by Carlina

Created on: September 18, 2009

After 45 minutes of exercising with her trainer, Sunshine Spivey understandably is a bit worn out. It was a fullbody workout that got her heart rate up and targeted every major muscle group. At nearly 92 years old, Spivey said that was an easy day. She has been training in her home with Kathy Andrews, a trainer with the Family Sports Center in Kerrville, for nearly four years. In that time, it's not just her will that's grown stronger. This retired teacher has seen her body change, too. Although she may not move as she did 40 years ago, she said she takes her workouts much more seriously now than she did when she was much younger. Kathy really puts me through my paces. It's hard work, but it's made a big difference in my mobility, she said. Training where you are Andrews began working with Spivey in 2005, after her son, a triathlete, signed her up. He'd prefer that his mom see Andrews daily, but was satisfied when his mother agreed to meet with her once a week. The workouts never are the same, but always incorporate the same types of movements as part of a program Andrews described as functional training. Functional training is not a 'hard core program,' Andrews said. It is training where you are in life. Such a program, she said, is ideal for seniors who aren't as focused on aesthetics, but are interested in staying strong, active and who want to counteract the natural losses of muscle mass and bone density that happen with age. Because the movements mimic their natural, everyday routines, the exercises all can be done at home, many using items that are inexpensive or can be found around the house. (Home) is a great environment for functional training for seniors because it is a familiar place, Andrews said, explaining that the goal of such a program is to use light weight bearing activities to help Sunshine get through her day easier and without injury. These types of movements, she said, will improve stability and prevent falls that are common among the elderly. The workout Although the workout is natural, and designed to limit fatigue, it is not easy, and Spivey said she can feel it. She generally begins her workout seated in a dining room chair. Andrews asks her to tap her feet and move her arms in a marching motion, then waving them overhead up, out, in, down. Her heartrate begins to escalate without having to climb stairs, run in place or do other activities that might cause injury or trepidation among seniors. As she works to get her heartrate up,

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