We will not always be aware of specific underlying conditions our participants are experiencing. Assume that those within your classes may experience one or more of the following conditions and will need extra guidance for hydration and perceived exertion checks.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Arthritis, shoulder/knee injuries and instabilities, back pain and joint replacements are common. Pain management and the fear of falling create uncertainty with resistance tool use and choreography changes. Easy to follow movement sequences and the option to use less resistance with hand-held weights and elastic tubing with handles is encouraged.
Metabolic Diseases
Type II diabetes is common among older adults and may be present along with hypertension, obesity and cardiac disease. Encourage participants to monitor their intensity levels often, drink water and follow their physician’s directives for eating and exercising on a regular schedule.
Tips for those with Type II diabetes include, but are not limited to:
- Wear medical identification or other ID.
- Carry carbohydrate snacks to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar during or following exercise is more common if taking insulin).
- Carry a glucose meter to check blood glucose before and after exercise.
- If exercising for more than an hour or taking two SilverSneakers classes in a row, encourage participants to check blood glucose at regular intervals. Also, encourage participants to check their blood glucose levels after the class is over as post-exercise hypoglycemia can last up to 30 hours. (Feeney and Hyatt, Exercise and Diabetes, 2009).
- Wear shoes and socks that are comfortable and fit well.
- Encourage participants to check for blisters, sores and cuts. Left unattended, foot irritations can lead to serious infection.
- Participants should be managing their conditions within their physician directions.
Obesity
New, younger SilverSneakers members who are obese will benefit from the circuit format alternating upper and lower body “work” to avoid overstressing weight-bearing joints and range of motion challenges. Easy to follow movement sequences, block choreography patterns and the option to increase and decrease intensity is encouraged.
Cardiac and Respiratory Diseases
Common chronic conditions among participants with cardiac and respiratory diseases are often exaggerated during exercise by the medications taken to control hypertension, angina, asthma and exercise-induced asthma. Encourage participants to follow their physician’s directives and offer options for increasing and decreasing intensity.
Sedentary Adults
Participants seeking a lifestyle change, increased strength, flexibility and/or cardiovascular improvements may be challenged with the physiological demands of beginning an exercise program. A gradual, progressive approach with encouragement in a social setting is key to their well-being and desired behavior changes.