By Jennifer Green, B.S.

When training older adults, there are barriers that we fitness professionals must work to address. Self-efficacy, attitude, discomfort (both physical and with environment), fear of injury, ataxia, disability, illness, and cognitive decline are all challenges we must help our clients overcome in order to receive the benefits of a regular exercise program. So how do we get past these barriers? This article focuses on my personal experience working with the aging population, and one individual in particular. I'll discuss my experience as well as that of the client's and how we worked to overcome some common obstacles.

To read the first installment of this new guest column series on personal training, go to http://www.ncpad.org/786/4168/Addressing~Barriers~to~Exercise~with~Older~Adults.