Group classes for seniors vary quite a bit from others.  The elderly have different fitness goals from younger trainers, and different needs in terms of programming and activities.

When looking for classes for a senior to enroll in, it’s important to look for characteristics of care and attention to particular limitations, conditions, or restrictions that might go along with offering fitness classes for aging members.
First, a good group class for the elderly will include special attention to the make-up of the group.  There may be a “fitness roster” where each member can fill in personal conditions for instructors to evaluate outside of class, before commencing a programming schedule. Instructors may dedicate time in the beginning to putting the group through very basic exercises and looking for clues in the gait, speed, and power of each member in order to tailor programming to their needs.

It’s important to keep in mind that planners for a given senior class have to walk a fine line.  It’s not always easy to include the right mix of activities of aging participants, especially if there is a wide variety of skill levels present.  Don’t expect too much in terms of personalization, and be prepared, as a senior member of a class, or an advocate, to adapt the class to the participant outside of trainer instructions.  For example, those with more limited abilities should know that it’s okay to choose their own level of participation within the context of what an instructor is recommending for the group.  This kind of disclaimer is key in preventing injuries.

For seniors, it’s also best to avoid classes with a lot of advanced isometrics or activities depending on balance.  These classes are more geared toward those who can train their bodies toward an athletic capacity.  That’s not to say that there is an age cutoff for this type of activity, only that it has a very rare place in any class that is especially for seniors.

Another big coup in senior class programming is the idea of doing activities in water.  Water standing activities are great for the elderly, because the water provides its own buffer for the limbs as participants work out.  It’s harder for water standing class participants to “throw” a joint, because the water naturally restricts activity to a smooth, slow pace.  An alternative (if there is no pool) is to allow for seated participation for some or all of the exercises.
As a side note, another best practice for attracting and keeping members in a group class for the elderly is to be aware of specific personal conditions, but to keep them distinctly in the background.  No one wants to hear about conditions on a continual basis from an instructor, so look for instructors who set the right balance between caution and obsessive “caretaking”, where added warnings, disclaimers, or references to limitations can get old fast.  The best class functions with an innate, unstated attention to “risk management” by including good activity choices and guidance, without overt warnings throughout the class.

These programming hints will help seniors find classes that they can stay in to take care of their bodies long term and stay stronger and more capable later in life.