Are You Tired Of Feeling Old

Weak, And Off Balance?

Then You're In The Right Place. 

Our misssion here at Eldergym, is to help seniors become strong and stable even if they have never exercised before.

Hey there


Senior Fitness Coach

I'm Doug Schrift, Physical Therapist and Senior Fitness Coach. I help seniors become strong and stable even if they have never exercises before. I have been privilaged to be involved with thousands of seniors on their journey to lose weight, build strength, prevent falls, and maintain independence. 


You can do it!

This website will help you to discover the revitalizing power of exercise; inspire you to feel more energized, and ready for your day; help you to get rid of those negative thoughts about your age, health conditions or physical body; teach you how to achieve real and objective goals with activities that you enjoy doing; and encourage you to take genuine steps toward health and happiness.

"Why am I so weak?"

As a Physical Therapist I have many senior and elderly patients who are referred from their doctor because they have fallen, are having trouble standing up, or just can't function as well as they used to. What is the problem? Generally it is inactivity.

Studies have shown that it only takes a few days of lying in bed to start losing your strength, flexibility and balance.

Once this happens you are at risk of beginning the downward spiral. What is the downward spiral you ask?

The Downward Spiral

We now know that staying active is at the core of successful aging. Countless studies have shown that exercising has a protective, almost magical effect, on our body and mind.

Likewise, inactivity is at the core of what I call the "downward spiral".

Well, let's say you are feeling under the weather one day.

You are retired so end up spending a few days in bed or on the recliner watching TV.

After a while the chores start piling up. Well, you are feeling a little better by now, so you get to work. The first thing you notice is how much weaker you are.

You find it harder to stand, go up stairs, lift the laundry basket, and reach up to the cupboard for a plate.

Finally you get up one morning and… "oops" lose your balance -- falling on the floor!

If your hip is not broken you likely have a nasty bump somewhere.

The pain causes you to spend more time in bed… day by day getting weaker and weaker. Then out comes the cane or walker.

You begin to go outside of the house less and less because it is harder to walk.

Daily chores and activities become increasingly more difficult like cooking, shopping and taking a shower. You spend more time in the recliner and bed.

Well…you get the picture.

Moral of the story? Yes, you guessed it…Use your head…don't stay in bed!

"I'm worried about my mom and dad"

On the other hand, maybe you are the child of an elderly adult. When your parents live alone and are inactive, you may worry about him or her falling at home.

This is often a big concern of family members.

Exercising and staying active will improve their chances of staying safe.

Staying active, sensibly exercising and following a healthy lifestyle can add years of productive and functional living to your life.

Explore our site for helpful information and exercise videos to start your journey to greater strength and better balance with exercise for seniors and the elderly.

Where do I begin?

Well, it took a while to get in the shape you are in. Remember to take small steps in the beginning. No need to hurry. Your body requires from 4 to 6 weeks to become accustomed to a new activity or exercise program.

This is true especially if you have been inactive for a long time.

Try exercising for a few minutes a day at first. Gradually build up to 30 minutes twice a week.

From there try exercising 3 days per week as your strength and endurance improves.

Ok, I'm ready. What do I do?

Here are some great areas to think about first as you begin becoming more active and taking charge of your fitness. 

Skeletal

Start With Posture

First let's learn correct posture before you start in order to help maximize the benefits of exercise. Watch our 6 posture videos for important exercises.

Respiratory

Breathing

Review the proper techniques of breathing to improve your lung function and energy level. This video will show you how.

Joints

Flexibility

Increase your flexibility to allow full motion in your shoulders, hips, and legs with these exercises. Watch our 24 upper and lower body stretching videos for valuable instruction.

Heart and Lungs

Endurance

Gain endurance and improve your ability to walk and participate in energetic social activities like dancing and nature outings.

Muscle

Strength

Build strength in the arms legs and back to greatly enhance your functional independence with our 24 upper and lower body strengthening videos.

Coordination

Balance

Develop better balance to increase your safety and help prevent falls. Watch the 12 best balance exercise videos now.


Here is a strengthening exercise class from Eldergym Academy

Here is a strengthening routine from Eldergym Academy where we have hundreds of exercise videos to chose from including Easy, intermediate and Advanced exercise classes. You will need some light to medium hand weights for this class. Give it a try!

Need more help?

Download our 4 week senior fitness program to get your journey started.

Join  fellow seniors and family members, ask questions and get feedback.

Take your senior fitness to the next level with extensive courses, tools, resources & support.

Eldergym Academy

In-depth courses & training

Access our extensive course library, workouts, classes, attend our monthly Live Q&A calls. 

Personal motivation and help

I'm with you everyday in the community for assistance, guidance, and support.

Active, Supportive Community

Feedback and support from fellow seniors and experts who will keep you on track.

Watch our Academy Tour Below

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