I am a Careful, Participatory, Modeling, Loving Coach. My heartfelt and unyielding conviction is to be patient, thoughtful, nonjudgemental, capable, levelheaded, reasonable, reliable, dependable, responsible, conscientious, sensitive, aware, flexible, respectful, appreciative and thankful.
I coach 2 distinct clubs of Seniors: An organizational, non-profit women’s club, and a city-supported group of both men and women. My one-hour weekly sessions consist of attendees freely sharing ideas, suggestions, plans, dreams and experiences. How is everyone feeling? I make it my priority to know what is going on with participants, physically and mentally. Communication is ongoing throughout the sessions’ trainings, education, warmups, games, walking and running.
My goals for Seniors are to help them to engage with others, forge new friendships, gain confidence, leadership skills, enthusiasm, and have fun. I consistently encourage team building, a strong identification with the group, pride, support, caring for each other, and an open and free exchange of ideas and suggestions. Seniors of all backgrounds and abilities deserve this opportunity to receive these benefits. Every participant is offered the time to lead a warmup exercise and share something about themselves.
My mission is to promote a healthy, positive, consistent lifestyle that we must maintain, as long as we are able. When Seniors feel down or are in pain and need to take time off, I remind them this is not about a single session or two, but the larger lifestyle commitment. We are here for each other.
I love learning and consistently research the latest findings on Senior and women’s issues. I teach good technique and strive to provide cutting-edge information on Senior and women’s health. I am enthusiastic in implementing new ideas and methods and openly solicit participants’ reactions and experiences. I check the environment and course before beginning a session and sweep the area at its conclusion. I consistently stress safety, controlled and gradual progress, and rest and recovery as a lifestyle. I freely encourage, praise and stress individual strengths. I chat and walk alongside participants. I encourage and provide physical support when needed by those using canes and other assistive devices that are helping them gain their independence.
Success is witnessing the evolution of each Senior move from a place of fear and intimidation, to eyes lighting up and smiles lifting faces, to leading and suggesting warm-up exercises, to caring for, bonding with and supporting other members, to walking with less pain and increased range of motion, and for many, to entering, and likely winning, their first 5K race.
JOURNEY ON!