FlashKeepers

Personal Training · NASM/ACE

Personal Training Special Populations Basics

Training considerations for older adults, pregnant clients, and clients with common chronic conditions.

30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

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What is sarcopenia?
Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, typically beginning around age 30 and accelerating after 60.
At what rate do older adults typically lose bone density?
Approximately 1-2 percent per year after age 50, accelerating for women after menopause.
What is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in older adults?
Falls, making balance training and fall prevention critical components of training programs.
Why does flexibility typically decrease with age?
Collagen in tendons and ligaments becomes less elastic, joint cartilage degenerates, and muscles shorten from reduced activity.
How does maximum heart rate typically change in older adults?
Maximum heart rate decreases, typically declining about one beat per minute per year of age.
How does recovery time typically change for older adults?
Recovery time between sets and sessions lengthens due to decreased circulatory and metabolic efficiency.
What precaution should be taken with clients who have osteoarthritis?
Avoid high-impact activities and excessive joint stress; use low-impact cardio and controlled resistance training.
How do proprioception and balance typically change with age?
Both decline due to reduced muscle mass, slower nerve conduction, and decreased mechanoreceptor sensitivity in joints.
When is it generally safe for an already-active pregnant woman to continue exercise?
Throughout pregnancy if she was exercising before and obtains medical clearance; sedentary women should consult their physician.
Why is pelvic floor strengthening important during and after pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones and the weight of the growing baby weaken pelvic floor muscles, increasing incontinence risk; strengthening helps prevent and manage this.
What is diastasis recti?
Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, common during pregnancy and postpartum, caused by hormonal changes and uterine expansion.
How does posture typically change during pregnancy?
The center of gravity shifts forward, increasing lumbar curve, which increases stress on the lower back and may cause pain.
Name an exercise that should be avoided during pregnancy after the first trimester.
Supine exercises, which reduce blood flow to the fetus when the weight of the uterus compresses the vena cava.
What breathing technique should pregnant clients emphasize during exercise?
Consistent, rhythmic breathing without breath-holding; avoid the Valsalva maneuver as it increases intra-abdominal pressure.
What heart rate zone is generally recommended for pregnant clients already accustomed to exercise?
Moderate intensity of 50-70 percent of maximum heart rate, or perceived exertion of 6-7 on a 10-point scale.

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