February 15, 2020 · DNA
Training in Your 70s (Part 2)
Meet Susan, 73 years old. She began personal training at DNAPT at 71 years old for a few reasons:
- To attempt to heal her plantar fasciitis through strength training.
- To help increase her bone mineral density (which was in decline).
- To get in shape again, and get stronger.
When she started with us, her bone mineral density was at a 10% decline, resulting in her being diagnosed with osteopenia, on the verge of osteoporosis. Her plantar fasciitis had been plaguing her for months, which made walking especially difficult, let alone attempting any exercise. Finally, having just retired from a successful career which consisted of sitting in an office for years, she knew she was ready to regain her capability to do things — active things — without the worrisome thought of "am I too old for this?"
Her training program began as an assessment of flexibility and mobility, basic strength, and fitness abilities. As she continued training, I continually updated her program to reflect improvements in all categories. My focus on Susan's development was (and still is) implemented at a progression of baby steps. To address her plantar fasciitis, we worked on selecting proper-fitting footwear (which took some experimentation), and on movements such as calf raises (light at first) and other exercises as recommended by some of my physical therapist partners. All in all, she was never pushed beyond her comfort zone, and I've consistently kept her training program geared toward the development of basic movements that are essential to everyday life.
These days her plantar fasciitis is long gone, she's stronger than she'd been in a very long time, and she recently participated in a multi-day cycling trip that took her on some great adventures. Her most recent health check showed an increased bone mineral density, and her doctor is impressed by that!
Take a look at Susan in action in this short video: