancements.

My approach to achieving this goal is to incorporate prehab, strength, speed, agility, and flexibility protocols inspired by the world of athletics (while making necessary regressions when needed). Why athletics? Athletic movement demands that the human body performs in the way it was designed for. Jumping, bounding, and sprinting play a vital role in teaching proper mechanics and body awareness, leading to improved joint health. Developing agile quickness and the mobility to achieve it will instill confidence in trainees, empowering them to move gracefully in the game of life. The element of fun should entice them to return for more, again and again.