March Newsletter – Staying Active at Home
This month, we’re excited to share an inspiring interview conducted by Grace Dunn from the Sunways Senior Living Team with Ashley Trinklein, our co-owner of In Home Senior Fitness. Ashley’s expertise in senior fitness highlights the importance of staying active as we age and offers practical tips for incorporating exercise into daily life.
Staying Active at Home: An Interview with Ashley Trinklein of In Home Senior Fitness
As we age, staying active is crucial for maintaining independence, preventing falls, and managing chronic conditions. Ashley Trinklein, co-owner of In Home Senior Fitness, understands the unique challenges seniors face regarding exercise. Her team of physical and occupational therapy practitioners works with seniors to create personalized at-home exercise plans, whether they’re bedridden or highly active.
Exercise as a Powerful Prevention Tool
When it comes to exercise, Ashley believes that it’s not just about fitness – it’s about prevention. “We believe exercise is medicine,” she says. Regular physical activity can help prevent hospitalization, manage chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes, and reduce reliance on medications. “We’ve seen many clients actual be able to get off of blood pressure and cholesterol meds just through exercise,” Ashley adds. The goal isn’t just to improve strength but also to enhance overall health and mobility, especially for seniors at risk of falls or decline.
Simple, Low-Impact Exercises for Home
Many seniors struggle to know where to start when it comes to exercise. Ashley shares that, “the number one call we get is from family members who notice that their loved one can’t get out of the chair or it takes them a while to stand up.” The good news? There are simple exercises that can be done at home to help with little to no equipment! Here are a few examples:
- Chair “Push-ups” or Tricep Dips – A great starting point for building upper body strength. Seniors can begin practicing seated, and gradually move to standing.
- Marching In Place or Leg Kicks – Ashley recommends beginning with no resistance and gradually increasing it to build both leg strength and cardiovascular health.
- Balance Exercises – Using a kitchen counter or wall for support to begin- balance on one foot and then the other to create stability in the feet and ankles. Gradually work up to performing heel raises or squats to maintain stability and prevent falls.
One of Ashley’s creative suggestions is to have seniors write the alphabet in the air with their knees while standing or seated, which improves flexibility and engages the hips while also stimulating cognition.
These can all be fun and functional ways to strengthen the mind-body connection. Encourage your senior loved ones to give them a try!
Overcoming Barriers to Exercise
Many seniors face mental hesitation or lack of motivation to exercise regularly. Ashley notes that many seniors didn’t prioritize fitness earlier in life, which can make starting a workout routine feel daunting. This is where Ashley’s approach shines – by personalizing each exercise routine and helping seniors discover what motivates them. Some clients, for example, enjoy activities like baking or walking their dog, so those hobbies can be incorporated into their fitness plans. This makes the exercise feel less like a chore and more like a part of their daily routine.
Adapting Exercises for Mobility Challenges
In Home Senior Fitness adapts exercises for seniors with mobility challenges or chronic conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Bed exercises and training with assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs are common adjustments. Bed exercises such as straight leg lifts, arm raises, and knee-to-chest stretches can be done without getting on the floor to protect the back.
One exercise Ashley highly recommends for everyone, regardless of fitness level, is walking – especially outdoors to get some Vitamin D. For those with arthritis, pool exercises are another excellent option, as the water helps reduce joint stress while providing a refreshing workout!
Staying Motivated at Home
For seniors who feel isolated or lack the social aspect of a gym, Ashley emphasizes the importance of building a strong rapport between the trainer and the client. “Our clients really look forward to the visits, so we make it fun and try to find out what they’re into,” she says. Focusing on the individual’s personal interests and goals can help create a routine that feels enjoyable, which is key to staying consistent and motivated!
Incorporating simple exercises into your daily routine is a powerful way to maintain your health and independence.
Interested in learning more? Contact us at In Home Senior Fitness to explore how to stay active and healthy in the comfort of your home. 📞 (813) 492 – 4888 or (727) 300 – 3889
In Home Senior Fitness provides in-home fitness services for seniors. We began service in The Greater Tampa Bay Area and over the last eight years have expanded to a variety of areas in Florida. And if you aren’t in Florida, we offer virtual sessions to anyone in the US!
We offer a range of services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors. These services include personal training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, fall prevention training, aquatic fitness and more.
Have long-term care insurance? Ask us about reimbursement!
(813) 492-4888 | (727) 300-3889
Currently Serving:
Daytona | Greater Tampa Bay | Orlando | The Villages | Virtual
In Home Senior Fitness, PO Box 7172, St Petersburg, Florida 33734, 813-492-4888
