Not long ago, the conventional thinking about aging was that it involved an inevitable downward trend in aerobic fitness (stamina), strength and general physical abilities. As adults reached their 80s and 90s, they were expected to have more difficulty doing normal daily activities, such as rising from a chair, climbing stairs, walking the dog and playing with grandchildren. And, along with this decline in strength and balance, their risk of falls would increase and their ability to live independently would be threatened.

Recent research has changed this way of thinking. While some loss of muscle mass and bone density usually comes with aging, this decline can be slowed and even reversed through regular exercise.

One of the most dramatic studies involved 100 individuals (in their 80s and 90s) almost all of whom took regular medication and had at least one chronic illness such as arthritis or heart disease. Most used walkers to get around. Participants were led through three 45-minute sessions of intensive resistance training per week, for 10 weeks.

At the end of the study, those who exercised more than doubled their muscle strength. They could walk faster, climb stairs easier and became more spontaneously physically active.

Those that have been sedentary for many years often worry that it may be dangerous for them to start exercising. They might be surprised to know that for many chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis, exercise is considered therapeutic, and is usually one of the first things to be prescribed.

At The Personal Training Centre, we pride ourselves on having a team of trainers whose experience and expertise is second to none. We have worked with clients of all ages, abilities and levels of health, including individuals with chronic injuries and illnesses. We are confident that, irrespective of your current level of fitness, we can work together with you in improving your overall health and quality of life dramatically.

As always, our advice is to see your doctor before starting a new exercise program. We take all of our clients through a comprehensive health & fitness assessment (including structural analysis with our resident Osteopath) before their first training session, which enables us to appraise your current level of fitness, and also to set realistic goals and timeframes for future progress.