Why a senior trainer,
why
Jo Yanow-Schwartz:
The National Institute on Aging recommends that all seniors get at least 30 minutes of some form of exercise per day.
An injured 50- or 75-year old ankle or hip heals differently from the 25 or 50-year old joint or bone. While a good trainer can train anyone, a Senior Trainer has experienced some of the same body changes their clients may encounter. Just living changes us.
I became a Senior Trainer after years of working out at gyms and at home and learning to run with my late husband, Arthur, a marathon runner. As I am also a Reiki Master and Reflexologist, the connection of mind and body has become increasingly dominant in my thinking.
My early career included teaching (I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education) and I am a writer and former magazine editor.
Personal training has allowed me to integrate communication skills (spoken and written) into what I do. I love each and every one of my clients as they are unique, work so hard and are always open to trying new things. Being a Senior Fitness Professional is an evolving, intuitive process as much as a technical one. You are always learning. A client’s elbow hurts. You study. A client plans a bike trip through Greece. You research ways that might help his endurance and new stretches. It helps that trainers are required to recertify every two years with new courses
There is tremendous joy in this work — to share the joy someone has when they have mastered a routine, to see an individual who could not handle weights progress smoothly, to cheer someone as they walk in balance after a hip replacement, to see a client manage discomfort or pain and find a way to exercise in spite of a torn meniscus tear that is not going to be operated on, and to take pride in the fact that someone’s rounded shoulders straighten .
I have been a presenter on the subject of exercise for seniors in Woodstock and in New Paltz, New York. I was honored to be asked to present my ideas on the importance of exercise at a panel about health at the United Nations Caucus on the Status of Women.
“I have had Jo Yanow as a personal trainer for over five years. Jo is extremely sensitive to how I feel at the time and each session is especially tailored to meet the moment. Even when I do not feel like a workout, it takes only a few minutes to become an enthusiastic participant. In addition Jo is a caring and empathetic person. I am healthier and happier as a result.”
“As a physical therapist, I feel comfortable referring my post rehabilitation clients to Jo. She is safe, effective, encouraging and very knowledgeable about the rehabilitative process and conditions.”
“The human body has 640 muscles and they can be strengthened at any age.”
“Don’t regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”
Training and Accreditations:
World Instructor Training Schools
American Academy of Health and Fitness
American Senior Fitness Association
CPR/AED Certified
I work with physical therapists,
Aging Life Care Professionals (Geriatric Care Managers),
senior care providers, physicians.