Embracing the Unexpected: Coaching Seniors at SPIRIT Club

Hi There!

My name is Prince and I am a Certified Personal Trainer who helps ensure that exercise is accessible to all. I work at SPIRIT Club, a DC-based fitness company that partners with organizations and individuals throughout North America.

Today, I am excited to share my journey coaching senior classes at the SPIRIT Club. Before joining SPIRIT Club, my coaching experience revolved around working primarily with large groups of kids at summer camps and soccer clinics. So, transitioning from children to coaching seniors was a new challenge for me, and one that brought some uncertainty and anxiety.

I initially worried that keeping the classes engaging for seniors would be tough due to potential limitations in physical activity. This fear led me to meticulously plan the program for my first senior group training class, with concerns about avoiding exercises that might strain the participant’s back or hips.

Despite my uncertainties, I was excited to share my expertise with a new group of people, and I looked forward to meeting my first group of students at the East River Strengthening Committee (ERSC) (a program local to the DC area). Stepping into the ERSC  facility for that first class, I was greeted warmly by everyone, from the front desk staff to the members of the class. The group consisted of four men and four women, all in their late 60s. Their vitality and energy were immediately apparent; they had even organized a thumb wrestling contest while waiting for the class to start, revealing a spirited and competitive nature. My trepidation quickly gave way to eagerness.

As we began the workout, I found the energy of the participants to be infectious. Whenever I initiated a countdown, they responded with enthusiasm, never missing a beat. The class was filled with light banter and laughter, yet everyone remained focused and committed to the exercises. Even as fatigue set in, their smiles persisted.

For the final segment of each class, I introduced a game. Given the group’s competitive spirit, they opted for a battle of the sexes, with the losers treating the winners to coffee. This tradition quickly became a weekly highlight, adding a fun and lighthearted element to our sessions.

Reflecting on my initial apprehension, I’m grateful for how wrong I was. Coaching seniors has been immensely rewarding, as I witness them work towards their fitness goals and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle with enthusiasm.