Senior Citizen Case Study

Name: Gerry Albertson

Age: 72

Profession: Retired Business Owner

Initial Challenges: Client diagnosed with neurological disorder as well as a lumbar spinal fusion, torn rotator cuff on both sides requiring surgery, and carpal tunnel. As a lifetime exerciser, finding a customized program to continue to optimize muscle health and reduce injury risk had become a challenge.

Personalized Training Approach

Assessment and Goal Setting: Client’s goal was to improve general health and gain as much strength as possible. Initial observations were that the client lacked balance demanding stable/restrained plane of motion for exercises, limitations to shoulder range of motion due to prior injuries, and overall effort considerations due to neurological disorder.

Customized Plan: Due to age and risk factors Gerry started off with two 25-minute sessions each week and progressed to our standard 50-minute sessions. Starting with lower body workouts on day 1 we altered the resistance Gerry used to accommodate some left knee considerations from previous injuries. Day 2 is upper body and trunk which typically start with assessing shoulder range then training what he has available that day. The same process is used for spinal training – assess range (each day can be different, nothing is assumed) then loading with what Gerry can tolerate. Pain-free exercise decisions are paramount with each client we help. Within our strict criteria we can then ramp up and challenge Gerry like he wants to help him get to his fitness goals.

Support and Guidance: With some days being better than others for Gerry we are always providing hopeful encouragement as he battles his ailments and injuries. When working with higher risk clients progress is very seldom in a straight line up. Some days are better than others which is why our strict thought process of custom-fit exercise and never assuming clients can do what they did the session prior is so important. Gerry understands we as a team are responsible for the effort not the outcome but can always choose to be optimistic and excited about where his program and health are going!

Results Achieved

Physical Improvements: Gerry has a special relationship with our Nautilus Leg Press. Going from 260 pounds to 500 pound leg presses within a few months. We have run out of weights for this man! Noticeable improvements in walking speed have been noticed by both Gerry and our staff at the gym.

Mental and Emotional Benefits: Getting into the gym and having a place to blow off steam and feel a sense of improvement has helped Gerry in his retirement mentally and emotionally. His health concerns may be a constant worry but with each workout his spirits are lifted and his hard working and optimistic attitude always return before leaving the gym.

Overall Impact: Gerry comes to see us three times a week with excitement each time. Watching his strength improve but also outlook on his health situation proves yet again how powerful a custom-fit exercise routine is. Gerry is walking better, still getting stronger, and able to continue to enjoy his retirement years thanks to his exercise routine.

Client Testimonial

“Strength training at its best. I get a personal trainer whose focus is entirely on my needs and goals. I’m not young anymore but Reed’s Elite Training is helping me grow and strengthen so I will able to enjoy my senior years. The results are real. Just what I want. Excellence.”