Strong and Vital No 2

Report age

Locally Committed with Success «Intelligent Ageing» at the ZüriFit Fitnessclub

Packed with new information and a thirst for action (after the Age confe rence in Zurich), we had the idea of passing on our new knowledge. The refore we decided to organise a lecture evening on the topic of Intelligent Ageing: Training, Well-Being and Nutrition at our ZüriFit fitness centre in Adliswil, located near Zurich-Wollishofen High way exit. The combination of speakers (Caro lin Gebhardt - sports scientist, centre manager ZüriFit and Isabella Herbig - physiotherapist, own practice at Züri Fit) was a mix of therapeutic and trai ning science perspectives on the topic of «Intelligent Ageing». We quickly found each other and began with the preparations.

additional dates. The topic visibly aroused curiosity. The programme was divided into three sections: 1) Intelligent training for muscles and bones: what do I need to know • Muscle mass loss reaches 30 per cent by the age of 80; • Muscle building is independent of age (even 100-year-olds build muscle!); • Muscles can only be maintained and built up through strength training; • Leisure activities are healthy, but are no substitute; • Strength training is needed against osteoporosis. • There are more pain receptors in the muscle fasciae than in the muscles: this means that stiff fasciae are the main cause of chronic pain; • Best therapy: lifestyle changes and special exercises for fascia elasticity. 3) Nutrition in the second half of life: what is different? • By changing the body composition (less muscle, more fat), the energy requirement is reduced by 25 per cent; • Change of diet in favour of more pro tein (muscle building and mainte nance): 1.0 -1.2g protein per kilo of body weight spread over three meals a day (for optimum muscle synthesis); • Increased need for vitamins D, B6, B12 and C. . It was important for us to convey facts and knowledge about current fitness topics and research. There were never any signs of boredom during the evening that certainly generated reactions of astonish ment, which means that the messa ges were well received. 2) The major influence of fascia on well-being in old age

To extend the reach outside of our centre, we advertised in local phy siotherapy practices and other the rapeutic facilities. The topic got a very good response also outside the ZüriFit centre and many people in the areas where it was promoted got in touch. The lecture evening was fully booked within 1.5 weeks and demand was so high that we decided to offer two

The impact of the successful event

Many older people train at ZüriFit - In this picture. The age of the motivated men and women shown is between 64 and 86.

A positive surprise awaited us the morning after the presentations.

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STRONG and VITAL No. 2 - 2024