Training for older, stiff, and weak people

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

I’d like to help my mom, 60, start training, and I’m not sure where to start. She’s grown weak and stiff throughout the years and I’d like her to get stronger and more mobile/athletic. Is there a place you guys like to start with clients like that? In terms of actual training and not educating.

I’m thinking of starting with compound lifts like deadlift, bench, and squat and general movements like that, but I’d also like to be able to work on her ability to move well in general, more like a younger person, which is where I’m not sure of a good place to start.

Any advice is appreciated!

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Yep, this is where we’d start her:

She doesn’t need to necessarily do deadlifts, bench press, and squats with a barbell, though those would be fine exercises. If doing machines and/or dumbbell work is more accessible to her, start there. I think as she gets stronger and improves her fitness overall, she is likely to move much better than she does now. I do not think there are specific “move like a young person” movements per se’, but improving fitness overall will be helpful.

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