Purdue News
Purdue News
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August 28, 2003 New fitness instructor course addresses aging issuesWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – It's time for exercise instructors to know more about the special needs of the fastest growing age group – the over 50 population – in America, says a Purdue University fitness expert. Cody Sipe, director of the A.H. Ismail Fitness and Nutrition Research Center, will offer the first local Senior Fitness Instructor Course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 4-7. "More adults are remaining active at an older age, and it's important for exercise instructors to be aware of aging issues such as frailty, balance, safety and arthritis," said Sipe, a member of the Department of Health and Kinesiology. "Course participants will learn about perspectives and physiological changes of aging, as well as program planning and evaluation for group exercise." Sipe will team with Stephanie Luxton, community outreach coordinator at the Canadian Centre on Activity and Aging, for this four-day workshop that is open to people of all ages, abilities and skill levels, regardless of previous leadership experience. The Senior Fitness Instructors Course was developed in 1990 by the Canadian Centre on Activity and Aging, which helps promote an active and healthy lifestyle for aging adults. The cost is $100, and the course will be offered at the Westminster Village Retirement Community, 2741 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette. To register for the course, contact Sipe at (765) 496-6449, csipe@purdue.edu. The registration deadline is Tuesday (9/2). "Upon completion of the 36-hour course, participants will have the option of becoming certified as a senior fitness instructor," said Sipe, also a Canadian Centre on Activity and Aging trainer. "In order to do so, you will need to pass a take-home written exam, complete at least 10 hours of group exercise leadership and send in a videotape of yourself leading a group exercise class." There also is a $25 fee to become a certified senior fitness instructor. Funding for this course was provided by the Ismail Center, Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Program, and Westminster Village. This course is part of a local initiative, Increasing Senior Fitness in Tippecanoe County, which is sponsored by the Area IV Agency on Aging. Writer: Amy Patterson-Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu Source: Cody Sipe, (765) 496-6449, csipe@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Journalists interested in covering the first local Senior Fitness Instructor Course should contact Cody Sipe, (765) 496-6449 or csipe@purdue.edu, for a complete schedule.
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