Crossfit trainer speaks to Harrisburg Kiwanis about working out with seniors

HARRISBUG - Jerry King, trainer at CrossFit Little Egypt in Harrisburg, was guest speaker at the weekly Kiwanis meeting at Ponderosa.

At noon on April 11, Jerry presented a review of a new CrossFit workout for special populations.

At the request of Southeastern Illinois College, CrossFit developed a workout for senior citizens and Coleman Tri-County Services clients.

Two days a week he has been working with residents at the Villas of Hollybrook, two days at Brookstone Estates and two days at the gym with clients from Coleman. King said the median age of his senior group is about 84 to 90.

He usually has eight individuals in each of his senior groups with the majority being female residents. According to King his goal is to help individuals gain and maintain strength in their legs, arms and core along with balance to help prevent falls.

He works with the individuals on a one-to-one basis and begins with very basic activities such as rising from a chair without assistance. There is a progression from the standing, with very simple, basic activities which assist with safely performing everyday activities.

This is an eight-week program and King said he truly enjoys working with all those involved.