News and Calendar April 2000 [ back ]
Keiser Introduces STEP in the Right Direction A turnkey package for programming to older adults

"Remove the barriers and open the doors to the Older Adult Market"

"One of the greatest challenges for the fitness industry," says aging and wellness expert Kay Van Norman, " is removing the barriers to older adults. To many older adults, the idea of exercising, and strength training in particular, is an entirely foreign concept. And much about the youth-oriented fitness clubs- complicated equipment, loud music, sweaty bodies and work out "gear" - is intimidating."

Starting in 1996 Keiser decided to educate the industry by initiating programs for the 50+ market and by implementing these programs Keiser opened the doors for many others to be able to break through the intimidating barriers for the older adult.

In 1999, Keiser formed the Keiser Institute on Aging, bringing together wellness experts, gerontologists, researchers and fitness practitioners in order to share information with the different industries servicing the 50+ population.

"There's a gap between what research is telling us and what fitness facilities know and do," says Van Norman. "Keiser has not only helped fitness facilities bridge that gap, they've made exercise accessible to the senior living industry so that older adults can engage in programs where they live."

Today, Keiser equipment is in over 400 senior living communities and thousands of fitness facilities (from health clubs to hospital wellness centers) across North America. Keiser offers a full range of products to meet the needs of all fitness facilities, with comprehensive 50+ exercise training protocols and programming.

Keiser provides a turnkey program called S.T.E.P. in the Right Direction. The Step Kit offers exercise sensitivity, proper facility design and specifically addresses the de-conditioned older adults by including necessary exercise modifications. The kit also contains a video that shows facilities how to physically train participants using strength, stability and mobility training, and fall prevention exercises. The accompanying education package includes a 250-page operations manual, exercise program videos, voice on hold messaging, staff and member information packages, posters, research abstracts and more. Keiser also provides a marketing support package to help facilities promote their new programs.

For more information about Keiser Corporation contact Darrin Pelkey at 1-800-888-7009 or contact via request.