Why More Trainers Should Be Working with Seniors (And Why Most Don’t

This one’s for the coaches, instructors, and PTs who work with general population clients—but haven’t yet leaned into training seniors.

I want to speak directly to you.

Because this population isn’t just underserved.

They’re often misunderstood. And massively undervalued.

Let’s start with a practical question:

Does this sound like your day?

You wake up early. Morning clients are solid—school drop-off crowd rolls in, 6:00am to 9:30am. Then there’s a lull. A big one. Midday drifts. You kill time. Then the after-work crowd hits at 4:00 or 5:00pm.

Now imagine you could fill that gap. Every day.

With people who are available, consistent, and genuinely excited to be there.

That’s what your senior clients can offer you.

BUSINESS BRAIN FIRST

Let’s speak to your business side first.

The senior demographic is growing fast. But the number of qualified, confident trainers ready to work with them? Still shockingly small.

That means more market share for you—if you’re willing to learn the skills.

Plus, they fit your schedule. Mid-morning and early afternoons are perfect for this group. You don’t need to overhaul your calendar—you just need to structure it smarter.

But there’s so much more to it than logistics.

TRAINING BRAIN ON

When you train adults in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, life competes with consistency. Travel. Work. Kids. Schedules fluctuate. Advice often goes in one ear and out the other.

With seniors?

They’re retired or semi-retired. They show up.

And best of all—they listen.

You give advice. They follow it. They feel better. They tell you. They thank you.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by clients who don’t implement your coaching, this is your antidote. The relationships are deep, real, and meaningful.

BUT HERE’S WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU

Training seniors isn’t “easy.”

It’s a skillset. And it’s a mindset.

They will challenge you.

They’ll question your exercise selection. They’ll roast your music (true story—I once had a smiling 80-something client tell me my remix playlist was “horrendous”). You’ll need to change the BPM and the volume. You’ll learn quickly that “motivated” and “deafened” are not the same thing.

But they’ll also surprise you.

I once had a client who used to taxi to and from her local café. After weeks of training, she started walking there. Then she started walking further. Months later, she was doing 5–10km walks. Not bad for someone who once said “I just want to stay mobile.”

This is what training seniors looks like:

Small moments with massive impact.

THE CLASSROOM IS DIFFERENT

You’ll need to communicate clearly.

What are we doing? Why? Where should they feel it? What’s the benefit?

Progressions and regressions aren’t optional. They’re essential.

You’ll need backup plans for injuries, niggles, and fear-based resistance.

(And yes, they will tell you if something feels scary.)

I once taught a reaction drill with balloons. A few clients were deeply opposed—not because of the drill itself, but because they were worried balloons were harmful to wildlife. That’s something you won’t see in Gen Z small group training.

You’ll also face beliefs that exercise is dangerous. That they can’t progress. That their “best years” are behind them.

That’s your job: to reframe that. Confidently. Ethically. Repeatedly.

Studies have shown people can gain strength, balance, speed, and functional movement well into their 80s and beyond. But if your communication doesn’t land, those beliefs win.

And when you do get buy-in? You’ll watch their confidence skyrocket.

Their health improves. Their mood lifts. Their community tightens.

HERE’S THE REAL MAGIC

The social side of senior training is not a bonus—it’s the engine.

When you time classes to coincide with morning tea or an early lunch, your clients start forming friendships. They check in on each other. They remind each other to show up. You become a hub, not just a coach.

That sense of peer connection is one of the strongest predictors of longevity we have. And you helped create it.

You’ll also find their influence spreads.

They’ll tell their walking group. Their book club. Their church. Their grandkids.

If you’re good, you won’t need ads. You’ll have advocates.

I’ve seen one senior client lead to six family members signing up—all because she was so proud of what she’d achieved in class. I’ve also taught chair-based classes where, over time, everyone ended up standing… and we just kept using the chairs creatively instead.

The growth? The progress? The impact?

It’s real. It’s visible. And it stays with you.

If you’re a trainer who wants to work with this population—properly—I’ve got some resources coming your way.

Tips, mistakes, modifications, and movement ideas that go far beyond “senior aerobics.”

This is real programming. Real coaching. Real connection.

If that’s something you’re keen on, keep watching this space—or send me a message and let me know.

And if you’ve already trained older adults…

What’s one story you’ll never forget?