The Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults is a comprehensive web-based program (with an Optional Field Internship course) designed to establish a national standard to ensure the development of safe and effective exercise programs for older adults by personal trainers, allied health/medical and fitness professionals, and the general public. The certificate program has been designed to incorporate curriculum standards from the “International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults” in Collaboration with and endorsed by the World Health Organization. The program will supply essential educational pathways and job opportunities to begin a career working with senior/older adults in the emerging fitness/health industry; for established fitness professionals who desire advanced education in working with older adults; and for allied health and medical professionals from all fields seeking to design specialized exercise and wellness programs for their older adult clients and patients. Graduating students will be prepared for a career working with older adults at senior centers, medically-based fitness facilities, retirement communities, YMCA/JCC’s, hospitals, community wellness programs, personal training studios, physical therapy clinics, long-term care facilities, corporate fitness centers, collegiate settings, and private and commercial health clubs. In addition, the certificate will also prepare individual 50+ exercise enthusiasts in the development of a personalized program based on current research and organizational guidelines.

This certificate program includes:
● Examination of the social and physiological aspects of aging.
● Review current theories of aging.
● Learn the common conditions and diseases associated with aging.
● Understand the role of exercise in improving health, fitness, function and quality of life in older adults.
● Review the current recommendations for cardiovascular, flexibility, resistance, mobility and balance training.
● Learn how to attract, serve and retain the mature market by means of age-friendly facility design, equipment selection, and fitness management.
● Understand how to design safe and effective exercise programs for older adults by taking into consideration critical information such as a client’s age, gender, health history, current health conditions and exercise history.
● Optional Field Internship Course: Students that enter the program may complete an optional internship course that is 6 weeks/60 hours in length.
● On-going guidance, instruction, and interaction from instructors that hold either a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in exercise science, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, nutrition or an exercise science-related degree.
● The program is offered in partnership with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), the American Senior Fitness Association (SFA), the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), and Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program. Students graduating from the certificate program will receive a complimentary one-year membership to the ICAA which includes registration discounts to the annual International Active Aging Conference. In addition, graduating students will receive preferred discounts for the SFA’s certification exams (Senior Personal Trainer Certification or the Senior Fitness Instructor Certification), the AEA’s certification exam (Aquatic Exercise Association Fitness Professional Certification), and for Healthways Instructor Accreditation for Older Adult Exercise.

Course Objectives

By completing the Personal Training and Group Exercise Training for Older Adults program, students will:

● Identify and define predictors of successful aging and demographic characteristics that relate to individual participation in physical activity programs
● Identify factors influencing physical activity participation among older adults, including barriers, motivators, regular involvement in physical activity, and behavior modification
● Understand how to design exercise programs for preventive health
● Understand how spending power, the anti-aging movement, the focus on preventative health and other factors have converged to make the 50+ market extremely desirable for the fitness industry
● Understand how to conduct an in-depth health history interview that yields important information in the development of a safe and effective exercise program
● Identify signs and symptoms associated with medication-related negative interactions during physical activity and refer back to health professional
● Explore the profession as a potential career choice with the optional field internship experience
● Prepare to work as a fitness trainer or facility manager/owner in the older adult market

I. Socio-Physiological Aspects of Aging
a. Understand the Psychosocial Aspects of Aging
b. Understand the Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Changes that accompany Aging
c. Identify Nervous System, Cognitive and Sensory Changes that accompany Aging
d. Understand the association between Aging, Activity, and Disease

II. Designing Older Adult Exercise Programs
a. Learn the Exercise Recommendations and Guidelines for Apparently Healthy Older Adults and those with Chronic Diseases and Conditions
b. Understand the Principles of Cardiovascular, Resistance Exercise and Flexibility
c. Understand the Principles of Functional Exercise, Balance, Mobility, and Water Training
d. Learn how to Design Exercise Programs for Apparently Healthy Older Adults

III. Business Management and Administration for the Mature Market
a. Understand the Business Opportunity in the Mature Market
b. Understand Marketing and Customer Service Principles
c. Examine how a Business Develops through member programs and services
d. Learn how to Administer and Manage Age-Friendly Fitness Facilities or Health/Wellness Centers

IV. Exercise and Aging for Special Populations
a. Understand the importance of Screening, Health Assessments, and Fitness Testing
b. Understand the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Chronic Disease Considerations for Exercise Program Design
c. Understand the Musculoskeletal and Neurological Chronic Disease Considerations for Exercise Program Design
d. Examine the Common Medications for Chronic Disease Conditions

V. Elective Course: Optional Field Internship in Senior Personal Training
a. Intern for a total of 6 weeks/60 hours with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a practical experience working with members at fitness facilities and health centers
b. Network and interact with professionals in the health and fitness industry
c. Develop a professional goal statement and review career opportunities
d. Improve your ability to obtain employment and/or operate your own health and fitness facility