Strength training for middle-aged and older adults

Designed to educate participants in the developing and evolving field of resistance training for over 45s, this course has a strong emphasis on the creation and delivery of age-appropriate, movement-focused, functional strength training programs. The course explores the latest concepts and innovative ideas with respect to functional strength training & movement restoration.

Participants will be studying the effective design and delivery of biomechanically balanced resistance training programs to achieve enhanced stability and balance, improved bone density and muscle mass, recovery in rehabilitation, improved daily movement & functional capacity and optimal biomechanics.

There is a significant practical component to the course with 50% of the course focused on the teaching and performance of correct exercise technique. Participants will explore the latest evidence-based theory and learn dozens of practical exercises, which can be used to better manage a wide spectrum of middle-aged and older adult clients.

The course recognises that functional strength and conditioning is an essential component of the optimal management of many older clients looking to maintain independence, health span (and strength span) especially in the later decades of life.

This course is aimed at those working with clients aged 45 and older, focusing on functional movement restoration and strength training. It is especially beneficial for those seeking an evidence-based, systematic approach to creating and delivering effective strength programs.

Learning objectives:

• Embrace the concepts of health span and strength span in relation to establishing health goals for aging individuals + develop effective goal-driven training plans.
• Understand the common physiological changes of aging and their impact on strength and function.
• Identify and manage potential risks associated with resistance training in middle-aged and older populations. (This includes proper supervision techniques, equipment modifications, environmental safety, recognising signs of overexertion or adverse events, managing exercises with common co-morbidities).
• Challenge beliefs around natural progressions of physical change (Is degeneration inevitable or avoidable in the older adult?).
• Assess functional physical capacity with a selection of objective strength tests (establishing baseline measurements) + interpret results with respect to the client’s specific physical goals.
• Appreciate the various forms of exercise which are proven to be of benefit to middle-aged and older adults + focus on where regular resistance training (of appropriate intensity) fits into a bigger picture of life-long active living.
• Confidently design & deliver safe, age-appropriate, evidence-based functional strength training programs + promote sustainable exercise habits.
• Master the performance of (and develop the confidence to teach) a selection of innovative workouts, including full-body workouts, focus workouts and bands-only workouts – designed for home-based training (with resistance bands) and /or gym-based training (with cables and dumbbells).
• Understand precision of exercise selection, periodised long-term training programs, load progression strategies + frequency & volume considerations.
• Address key health concerns for older adults by targeting evidence-based interventions for: falls & fracture prevention, improving balance, co-ordination & reaction time, maintaining (and improving) bone density & muscle mass. (utilising resistance training to avoid / manage osteoporosis and sarcopenia).
• Adapt exercises for various health conditions, fitness levels and functional limitations utilising simple strategies for exercise modification + address barriers to exercise participation.
• Create an appropriate (low-cost) training space / functional strength training studio within your business + utilise systems for conducting small group training & circuit classes (adopting strategies for maintaining long-term engagement).

Workshop overview:

1. Saturday workshop times: 11:00am to 6:00pm
2. Sunday workshop times: 9:00am to 4:00pm
3. No catering will be provided over the two days. Therefore, please bring your own lunch and water.
4. Please wear, lose, comfortable clothing.
5. There is on-street parking around the gym precinct.

Workshop facilitator:

Wayne Rodgers is a sports and exercise physiotherapist, functional strength coach and highly experienced course
presenter with over 30 years of clinical experience. He has been a sports physiotherapist for several national and international sports teams including the Australian Netball team and the Australian Commonwealth Games team.

When designing and delivering professional development courses, Wayne has a strong focus on providing evidence-based, highly systematic approaches to assessment and client management - with a significant component of all his
courses dedicated to the acquisition and mastery of practical skills.

His current professionals roles include: running a successful sports physiotherapy clinic and functional strength coaching facility on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland, Australia), contributing to the Masters in Sports Medicine program at Melbourne University, developing online education and training programs and delivering up to 20 physiotherapy and exercise professional courses per year.

Booking is subject to Osteopathy Australia's CPD live events Terms & Conditions

Disclaimer: Content correct at the time of publication.