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Articles Home\Seniors / Boomers\Jeff Borden Interview
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Interview with Jeff Borden
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An Interview with my Favorite Senior Exercise Specialist, Jeff Borden
Jeff Borden has been a leader in senior fitness for many years. An accomplished presenter and star of 38 videos/DVDs, including his most recent Senior Surge, Jeff gives us his take on the direction of exercise for active older adults.
By Lisa Ackerman
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"Younger instructors just don't seem to get the concept that advanced aged students are simply 'big kids in wrinkled clothing…"
FitCommerce:
Jeff, you've been training group exercise instructors in the area of senior fitness for many years and your trainings always are fresh and inspiring. Your latest DVD, Senior Surge, is a perfect case in point - lots of fun unique cardio and strengthening moves. How do you DO that???
Jeff:
I have come to realize that seniors will do just about anything you ask them to do as long as you keep their safety (and biomechanics) as your primary concern and you have to have a positive approach. I constantly work at providing aging adults with fun and beneficial exercise because they deserve it. Yes, it takes a loft of creativity, but that is at the heart of teaching people to exercise rather than teaching exercise to people.
FitCommerce:
We all know that the senior exercise market has greatly expanded and will continue to do so. Yet, so many instructors still veer away from teaching seniors. As an instructor of older adults, I would love to see more young instructors embark on this specialty. How can we let young instructors know what a rewarding experience it is to work with seniors?
Jeff:
Younger instructors just don't seem to get the concept that advanced aged students are simply "big kids in wrinkled clothing." Frailty, hearing loss, declining functional ability, and dislike for the unfamiliar or change frightens those who have less years under their teaching belt.
Those with little to no experience teaching seniors need to believe in themselves, their abilities and what they uniquely have to offer; and then, they need to truly give to those who appreciate it the most - us old folks. Older adults are by far the most rewarding segment of our fitness population to work with. Seniors will treat you like "one of their own" if you will let them.
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Jeff Borden (above) gives us his take on the direction of exercise for active older adults.
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FitCommerce:
What advice would you give to clubs in terms of senior fitness programming?
Jeff:
Clubs have to decide if they are going to offer "just a class or two" or if they are going to do actual senior fitness programming. If they choose the latter then they will have to ensure that provided is the safest and most effective fitness classes for differing levels of mobility and functionality - that is if they want to stay on top of the highly competitive field of senior fitness training.
They (the club owners / managers) will have to surround themselves with a staff that is skilled in planning, supervising and carrying out a high quality program with a variety of modes to improve aerobic conditioning, musculoskeletal strengthening, flexibility, balance, and relaxation capabilities.
A committed club (to senior exercise programming) will be able to join together the knowledge of the aging adult's particular needs, effective and appropriate assessment procedures, and dedication to excellent exercise technique.
FitCommerce:
In my opinion, your never-ending sense of humor is one of your traits that makes you an outstanding instructor. What traits do you feel a successful instructor of senior exercise would have?
Jeff:
Well, we all have to be a little humorous to survive in our high-paying industry. No, at the heart of it all is commitment, dedication and truly loving what you do. I guess I should list a few other traits that might give someone an edge for training seniors:
- Believe in the social connection. Yes, seniors love to "chit-chat" a lot, but socializing with others who are on the same journey of aging somehow helps with the personal longing for extended independence.
- Be skilled in effective communication (verbal and non-verbal). Be as good a listener as you are a speaker. Hear what is not being said or alluded to. Learn to attend (with full attention) to each individual class member.
- Be a creator of a safe and friendly environment where positive affirmation flows freely and feedback is given and accepted with sensitivity.
- Be an avenue of fun. Promote, create, and be FUN!
FitCommerce:
As an instructor, I can wholeheartedly say that you have a lot of REALLY terrific videos and DVDs on working with the senior population out, and I encourage instructors of older adults to check out all of your material. Do you have anything in the works in terms of new DVDs or workshops?
Jeff:
In 2009 I plan to release 2 new videos: Aqua Diva Dance and Senior Dancing with the Stars. The senior video is chair and floor cardio with real "Dancing with the Stars" moves. My workshops for continuing education will include Savvy Seniors, Aqua Moves for Seniors, Muscle, Core, and More Senior Style, and More Senior Games.
FitCommerce:
I know that you pulled back from fitness presenting a few years ago to focus on your company, IFTA Fitness. Tell us what your organization offers to fitness professionals.
Jeff:
After 16 years and 46 weekends per year on the road, I decided to try and have a "real" life and enjoy some of MY getting older. I'm still presenting at a few of the major conventions, but I travel most for Interactive Fitness Trainers of America.
IFTA offers 13 nationally recognized certifications and over 70 continuing education programs that offer credits for ACE, AFAA, AAAI-ISMA, AEA, and SCW Fitness. Our senior Specialist Cert. and the 10 CEC courses that support it have become extremely popular.
IFTA's premise is safe, biomechanically correct exercise programming and we offer quality education for less money. Check us out on the web at www.ifta-fitness.com
FitCommerce:
Mr. Borden, as always, 'tis a pleasure and an honor to chat with you!
Jeff:
No, truly the honor and pleasure is all mine!
About Jeff Borden
From Raleigh, NC, Jeff holds a BA and a Master's degree. He is a premier presenter for Interactive Fitness Trainers of America, a nationally accredited certification and continuing education company. Jeff has over 20 years teaching experience in the fitness education industry. In addition to being a master choreographer and a certification specialist, he presents for Sara City Mania Conventions, DCAC and AAAI conventions, and has co-starred in IFTA's 38 videos and a national video infomercial. Jeff is ACE, AFAA, IFTA, AEA, PACE, and Cycle Reebok certified along with being a Gliding Master Trainer.
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