I’m Judy, one of the ElderFIT in-home senior fitness trainers in Austin, Texas. I want to give you a peek into what a session looks like when I work with a senior who’s had a couple of recent falls.
My goal? Help them feel stronger, steadier, and more confident in everyday life. Most of all, I want her to have the level of fitness and balance control needed to prevent future falls. Too many of our senior moms and dads are falling and ending up in the ER with debilitating injuries that no senior – or their family members – want to go through.
So let’s get moving and do our best to keep our parents aging in place with as much comfort and independence as possible!
Step 1: Understanding the Client
First, I sit down with my client (and sometimes their adult child). We talk through their recent falls, fears, and goals.
- Have they had any surgeries?
- Are they on medications that affect balance?
- Is the home free of tripping hazards?
This part is about listening and building trust. I want them to know: we’re a team.
Step 2: Balance Checkpoints
Before starting any exercises, I look closely at posture and stance.
- How do they stand up from a chair?
- Do their knees wobble?
- Are they shuffling instead of stepping?
These little details tell me exactly where to start.
Step 3: Phase 1 – Balance Training
We begin with safe, supported moves that retrain the body to feel steady.
- Sit-to-Stand: practice standing without rocking for momentum.
- Single Leg Stance: holding onto a chair while lifting one foot.
- Heel-to-Toe Walking: carefully stepping one foot in front of the other, with me right there for support.
A bedrock of what in-home senior fitness trainers work on, these drills are fairly simple – but they build confidence fast!
Step 4: Phase 2 – Strength Training
Next, we add strength. Strong legs mean fewer falls!
Seated Workouts
- Marching in place while seated
- Leg lifts and knee bends
- Band work for hips and thighs
Standing Workouts
- Assisted squats
- Calf raises
- Step-ups on a low platform
We mix in core exercises too, because a strong midsection helps with balance.
Step 5: Stretch and Cool Down
In-home senior fitness trainers always ensure a senior stays as flexible as possible. It’s key to them walking with less stiffness, which increases their chances of falling. That’s why I end every session with gentle stretches. Hips, calves, hamstrings—all loosened up so moving about the home feels easier. Clients usually say, “Wow, I feel lighter already!”
The Results
After a few weeks, the progress will be clear. My client will move with more confidence and ease. Their children will notice less shuffling and more smooth walking. Best of all—they will no longer cling desperately to furniture or walls for support.
Why ElderFIT Works
Falls are scary, but they don’t have to take away independence. With focused training guided by experienced in-home senior fitness trainers, seniors can rebuild balance, strength, and confidence in as little as three months.
If you’ve noticed your parents holding onto walls, shuffling their feet, or hesitating on stairs, it may be time to bring in a professional.