Staying Strong, Staying Safe: What to Ask Before Joining Any Senior Fitness Class

When a fitness-related incident involving an older participant makes the news, reactions often become polarised. Some believe the person was too old for such activity, while others argue that age should never be a limitation. The truth lies between these extremes. Exercise remains one of the most powerful tools for ageing well when it is approached with discernment, self-awareness, and the right support.

The recent report of an 81-year-old woman injured during a class is deeply unfortunate. The full context is not known, including her medical history, preparation, and the events that took place during the session.

At InsideOut Well, we do not conduct group classes. Our focus is on one-on-one sessions because full attention, customisation, and calibration are essential for both safety and sustainable progress. That said, some people enjoy the social motivation and group energy that classes provide. If that is your preference, it is important to know what to look for so that participation remains safe, effective, and suitable for your current stage of life.

Before You Begin

The following considerations apply to anyone starting or resuming a fitness routine, regardless of age. However, for older adults, the stakes are higher. Recovery may take longer, balance and joint stability can fluctuate, and fatigue can set in more quickly. Small misjudgements in pace, load, or supervision can have larger consequences. These eight questions serve as a guide for making thoughtful, informed decisions before joining any class or programme.

1. Am I physically ready for this format?

Every individual’s body is different. Before joining any programme, it is advisable to consult a doctor or physiotherapist to understand one’s current mobility, balance, cardiovascular health, and recovery time. Ask clear questions such as whether strength training is suitable or if certain movements should be avoided. This is not an act of fear but of responsibility and clarity.

2. Is the class designed for my life stage?

The label “senior-friendly” can mean many different things. A suitable class for older adults should focus on posture, coordination, and functional strength rather than simply reducing the pace of a general session. It is important to choose instructors who understand age-related changes such as reduced joint elasticity and slower recovery, and who can adjust exercises according to each participant’s needs.

3. Do I trust the environment and the instructor’s awareness?

Group classes can be energising and socially engaging, but they may also conceal fatigue or poor form if the instructor is unable to observe everyone closely. A responsible instructor monitors alignment, provides modifications, and pays attention to participants throughout the session. Intensity should never be mistaken for effectiveness. Safe control and proper technique matter more than speed or load.

4. What should I share before starting?

An instructor can only adapt the session based on the information shared. Participants should disclose prior surgeries, balance issues, medication, or chronic pain. The way the instructor responds to such information also matters. A trainer who listens carefully and adjusts the plan demonstrates professionalism and respect. The right relationship is built on trust and communication.

5. Has proper screening been done?

A qualified trainer should request a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) or medical clearance if appropriate. While such forms may seem administrative, they reflect a culture of care and accountability. They demonstrate that the trainer values the participant’s wellbeing above administrative convenience or enrolment speed.

6. Is the system itself safety-ready?

Beyond individuals, the broader system of studios, insurers, and training bodies carries a shared duty of care. Facilities should have clear emergency protocols, accessible layouts, and adequate insurance coverage. Clients have the right to ask these questions before committing to any class or membership.

7. Communication builds confidence

Accidents can occur not because of recklessness but because expectations are unclear. A well-written class description should explain what to expect in both effort and tone. Clear communication is not marketing; it is part of ensuring psychological and physical safety.

8. After any incident, accountability matters

When something goes wrong, silence or defensiveness only deepens mistrust. The most responsible response is compassion and review. Brands and instructors build credibility not by claiming perfection but by showing transparency, empathy, and improvement after such incidents.

Understanding What “Older” Means in Context

In Singapore, national guidelines generally classify older adults as sixty-five years and above. These recommendations call for one hundred and fifty to three hundred minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, supported by muscle-strengthening and balance work. The intent is to help older adults maintain independence and functional capacity.

(Source: Singapore Physical Activity Guidelines, Sport Singapore, 2022. Link)

In practice, age is only a broad marker. Local research often references sixty years and above, emphasising that real readiness depends on capability, health status, and personal context rather than numbers alone.

(Source: Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour of Multi-Ethnic Older Adults in Singapore, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021.)

Long & Short Of It...

Movement should restore, not punish. The purpose of exercise at any age is to strengthen capability and confidence, not to test limits recklessly. At InsideOut Well, we believe that fitness should nurture clarity, safety, and joy. Every session, regardless of age, should leave you more capable and more at ease in your own body.