Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adults is the first book to detail the fundamental knowledge and skills
associated with the training modules outlined in the International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical
Activity Instructors of Older Adults. The curriculum guidelines, published in 2004, were developed by an international
coalition of senior fitness specialists.
Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adults presents the competency-based objectives that fitness instructors
should know and be able to perform to lead safe and effective physical activity programs for older adults with
diverse functional capabilities.
A comprehensive blend of theory, practical content, and detailed instruction, the text is organized into five parts:
Part I introduces the new field of gerokinesiology; provides an overview of the aging process; and discusses
the benefits of an active lifestyle in disease prevention, health promotion, and quality of life.
Part II provides information and guidelines for preexercise screenings and assessments, client feedback, and
goal setting.
Part III focuses on the core fitness and skill components of a well-rounded physical activity program for older
adults, including warm-up and cool-down, flexibility and resistance training, aerobic exercise, and balance and
mobility training.
Part IV introduces specialty program and training methods, including exercise such as yoga, aquatic exercise,
and master athlete training.
Part V covers how to apply principles of motor learning to program design; teaching, leadership, and motivational
skills; special considerations for specific medical conditions; and legal and professional ethics and standards
for instructors.
Application activities at the end of each chapter help the reader to synthesize the information and prepare
them to design well-rounded physical activity programs for older adults. Other student-friendly elements include
chapter objectives, introductions, summaries, study questions, key terms, and key points. In addition, numerous
photos, figures, and tables make the book not just interesting, but visually appealing as well. This book is ideal
for undergraduate students, and it is an excellent reference for physical activity instructors of older adults,
fitness specialists, personal trainers, and activity directors.
Table of Contents
Contributors
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I Overview of Aging and Physical Activity
Chapter 1. The Field of Gerokinesiology
Chapter 2. Predictors of Successful Aging
Chapter 3. Psychological and Sociocultural Aspects of Physical Activity for Older Adults
Chapter 4. Physiological Aspects of Aging
Part II Screening, Assessment, and Goal Setting
Chapter 5. Preexercise and Health Screening
Chapter 6. Field-Based Physical and Mobility Assessments
Chapter 7. Laboratory-Based Physiological Assessment of Older Adults
Chapter 8. Goal Setting and Behavioral Management
Part III Core Program Principles and Training Methods
Chapter 9. A New Approach to Designing Exercise Programs for Older Adults
Chapter 10. Principles of the Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Chapter 11. Flexibility Training
Chapter 12. Resistance Training
Chapter 13. Aerobic Endurance Training
Chapter 14. Balance and Mobility Training
Part IV Specialty Programs and Training Methods
Chapter 15. Mind-Body Exercise Training
Chapter 16. Aquatic Training
Chapter 17. Training Master Athletes
Part V Program Design, Leadership, and Risk Management
Chapter 18. Applying Motor Learning Principles to Program Design
Chapter 19. Teaching and Leadership Skills
Chapter 20. Designing and Managing Group Conditioning Classes
Chapter 21. Exercise Considerations for Medical Conditions
Chapter 22. Legal Standards, Risk Management, and Professional Ethics
Appendix A International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity
Instructors of Older Adults With the Aging and Life Course, WorldHealth Organization
Appendix B Professional Ethics for Personal Fitness Trainers
Appendix C Professional Ethics for Group Fitness Instructors