Focused on Function
As a functional trainer, my goal is to help my clients achieve optimal physical function and performance, regardless of their age or background. When working with my geriatric clients, I have found that Stick Mobility is exceptionally effective in addressing some of the most common issues they face, such as reduced joint mobility, decreased strength, and impaired balance.
My older clients are more focused on function and less concerned with typical fitness aesthetics. They want to feel that the work they’re doing makes a difference in their everyday lives and keeps them moving and living as they have all their lives. Reaching arms overhead to get something off that high shelf or standing up unaided can become huge wins for the geriatric community.
One of the most significant benefits of using Stick Mobility with geriatric clients is its ability to improve body awareness and control. The Training Stick serves as a tactile cue, providing instant feedback on alignment, stability, and movement quality. As my clients become more attuned to their bodies and learn to move with greater precision and efficiency, they develop a deeper sense of confidence and self-awareness. Noticeable improvement can be seen and felt in the span of a session and provides welcome encouragement and gratification that my clients are making progress. Not only are everyday movements more comfortable and efficient, but my client’s mood is lifted, they feel good about the work they’ve done, and they’re excited for our next session.
It also makes my Stick Mobility sessions some of my most popular.
As we age, our joints tend to become stiffer and less flexible, limiting our range of motion and increasing the risk of falls and injuries. By incorporating targeted Stick Mobility exercises into my lesson plans, I help my older clients improve their flexibility, joint mobility, and range of motion. The sticks provide support and feedback, allowing them to safely explore new ranges and gradually increase their mobility over time. Adding active stretching to their regular movement also increases circulation, decreases blood pressure, and can improve heart health.
Time Under Tension
Stick Mobility training is also highly effective for building strength in older adults. The resistance provided by the stick challenges the muscles in a safe and controlled manner, promoting the development of lean muscle mass and counteracting the natural muscle loss that occurs with aging. This is particularly important for seniors, as muscle loss (sarcopenia) is a common issue that can lead to frailty and decreased independence. By incorporating Stick Mobility exercises that focus on resistance, tempo, and time under tension into their routines, older adults can maintain and even increase their strength without the use of lots of equipment or heavy weights. Increased strength means greater ease moving around, getting up and down, improved stamina, and generally better quality of life.
Balance and coordination is another key aspect of Stick Mobility that benefits the geriatric population. Many exercises involve holding the sticks in various positions while performing movements that challenge stability, such as single leg balancing or rotational patterns. By regularly practicing these exercises, seniors improve their coordination and reduce the risk of falls, which are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization among older adults. Moreover, this work trains the tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues in the various planes of motion, strengthening the body’s ability to move in all directions and making it more resilient against injury (because it’s these connective tissues that are more prone to injury than the muscles themselves). As stability and control improve, my clients feel more confident and capable of safely moving independently.
Stick Mobility is also highly adaptable, making it suitable for seniors with varying fitness levels and abilities. I can easily modify the exercises to accommodate individual needs and limitations, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for each user, even in a group setting. This adaptability allows older adults to progress at their own pace and gradually increase the complexity and intensity of their workouts over time. Whether it's adjusting from one stick to two or altering the complexity of the movement patterns, I can tailor the training to meet my clients exactly where they are in their fitness journey.
Socialize & Have Fun
A Stick Mobility class is a fun and social activity for seniors. Group classes provide an opportunity to connect with others, fostering a sense of community and support. Engaging in physical activity with peers can be a powerful motivator and presenting older adults with new and novel types of training help them stay committed to their fitness and wellness goals. The portability and minimal space requirements of the sticks make them an ideal tool for any location. This flexibility allows me to bring the benefits of Stick Mobility to my clients wherever they are, ensuring that they can maintain their training consistency and progress.
As we age, maintaining mobility, strength, and balance becomes increasingly crucial for our overall health and longevity. Engaging in regular physical activity is essential. Stick Mobility sticks serve as a tool to provide support, resistance, and feedback, making it an ideal option for seniors to safely mobilize joints and perform strength exercises.
Stick Mobility has transformed the way I approach fitness for this unique population. I don’t just train my clients for the sake of exercise; I train them for daily life. Every session is tailored to each client’s unique needs, ensuring that they finish with a sense of accomplishment, a clear vision of their future goals, and a smile on their face.
As I continue on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. They have taught me that age is truly just a number, and that with consistent effort and dedication, anything is possible.
Chanon Finley
Functional Trainer
Instagram: Chan0nwithac
