Strength for Seniors

Recapping Mobilus’ first ‘Bring your Parents Day’ session
Written by Annie Set

On Sunday 16th April, after the usual weekend crowd had dispersed–  a new crew of athletes gathered outside Mobilus Chinatown, awaiting their first session. Mobilus’ first ‘Bring your Parents Day’ kicked off with a group of 14 participants, made up of 5 members and their respective parents. 

The ‘Bring your Parents Day’ class was something Coach Shawn Yong had on his mind for some time, as his experience working with older clients convinced him of the importance of coaching for longevity and quality of life. 

Shawn has spent the past year working with Richard Loo- referred to him through his son Richmond. At 75 years old, Uncle Richard had started to show signs of struggle with limited mobility and strength, compelling Richmond to engage Shawn to coach his father. 

Coach Shawn Yong(right) and Richard Loo(left).

As his first elderly client, Shawn found himself gaining important insight while coaching Uncle Richard. Training required a stronger focus on establishing movement patterns before adding any load, as well as patience in progression. 

Shawn: “It took him about 2-3 months to get from being comfortable to squat from a bench, to performing goblet squats for double digits with a 10 kg added resistance. If we were too focused on making progress, things could very easily flip around and Richard might end up getting hurt.” 

One key focus of training Uncle Richard was enabling his independence.

“Richard’s quality of life depends on his ability to get around and move independently without too much trouble. 

Over time, their hard work paid off– with Uncle Richard finding himself stronger and moving more comfortably on his own. 

Shawn recognized how invaluable this experience with Uncle Richard was, and was determined to share his knowledge with others. 

Shawn: The number of times I've read an article or newspaper headline about the aging population recently…it gives me a sense of urgency to step up and serve in my role as a coach. We (Mobilus), have got the talent, space and time to help the aging population live healthier. 

Can we at Mobilus– having done such a fantastic job taking care of the fitness of our members– provide an opportunity to help our members take care of their parents' fitness? 

As the participants gathered for our first ‘Bring your Parents Day’ session, Shawn spoke to the members and their parents about some of the common struggles they might face in old age, as well as how regular strength training can help preserve their quality of life and empower them with greater independence*.

Learning how to warm up with foam rollers

Throughout the session, participants learnt the 3 key aims of exercise relevant to them, including Fall Prevention, Fall Recovery, and Freedom to Roam. With each category, Shawn introduced, demonstrated, and guided participants through the relevant exercises. 

With each new movement, the parents were enthusiastic in their participation– paying close attention to the instructions given and asking questions about their form. Their accompanying children– our own Mobilus members– kept a close eye on their parents as well, offering guidance with their own cues to help them along. 

Shawn: I want to let seniors know that strength training isn’t complicated and can begin with a manageable selection of what they can do. Maintenance of strength is much less demanding than trying to make progress and gains. That little effort (when kept consistent), goes a long way in the fight against sarcopenia.

The other key audience I hope to reach is the children of these seniors. The process of guiding them (their parents) through training creates an opportunity to foster better communication.

I think this expression of care and concern from their loved ones can become a bigger motivation than their progress of physical strength in order to help them become more consistent.

Member Hazel Ong with parents.

Here at Mobilus, we hope to continue encouraging and enabling members to take an active role in supporting their parents and loved ones in fostering a healthy lifestyle.

Our next ‘Bring your Parents Day’ session will be held on Sunday, 30th April 1:30PM at Mobilus Chinatown. Members can sign up for the class on MindBody and bring along up to 2 parents (or parental figures). 

* By engaging in strength training, the effects of Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and Osteoporosis (weakened, porous bones) can be reduced, as muscles are strengthened and bone loss is slowed. This means reducing the likelihood of fall related injuries, as well as the severity of the impact of a potential fall.