3 HUGE Benefits of Hiring an Older Personal Trainer

When hiring a personal trainer, it’s important that this fitness professional understand proper exercise technique. They must also know which techniques are effective for reaching a specific fitness goal, whether that goal is weight loss, increased muscle strength, or something else.

Another factor to consider is the trainer’s age. Why? Because hiring an older fitness instructor may offer a few pretty big advantages.

3 Major Benefits of Hiring an Older Personal Trainer

Before we get into the reasons you may want to hire an older fitness trainer, let’s be clear that there is nothing wrong with a younger personal fitness trainer. Younger trainers can be just as professional and effective as a trainer who is an older adult.

That said, there are some potential benefits of working with someone who has had a few more birthdays. Here are a few to consider.

#1: Greater Levels of Experience

If a trainer has worked in the fitness industry for quite some time, they’ve likely seen it all. They can use this knowledge to provide their client with better results.

It’s similar to how an experienced baker makes a better cake. The first time they made a specific cake, it might have been okay. However, after years of practice, they are able to perfect that recipe so the sponge is the best texture and taste possible. They also have a better understanding of how they can modify the recipe to provide slightly different results based on a client’s requests. The same is true for an experienced personal trainer.

Over time, a trainer learns what does and doesn’t work when instructing clients. They know how to get the client into proper form more easily, for instance. Or they’ve learned which corrective exercises work for specific conditions. They’ve also had time to hone their motivational techniques so both long-standing and new clients return for subsequent sessions.

Even if the trainer doesn’t have a lot of experience as a fitness professional, their life experience is also beneficial. They can teach personal training clients how to overcome obstacles they have overcome themselves. They can take the lessons they’ve learned along the way and pass them on.

#2: Higher Level of Maturity

While age doesn’t guarantee maturity, it does help. Columbia University indicates that older adults tend to stick with a job longer and typically take fewer days off. Both factors are advantageous to a personal training client.

One, it reduces the likelihood that the client must switch trainers before hitting their fitness goals. (This also benefits clients who are in the maintenance phase and like their instructor’s training style.)

Two, fewer days off means a more regular exercise routine. The client can expect their training sessions to occur when scheduled. This helps build confidence and trust in the trainer while also reducing anxiety as to whether the training session will be canceled with minimal notice.

Columbia adds that older adults also tend to have a strong work ethic, provide personal attention, and are consistent with their responses. These qualities can be appealing to both a current and prospective client. They say, “I will put in the work necessary for you to hit your fitness goals. I will also tailor my program to you, to better address your individual needs. And I will do it in the same manner each time, so you know exactly what to expect.”

One study reported that patients felt that older doctors were more thorough, more kind, and more willing to listen. Would these same results be found if surveying personal training clients? Maybe. Maybe not. But one could potentially argue that similar findings would exist in the fitness world.

Although the trainer isn’t a doctor, they are still in a position of authority. And, like a doctor, their goal is to promote health and wellness. They just use different tools. Instead of prescribing medications and other treatment remedies, they use diet and exercise.

#3: More Relatability for Older Clients

Senior clients sometimes feel more comfortable with a trainer who is closer in age. They feel that the trainer is more relatable. Or that the trainer has a better understanding of the issues faced with progressing age. This can make it easier to open up and share their own issues and concerns.

Being at a similar age can increase their trust in the trainer. They might feel that, because the trainer is also older, they have a good grasp of how the body functions later in life. (Or even ways in which it doesn’t function as efficiently.) This can make it easier to accept advice about strength training and cardiovascular fitness. They look at the trainer as someone who “knows” what it means to be at an older age.

Working with an older personal trainer can also be especially motivating to more senior clients. They see the trainer engaging in regular exercise, inspiring them to do the same. The trainer serves as a role model for what they can achieve if they commit to a workout plan.

What to Look for When Vetting an Older Personal Trainer

Of course, just because a trainer is older doesn’t mean that they’re good. What makes a good personal trainer? The Bureau of Labor Statistics shares that the most important qualities for a personal trainer are:

• Having strong communication skills

• Providing good customer service

• Being able to listen effectively

• Being able to motivate

• Having good physical fitness

• Being able to problem-solve

Finding a personal trainer with these qualities can provide a higher-quality training experience. It’s also helpful to look at their training style. For example, a personal trainer who runs boot camps is likely to be more direct or assertive. Conversely, a trainer who teaches yoga would probably have a softer, more gentle approach.

When interviewing a trainer as a potential client, ask about their style. Do they train in a way that you respond to or find motivating? If not, you may get better results with another trainer.

How Older Personal Trainers Can Attract More Clients

Developing a marketing strategy that promotes the value of hiring an older personal trainer can help you grow your fitness business. Share these benefits on your website and social media pages. Let others know how your age is a benefit to them.

When using social media, try to create posts that your followers want to comment on and share. The more engagement you have, the greater your exposure on these platforms. And if you’re not a fan of social media, you can always hire someone to take care of this for you. Several marketing firms offer social media management services. This enables you to grow your online presence without having to learn different platforms.

Here are a few additional ways to attract more new clients as an older trainer:

• Create programs specifically for older adults. If older adults are more inclined to also want an older trainer, one way to maximize this draw is to offer programs specifically for them. This might involve offering weight training for seniors, for instance. Or if you specialize in corrective exercise, you could create a workout that addresses issues that older clients typically face.

• Offer in-home fitness training. Some older adults have mobility issues. This can make it difficult to get to the gym. Why not take the gym to them? Offer in-home training services to clients who have a hard time getting around. This enables them to get the physical activity they need in the comfort of their own home. It’s also a great way to attract new clients who want the same type of experience. When they tell their friends about this great new trainer who comes to their house and provides personal training sessions, those friends may contact you too.

• Earn your certification in senior fitness. If you want to work with older adults, having your certification tells a potential client that you have the knowledge and skills needed to do so. It offers proof that you understand the challenges that this demographic faces, as well as how to overcome them.

If you’re a personal trainer, you can gain the respect of the entire fitness community when you achieve Master Trainer status. ISSA’s Master Trainer certification helps you ramp up your skills to include Nutritionist and FOUR other advanced specializations of your choice. Learn more.