Bootcamp for Boomers

Welcome to the WOW blog, and Angie Gallagher’s Boomer Boot Camp. Most of her clients grew up on high impact aerobics – think Jane Fonda and leg warmers.

“Yet, now they’re finding that they have joint issues in the knees or their shoulders hurt them or they have back issues,” says Angie.

One woman in the class, Deb Burbridge, had knee surgery in mid-May. A few weeks later, she’s back in Boomer Boot Camp performing modified exercises. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy.

Angie assigns weights to each client based on their fitness level. She also considers injuries, old and new.

“Lifting weights can be intimidating for that age group because that was not part of what they were used to learning about,” says Angie.

Weight lifting is a key component of the class. It builds muscle mass, which facilitates weight loss. It also builds bone density, which declines as women age. We begin with squats – lots of them.

Some of us perform traditional squats. People with injuries, move to the wall or floor.

Lynn Anderson is nursing an old knee injury. She likes the size of the Boomer Boot Camp and the personal training aspect.

“If I was in a big group I wouldn’t pay attention to what I was doing wrong as far as form,” says Lynn. “And with a small class, Angie is always there. If it wasn’t for her, I would blow out my knee again. I know I would.”

Angie understands, “The number one fear I get from clients that come in is that they’re scared. They’re scared of getting into a big group where no one is really watching what they’re doing and that they’re going to get hurt.”

Each weight training segment is followed by a minute of intense cardio. Again, Angie gives participants options. Some jump on the treadmill. Others opt for jumping jacks.

“There are some that are doing high impact, but there are also alternatives given that they can do to work the same muscle group without the impact to the joints. So they don’t have to be unnecessarily in pain and yet they get the camaraderie and support of a group,” says Angie.

The pain we’re feeling is a different kind of pain. We’re sweating, out of breath and our muscles are shaking, as Angie asks us to do yet another set of squats. This kind of pain produces big fitness and health benefits.

Just ask Deb, “I went today for my evaluation and I’m 80% back. I’m almost 57 years old and I feel great!” That's proof that staying active can keep you feeling great at any age.

If you want to work out with Angie, visit her website www.fitnesswithangie.net.

Have a healthy week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com