FSHP Academy
Geriatric Fitness — all lessons

Module 1: Foundations

Introduction to geriatric fitness and the specialist’s rolePhysiology of ageing: sarcopenia, dynapenia, osteopeniaAge-related conditions, multimorbidity and frailty

Module 2: Assessment & Screening

Health screening, risk stratification and medicationsFunctional fitness assessment: SFT, SPPB, TUG, gait speed, grip

Module 3: Programming

Principles of programming: FITT-VP, progression, periodisationResistance and power training for sarcopeniaCardiovascular and aerobic conditioningBalance, mobility and fall preventionFlexibility, functional mobility and ADL training

Module 4: Chronic Conditions

Cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions (HTN, CAD, HF, COPD)Metabolic conditions in older adultsMusculoskeletal: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, joint replacementNeurological and cognitive: Parkinson’s, stroke, MS, dementia

Module 5: Coaching, Safety & Business

Nutrition, hydration and recovery for older adultsBehavioural coaching, communication and adherenceSafety, emergencies and scope of practiceBusiness, settings and career pathwaysCase studies and sample programme templates

Cardiovascular and aerobic conditioning

Aerobic training for older adults — modes, intensity monitoring, interval options and progression for health and function.

Intermediate Evidence: Strong evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Select aerobic modes for different abilities
  • Monitor intensity with RPE and the talk test
  • Use interval options safely
  • Progress aerobic training

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Aerobic fitness supports heart health, endurance for daily tasks and cognition.

Prescription

VariableGuidance
Frequency3–7 days
IntensityRPE 5–6 moderate; 7–8 vigorous [chodzko2009]
Time150–300 min/week moderate [bull2020]
TypeWalking, Nordic walking, cycling, water exercise, dance

Intervals

For cleared clients: e.g., 6 × 1 min brisk / 2 min easy. Intervals improve VO₂ max efficiently [milanovic2015].

Progression

Increase duration first, then frequency, then intensity.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A 69-year-old builds from 10-minute walks to 40-minute brisk walks five days a week, adding hills; his 6-minute walk distance increases by 70 m.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Practical demo needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Cardiovascular and aerobic conditioning

geriatric exercise specialists and physiotherapists (search)

You will understand: cardiovascular and aerobic conditioning

Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Introductory needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Exercise for healthy ageing

geriatric medicine educators (search)

You will understand: why exercise matters in later life

Why: Clinical overview.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. A low-impact mode for knee OA is…

Answer B. Joint-friendly.

2. Weekly aerobic target is…

Answer B. WHO.

3. For clients on beta-blockers, intensity is best monitored by…

Answer B. Blunted HR.

4. Activity can be accumulated…

Answer B. Flexible.

5. Intervals in older adults…

Answer B. Effective when appropriate.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Design a 12-week walking programme.
  2. Plan a water-based aerobic session.
  3. Teach the talk test.

Key takeaways

  • Aim for 150–300 min/week moderate aerobic activity, accumulated in bouts.
  • Choose low-impact modes for joint problems: walking, cycling, water exercise.
  • Use RPE and talk test, especially with beta-blockers.
  • Intervals can be used in cleared clients with gradual build-up.

Connected topics

geriatric fitness

Cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions (HTN, CAD, HF, COPD)

physiology

Aerobic fitness concepts and adaptations

References

  1. Chodzko-Zajko WJ, Proctor DN, Fiatarone Singh MA, et al. (2009). American College of Sports Medicine position stand: exercise and physical activity for older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(7):1510–1530. Position stand check pending
  2. Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, et al. (2020). World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(24):1451–1462. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955 Guideline check pending
  3. Milanović Z, Sporiš G, Weston M (2015). Effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIT) and continuous endurance training for VO2max improvements: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Sports Medicine, 45(10):1469–1481. doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0365-0 Meta-analysis check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.