SENSATIONAL

FITFORPEOPLEOften, because ofa lack of mobility,the elderly “arewatching theirlives fade awayas they get older.”LIFE-sean reidPersonal fitness trainer gradearlier this year, Tom McClocklin wouldn’t venture to the dining roomat his retirement community for dinner. Rather, the 91-year-old would eatalone in his room. “I’ve had a frozen shoulder since I don’t know how long,which makes it very difficult and painful to raise my arm,” says McClocklin.It was embarrassing for him to prop up his hand just to lift up a cup.But after just eight weeks of specialized exercise with PersonalFitness Trainer grads Sean Reid and Andrew Do, McClocklin no longerhas problems eating on his own. In fact, he has even begun work on hisgolf swing again. “I’m just amazed at the improvement that [exercise] hasmade,” he says.McClocklin is just one of about a dozen seniors – whose averageage is 85 – who Reid and Do helped during their practicum this springat Touchmark at Wedgewood, an adult retirement community in westEdmonton. During that time, the pair confirmed their belief that, with theright exercise, senior citizens can lead full, active lives. Often, because of alack of mobility, the elderly “are watching their lives fade away as they getolder,” says Reid.Do found it refreshing to work with the seniors because they weresociable, focused and eager to learn. Reid says he found helping seniorsgain independence, confidence and mobility rewarding. In fact, theirpracticum was so successful they joined with fellow class of 2011 graduateCynthia Robb to form Tight Assets Fitness Training Inc., which will servethe older adult and corporate training market under the company’s Pillarsof Strength Fitness Training brand. They returned to Touchmark in Augustto teach a men’s class.“This has been a life-changing experience for Tom as well as otherresidents who participated in the practicum with the Personal FitnessTrainer students,” says Brenda Edmonds, the facility’s life enrichment andwellness director. It could have an even greater impact in the future, shethinks, if more seniors get involved.As for McClocklin, he kept up with his exercises about three timesa week after his initial training ended and also joined the August class.Do says McClocklin must continue exercising daily to maintain mobilityand strength and to decrease muscle loss. “I don’t want to wreck theprogress that I have made,” McClocklin says.— Fiona Benslerphoto by leigh frey48 techlifemag.ca