Why Don't Seniors Join Health Clubs?

America is getting older. With the Baby boomers reaching middle age, more people are turning 50 everyday than are being born everyday. It is estimated that over 100 millio
Americans are over the age of 45 (US Census Bureau). Although there has been a significant increase in senior memberships in health clubs in the last few years (IHRSA estimates 6.9 million people over the age 55 belonged to health clubs in 2002 vs. 1.5 million in 1987), the vast majority of today’s seniors are shying away from clubs. These seniors are perhaps those in the most need to exercise regularly. Their doctors are telling them to exercise to lower their cholesterol, lower their blood pressure, help offset osteoporosis, etc. The question must be asked “What is keeping them from joining?”

Intimidation of conventional exercise equipment and programs is undoubtedly a major factor. Fear of intimidating weight stack machines and lack of coordination to perform aerobic movements are often sited as reasons for not joining large coed clubs. Yet the fitness industry has seen a huge growth of women’s circuit training clubs featuring hydraulic resistance equipment in the last five years with the majority of members over 40 years old. These types of clubs have proven to be popular with older people for three important reasons, lack of intimidation, time efficiency and camaraderie.

Seniors do not want to compete with younger, hardcore members for the use of equipment, nor do them want to display how weak or uncoordinated they are. Seniors do not want to be sore for two or three days after a workout. Seniors also enjoy working out with those in their own age group and fitness level. These are a few reasons Dr. Roger Russo gives for the success of his Stay Fit Seniors program (www.stayfitseniors.com). "Our program is designed for chiropractic offices to offer their senior patients 60+ years old. This is the fastest growing segment of the US popular but most large health clubs are ignoring them. Our senior members love the camaraderie of the program, the easy use of the PACE hydraulic machines and the increased energy they enjoy. We are proud that we have Jack LaLanne as our National Spokesperson. You can't get a better role model for senior fitness tha
Jack."

Many YMCA’s and larger clubs with pools have tried to address these issues and offer senior aquatic programs. These programs are very safe and effective since there is no fixed load as with weight stack equipment which can cause injury and muscle soreness. However, there still exists the intimidation factor of many seniors not wanting to be seen in swimsuits. Hydraulic circuit training programs can be the answer. Hydraulic circuit training is very much like aquatics since the user is pushing against fluid which accommodates to the individual’s fitness level and there is very little if any muscle soreness. Hydraulic circuit training is very time efficient since it combines both strength and cardiovascular workouts in 30 minutes.

Some progressive large clubs are offering senior hydraulic circuit training classes with instructors to provide motivation and inspiration. These classes often serve as a non-intimidating way to get seniors into the front door of club, to produce results for them quickly and to help introduce them into the general population of the club. The following are guidelines in the successful implementation of such a program:

Location. A separate designated area outside of the weight area is important. An empty racquetball court is an ideal location and size for this type of program; a 24 station circuit fits nicely into 800 square feet. A multi-purpose room or aerobic studio also works well since hydraulic machines are lightweight and easily moved to the outside perimeter of the room during down times.

Equipment. Adjustable hydraulic equipment is suggested to accommodate a broad range of fitness levels when conducting coed classes. The adjustments on the equipment should be easily accessible by both the member and instructor.

Staffing. This type of program typically falls under the aerobic program umbrella since these instructors are familiar with running classes with large groups. However, this program can also be very successful when led by personal trainers under the format of “Group Personal Training”.

Class Schedule. Seniors have flexible schedules, so early afte
oon classes can work well. Conducting classes during this normally slower time of day will also decrease the intimidation factor and help ease the burden during peak times. Half hour to 45 minute classes are suggested.

Class Format. It is suggested to begin classes with a low intensity 5 minute warmup, 20-30 minutes of target heart rate work and 5-10 minutes of cool-down & stretching. The standard hydraulic circuit training workout alte
ates 30-45 second intervals on the hydraulic exercise machines and aerobic recovery stations in a work/rest format. Variations such as repeating stations, changing directions, increasing resistance and bringing props such as exercise balls, stretch bands, etc. can be introduced anytime to keep the program fresh.

Pricing. These senior circuit training programs can be priced very low ($19.00- $29.00 per month) to be used as an introductory membership or can be used as part of tiered membership to be included at no charge with “Platinum” membership.

Senior hydraulic circuit training programs will produce results for members and will increase the club’s bottom line by increasing new memberships and member retention.