Increase energy levels, become stronger, look and feel good into your fifties, sixties and beyond, with the confidence that you are building the foundations for a healthy future.

Written by

Chris Nicklin is a certified Personal Trainer with over 7 years' experience, and the owner of Nxtep Personal Training. Chris qualified from Edge Hill University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Sports Coaching and Performance Development, and has delivered over ten thousand one-to-one Personal Training sessions.

Updated 28/9/2022

Getting a personal trainer in your 50’s and beyond helps increase energy levels and strength, as well as improving your mental health and quality of life, giving you the confidence that you are building the foundations for a healthy future.

 

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Patrick SmithPatrick Smith
06:47 05 Jun 24
Joined Nxtep under the 6 week transformation plan and had great results. Chris is a great PT with plenty of experience and skill.
Sarah RaoSarah Rao
07:30 30 May 24
A EA E
20:41 07 May 24
The “personal trainer” at this establishment is very unprofessional and will fat shame people. I do not recommend you will be judged.Edit: No email was left to contact. Leave an email so we can discuss further thank you.
Paul CorriganPaul Corrigan
12:26 10 Mar 24
Sadly I'm leaving the area and would love to take Nxtep with me. I attend the small classes. Chris has created a unique venue that would be hard to match anywhere. The environment is warm and friendly. The sports science work that Chris does behind the scenes to prepare the classes is immense, so that we don't have to worry about it. Just plug and go. Though education is always at hand if required. The classes can be hard work (results driven) but always fun. The equipment is of the highest standard. I've always been around sports but have never experienced anything so positive and rewarding. At 57 there is no way I would ever have thought I'd lift such heavy weights or complete these vigorous exercises. Chris gets you there incrementally and safely but always with great humour. He uses a truly interactive App that plots your progress. A fitness App that actually works, who knew!!Also the clients are lovely and incredibly supportive of each other. Well bloody done Chris!
Aidan McGearyAidan McGeary
07:50 27 Feb 24
Over the past alomost 3 years, Nxtep has been central to my personal growth. Chris and his clients make up a fantastic community of people who have helped me develop in many ways. No one lifts a single kg on my behalf or runs a step for me, but as part of a positive and nurturing environment I have been able to consistently, week in, week out, exceed my expactations of what I am capable of. The Physical and mental benefits I have experienced since being a part of this community have been game changing and I owe them a great deal. Aidan.
Alana McgladeAlana Mcglade
17:44 20 Feb 24
Chris has been absolutely amazing at supporting me on my fitness journey. Everything is tailored to the individual so it suits everyone no matter what stage you're at. There's a really supportive environment that I haven't experienced elsewhere and the flexibility Chris has shown to me when needed has been amazing. Would never go anywhere else now!
Ashleigh PattersonAshleigh Patterson
20:07 18 Feb 24
CHRIS AND LUCA YOU ARE AMAZING AT WHAT YOU DO.At one point i couldnt walk up the stairs... after been hospitalized and locked in a room for nearly a month at pinderfields I was diagnosed with severe asthma to been under observation for COPD at 30 years old and still living everyday with it now, I decided to make a change. I moved to Cheshire I joined @nxtepknutsford and in a matter of months I was competing at @turfgames with the gym familyI cannot thank everyone enough who has been on my journeyNow at 32 I can lift 110kg on a deadliftI can run .... some sort of distance and always improving as much as my lungs will carry me.Never give up and push to be betterWe saw. We came. I conquered! 🏆
Steven ThompsonSteven Thompson
07:40 15 Feb 24
The model works for me , small group of less than 6 with a dedicated trainer . Have used gyms for many years but this model works for me . Complete professional instruction at all times . All about correct technique and protecting back etc . Plus there is no escape - maximising every session and getting maximum benefits . A real community approach .
deborah walkerdeborah walker
10:08 12 Feb 24
Always a great session with Chris .Come away feeling fab
Iain FountainIain Fountain
12:04 06 Feb 24
Have been training regularly each week since October at Nxtep and just wanted to give some feedback on my experience which has been nothing short than excellent. Chris, Luca and the team have provided one and one expertise, techniques, dietary plans to help with weight loss, build lean muscle and improve fitness. Can’t shout their praises enough. Good job Nxtep.
Hannah ThrelfallHannah Threlfall
14:10 10 Nov 23
I signed up for the 6 week body transformation initially to help me get my pre baby body back after gaining a lot of weight through pregnancy. I lost 8.6kgs in the 6 weeks and have since renewed my membership to continue with my progress and I’m almost down 10kgs in total only 2kgs away from my pre pregnancy weight. I have always hated going to the gym and would dread going initially but now I am 8 weeks in, training 3x per week and feeling fitter and much happier in myself it is something I definitely want to continue. I feel it has really changed my lifestyle and I am making healthier choices everyday with a much more positive outlook, my family have commented that the old Hannah is back as before I felt I’d lost myself since becoming a mum for the first time. Chris and Luca are incredibly knowledgeable about anatomy which was very important to me after having a C-section and I have seen huge improvements in my core and lower back stability. I am also enjoying the new friends I am making from the sessions and never thought I’d say it but I’m looking forward to continuing the training long term and being in the best shape of my life!!
Katie MorrisKatie Morris
08:05 15 Sep 23
I've really enjoyed the community at Nxtep. I've never been this thrilled get up before 7am to attend the gym. Chris and Luca are brilliant and I feel I've come so far in the year since I started coming. Looking forward to more progress and the pride that comes with working hard
Lesley SneesbyLesley Sneesby
08:04 15 Sep 23
Thank you Chris and Luca for your amazing help, guidance and support in such a welcoming environment at Nxtep
MerelMerel
15:47 03 May 23
I initially joined Nxtep to get a better grip on my fitness levels after yo-yoing for years with sporadic classes and runs. It was an excellent decision as the sessions are three times a week which quickly got me in a good rhythm. Chris and Luca are both fantastic and very patient with a newbie like myself who had never lifted weights before. They have really helped me understand fitness and weight lifting a lot better. They also adjusted any exercises based on my capabilities as I had an injured shoulder for a while, and with the rehab exercises they gave me that’s now back to normal. I can’t recommend Nxtep enough!
CharlotteCharlotte
15:38 04 Aug 22
I've been working with the guys at Nxtep for about a year now; I originally joined thinking it would be a short-term thing to lose weight for my wedding.A year later and I'm married, 12kg lighter than when I first started, lifting much heavier weights and am in much better shape in general. Chris and Luca have been amazing with my training; they always challenge me to try new things and to push further, which is really helpful for someone who's training has always seemed to plateau in the past.They've also taught me about health and fitness as a lifestyle; there's so much more to it than lifting some weights or constantly being on a diet, and they always keep things new, fun and flexible. They're also really helpful and approachable guys; I've messaged them lots of times to ask for training tips and advice when I'm going to the gym outside of training hours, and they're always more than happy to help.
Jackie KingJackie King
19:38 17 May 22
I first met Chris in January 2020. I was 12 weeks pregnant with my first child. As a trained dancer, and teacher I was hoping to maintain my levels of fitness whilst minimising the risks of my pregnancy. My early dance training concentrated on training my limbs, while often neglecting my ‘centre’ or ‘core’. It wasn’t until a back injury in 2012 due to weak lower back muscles that my approach to training changed. When I first found out about my pregnancy, I worried about my back and how to keep it strong.Chris helped me through my pregnancy teaching me safe ways of keeping my core strong, helping with my postural alignment as well as addressing some muscular imbalances that I wasn’t aware I had. Most importantly, Chris gave me the confidence to continue training through pregnancy. I knew I was in safe hands. Chris is phenomenally knowledgeable in how our bodies work.May 2022, I am currently pregnant with my second child and still continuing to train with Chris at Nxtep. Luca has also joined the team and is a fantastic addition. They are a great team, and I am very lucky to be trained by them both. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about pre or post natal pregnancy training to consider Nxtep.
Sean WSean W
12:09 02 Apr 22
Before starting at Nxtep I would go through a cycle of starting to get fit, injuring my back, then avoiding exercise for fear of making it worse. The same happened when I started here, with my over eagerness to improve leading to the same old injury. Chris and Luca kept me motivated and coached me through the recovery process, allowing me to strengthen the areas susceptible to injury and enabling me to carry on where I’d previously have given up. Now I’m lifting ~100kg more than when I first started and the past few years of persistent back injury seem a distant memory. The guys have helped me with my nutrition, my outlook and overcoming what I previously thought I couldn’t. I can’t thank them both enough!
Paul KennedyPaul Kennedy
22:59 05 Nov 21
I’ve been working with Chris and the team at Nxtep, and the initially just wanted to get stronger and fitter somewhere local when the gym near work was no longer an option due to the pandemic. I know feel really confident handling weights and my diet. I recently saw myself in a film from before I started at Nxtep and other people couldn’t recognise me from me who didn’t know me well so, it definitely works! Highly recommended.
Jordan CraigJordan Craig
20:45 05 Aug 21
Training at Nxtep during Covid was tricky but Chris and Luca made it work! Started with training outdoors in the carpark before we were allowed to move indoors, it was always fun and I feel I made real progress.It never felt just like a business and always felt more caring, I was also doing it as part of my DofE to which Luca/Chris were very helpful with.I've had to stop due to other focuses in life but I've got some real fond memories of the time and am hoping to go back later if I can!
ryan unwinryan unwin
20:29 28 Jul 21
Great personal trainer, his sessions are great and really push you into great mindset to achieve your goals, great knowledge of the body aswell! Would definitely recommend!!
David VDavid V
17:54 22 Oct 20
Wanted to improve all round fitness especially strength and conditioning so contacted & met with Chris.....was very impressed with his approach and was motivated to getting started & looking forward to the challengeChris was fundamental to me in making the nutrition and exercise changes required to achieve goals.... inspiring, motivational, encouraging & supportive he is great to work with......regular tracking & updates help me to stay focused..... Chris is easy to get along with and the sessions are challenging but enjoyable.....
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Why Get A Personal Trainer in Your 50’s?

Regular exercise in adults over 50 years old is one of the key factors in slowing down the aging process and maintaining wellness, and reduces the risk of developing long term ill-health conditions including some cancers, stroke, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes which are more prevalent in your 50’s, 60’s and beyond. An active lifestyle will continue independence in the performance of normal activities of daily living.

Sporting goals are not necessary to undertake structured exercise; you may just wish to make everyday tasks easier. Typically, these include climbing the stairs, carrying shopping, getting in and out of the car, getting dressed and playing with grandchildren. This is an ideal time to take stock of your life, invest in yourself and take more care of your lifestyle, and a bespoke regime such as our personal training for over 50s programme is perfect to help you achieve this.

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What are the Benefit of Personal Training for Over 50’s?

The benefits of physical activity for people over 50 include:

  • Reducing the risk of serious health conditions
  • Improving cardio-vascular fitness
  • Reducing or preventing high blood pressure
  • Improving blood cholesterol levels
  • Improving glycaemic control
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Increasing bone density, decreasing incidences of breaks
  • Increased strength
  • Increased injury prevention
  • Slowing down muscle mass decline
  • Helping to prevent osteoporosis
  • Improving glucose tolerance and reducing risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Improving flexibility and range of joint movement
  • Improving balance and reducing risk of falling
  • Improving stress management
  • Improving mood and reduces risk of developing depression & anxiety

Your trainer will devise a bespoke Personal Training Programme taking into account your individual circumstances, current fitness levels and what you would like to achieve. You may be completely new to exercise or seeking to re-establish a regular exercise routine. Whatever your situation, Nxtep will help you make improvements that you will find truly remarkable, contributing to a new lease of life.

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Personal Training for Over 60s

Our personal training isn’t just for those in their 50’s of course – it’s also for people in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond! Personal training is for everyone, from the young to the elderly.

Even though personal training is more associated with a younger person wanting to put on muscle mass or an overweight person wanting to lose weight, in fact, anyone can benefit from it at any age – including the over 60’s.

People who haven’t exercised regularly their whole lives may not know where to start when they want to begin exercising – as personal fitness wasn’t really a thing when someone in their 60’s was young. So our personal trainers will guide you through every step of the way. We design a bespoke training plan just for you – taking into account your present physical condition, fitness and of course your own goals.

A personal trainer for people over 60 will be able to work with any health problems or mobility issues you have and design safe exercises for you. They’ll work with you to make a fitness plan that fits your needs, including the use of equipment like free weights, the rowing machine, resistance machines and the good old treadmill.

Personal Training For Groups of Over 50’s

You don’t have to go it alone in our one-to-one personal training – you can bring your friends, family or colleagues and begin a small group personal training program (known as NX3) comprised of similarly-aged people.

You will work out three times a week on the Over 50’s group personal training programme, at a time that works with you and your group’s lifestyle.

Even though you’re exercising in a group, don’t worry if you’re not as physically fit as the other members of the group, because you will be given your own personal plan designed just for you alone. You will simply be exercising along with your group in the same studio.

When compared to traditional personal training, small group personal training is more economical since the expense is shared among a larger number of participants – perfect if you’re trying to save some money.

Over 50s group personal training also offers the benefit of peer and coach motivation. In a social setting, there is frequently greater energy and perhaps even some healthy competition – human nature means that you are more likely to put in more effort if the person next to you is!

 

Is Exercise for Over 50’s Different?

Protein synthesis, which is the process by which muscle cells rebuild, is slower in older persons than in younger ones. This means that our bodies are unable to recuperate at the same rate as they formerly did.

Additionally, decreasing flexibility is another disadvantage of exercising in your 50s. A 2013 clinical research published in the Journal of Ageing Research revealed a decline in shoulder and hip joint flexibility, particularly in those aged 55 to 86 to be very common. Lack of movement causes fast tissue degradation in older persons, yet an excessively intensive exercise regimen after a lot of inactivity may do more harm than benefit, so take it easy if you’re new to exercise.

There is also the problem of ordinary wear and tear associated with aging. Even if you’ve exercised throughout your life and want to continue exercising beyond the age of 50, your body may have other ideas! From pre-existing injuries to unresolved physical concerns – historical factors may have an effect on our bodies’ capacity to move.

It’s never too late to get fit! 

Some people who begin exercising in their middle age are discouraged because they believe it is probably too late to get significant benefits. However, the reverse is true. Studies demonstrate that it is never too late to begin reaping the advantages of exercise. Research found that nursing home patients in their 80s benefitted from a weight-lifting training program through improving their strength and general functional abilities. It is even possible to achieve your best shape after the age of fifty if you have spent the majority of your lifetime out of shape.

Keep moving

Long periods of inactivity should be avoided in middle and later age. Sitting for lengthy amounts of time cancels out an hour in the gym because when you sit for an extended amount of time, your muscles begin to break down and release fats into your system. As a result, make an effort to stay active throughout the day. For example, if you’ve been sitting for a while, stand up and stroll to another room. Simply moving about every hour or so can be as helpful as, if not more beneficial than, one hour of moderate exercise every day.

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What kinds of exercise are recommended for over 50’s?

Weight Training

It is a general assumption that weight training is mainly for bodybuilders and people who desire to gain significant muscle mass. On the contrary, strength training exercises are actually essential for bone strength and has been shown to help postpone and even reverse osteoporosis issues. This is because muscle mass begins to decline in your mid-to-late 30s, and we continue to lose 1-2 percent of our muscle mass every year after that point. Therefore, resistance training or lifting weights are really the only ways to prevent this from happening.

Cardio Fitness

A moderate intensity aerobic activity (40-60 percent heart rate reserve) to vigorous intensity aerobic activity (60-90 percent) is recommended for most adults, and lighter (30-40 percent heart rate reserve) intensity aerobic exercise is recommended for those who are less fit. Walking, for example, is the perfect cardio for people over 50 since it does not place an excessive amount of strain on the joints.

Exercises done in water and riding on a stationary machine such as an exercise bike are two examples of aerobic activity that are less taxing on the joints.

Regular Walks

Like other low-impact, light cardio forms of exercise, a brisk walk has many health benefits. It is light on your limbs and is also a fantastic way to gain light cardio fitness. Getting outside and walking improves your mood, strengthens your legs and buttocks, and burns calories by revving up our metabolism.

Walking to lose weight might also be a good place to start if you’re seeking to lose a few pounds.

Furthermore, a Public Health England study found that those who walk briskly for 10 minutes a day can improve lower back problems, and 70-90 minutes of brisk walking per week can improve fitness.

Balance Exercises

Balance is one of the abilities that we often lose as we get older, usually due to a loss of muscle mass and strength.  To fight this, integrate easy posture exercises into your weekly workout routine. These will promote flexibility, improve posture, and even assist in sleep and relaxation, all of which will benefit your overall health. Your bespoke Nxtep exercise plan may contain more of these types of exercises if you are in your 50’s or 60’s.

Things over 50’s should be aware of when exercising

Warming Up Correctly

Warm-ups are important for people of all ages, but they become even more vital for those over the age of 50, to ensure that their muscles and joints are fit and prepared for the activity at hand. Simple aerobic activities such as quick walking on a treadmill or slow pedalling on an exercise bike are an ideal warm-up exercise.

Stretches

Stretching activities improve flexibility and balance by promoting mobility in joints and muscles while also helping to maintain proper posture and body equilibrium. Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates are all excellent stretching workouts for anyone over the age of fifty. If you have a specific back or joint problem, talk to your physiotherapist and discuss with us the best kind of stretches to take to release your muscles and joints and reduce pain.

Stretching after your workout is also vital – not just for the over 50’s! So, we will ensure you carry out the correct warm-down routine after your session, which will always involve some stretches.

Vary Your Exercise

Variety is important for healthy exercise, so try to incorporate a variety of different types of exercise into your weekly routine to avoid your body becoming used to just one thing, and to avoid your mind becoming bored. Exercise is essential for long life because it boosts your body’s protective superoxide dismutase (SOD) system and helps to minimize chronic inflammation, which is a major component of the aging process.

Start Slowly

If you’re out of shape, it’s natural to become disheartened if you push yourself a little too hard at first. So, beginner’s objectives should be simple and attainable, such as walking for 15–20 minutes almost every day, and then gradually increasing the amount of exercise you do during the week. A small amount of exercise may have a significant influence on your general well-being. Don’t try to match what others do, or perhaps what you remember being able to do in your 20’s!

Don’t Over-exert Yourself

Putting too much stress on joints is not a good idea for older people, especially if they do not have enough necessary muscles and ligaments to support them. Given that our bodies are aging, putting too much strain on them is generally not a smart idea. In your 50’s, 60’s and beyond it’s all about finding a healthy balance and paying attention to your body’s requirements, which may even change from year to year. We will ensure that your PT programme is perfectly balanced to your body’s abilities and needs, to prevent injury and over-exhaustion.

Be Aware of Problems

If you’re just starting off with exercise or if you have a chronic physical problem, start out slowly and gradually increase your activity level. If you are on pain medication, you should see your doctor before beginning your new exercise routine.

Back discomfort, joint difficulties, osteoporosis, and arthritis are among the many conditions that can make it difficult to exercise as you become older. If you have a chronic condition, consult your doctor about how to exercise safely, and let us know about the condition in your initial consultation so that we can tailor your plan to avoid any discomfort or injury.

If you have a chronic condition, consult your doctor about how to exercise safely, and let us know about the condition in your initial consultation so that we can tailor your plan to avoid any discomfort or injury. It is normal to feel some soreness in your muscles after your first sessions, but it’s important to look after historical injuries or weak points.

Watch Your Heart Rate

When exercising, it’s good practice to track your targeted heart rate to ensure that your workouts aren’t too easy or too difficult.

To work out your maximum heart rate per minute, there’s a simple calculation – just subtract your age from 220. For example, 220 – 50 = 170 beats per minute.

During moderate exercise, you should expect to reach 50% to 70% of your maximum heart rate. With intense exercise you should be at 70% to no more than 85% of your maximum heart rate.

When you begin with light exercise, you should feel somewhat breathless but able to maintain a conversation for at least 30 minutes. As you advance to more intense aerobic activity, it will become more difficult to speak in whole phrases between breaths. Important – if you are on any heart related medication at all, it’s important to talk to your doctor about recording your heart rate during exercise, and to let us know during your initial consultation.

Be Careful with Heavy Weights

Avoid lifting heavy weights unless you are a seasoned weight trainer or are working out with a PT. Using them without adequate guidance and the correct technique might have serious consequences such as muscle tears and even broken bones.

This is because if you are unused to heavy weights, your musculoskeletal system will not be prepared for the effort, which might result in injury and setbacks in your training program. Furthermore, if you have high blood pressure, you should always use caution when lifting big weights. Again, speak to your doctor if you are concerned, and always let us know about all elements of your health in your consultation.

Weight lifting is an important part of most fitness plans for over 50’s, but we will tailor the actual weights to your requirements and abilities to ensure you do not injure yourself.

Avoid Long Runs at First

If you are new to running, and particularly if you are in your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or over, you should avoid long runs and don’t sign up to any marathons before you’re 100% definitely ready. Long runs stress our bodies by raising cortisol levels, putting a lot of strain on our joints with the long-term repetition and impacts, and also reduce muscle mass. Therefore, it’s better to stick to shorter distances, or instead try quick walking – this might be more beneficial than a long run.

Look After Your Knees

Knee injuries are among the most difficult to treat, so it’s vital to look after your knees as best you can, particularly as you age.

Excessive physical activity may lead your knee joints to wear out early. Many professional athletes experience joint difficulties sooner in life than less active people, but don’t let this put you off – just take care. The advantages of regular exercise significantly exceed the disadvantages. Our personal trainers will design a bespoke programme for you to help build up the strength in the flexible muscles around your hips and knees, meaning your knees don’t have to do it all themselves.

Low-impact exercises like walking, cycling and swimming are great for joints, while resistance exercise and stretches help to enhance strength and flexibility. All of which can make a significant impact in your capacity to avoid and recover from injury, as well as lessen joint wear and strain on parts of the body like your knees.

Exercises Over 50’s Should Avoid

In principle, there are no activities that are totally discouraged for people above the age of 50, because everyone is different, and what you should avoid depends on your level of fitness and whether you have any special problems. However, there are some workouts that you should hesitate to incorporate into your routine. Leg extension machine workouts, for example, put a lot of pressure on the knees. Pull-downs or pull-ups behind the head put a lot of demand on the shoulders, and jump-training activities can put a lot of stress on many other regions of the body.

Whatever your fitness level and whatever your age, your trainer will devise a bespoke Personal Exercise Program taking into account your individual circumstances, current fitness levels and what you would like to achieve. You may be completely new to exercise or seeking to re-establish a regular exercise routine. Whatever your situation, Nxtep will help you make improvements that you will find truly remarkable, contributing to a new lease of life.

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