As a personal trainer since 2010, and the owner of Dynamic Fitness of Westfield since 2014, Daniel - Dan- Oleksak has had the opportunity to put his training in fitness and nutrition to work helping countless individuals achieve better health at any age.
“I have had the pleasure of making a positive difference in the quality of life of so many people I have been lucky enough to eventually call my friends,” the Westfield State University Movement Science graduate shared when Prime reached out for his advice on starting a fitness program at age 50 and beyond.
Below are Oleksak’s tips for starting – or getting back into – an exercise program for 2022:
“The best way to ease back into exercising is to first trust in who you are asking for assistance. Likely the idea of including exercise into your life has been something you’ve at least thought about for too long and you’re ready to take action. Assume the professional will keep you safe and provide the most efficient path towards improvement.
“Find a place that will allow you to avoid as many excuses as possible and start making exercise happen, as we are all capable of more than we think.”
“It is important for people of all ages to take part in exercise because we only get one body to work with and keeping it functioning efficiently in good health will open opportunities you might not even know are there. Establishing good exercise habits early is imperative toward setting habits towards good health in years to come. For example, a child struggling with weight has a significantly greater chance of remaining a heavy adult as the body adapts toward holding to extra fat for a variety of scientific reasons. A fit body creates a more capable mind, too. When we are in good health and have a fit body, more than just confidence is gained, we gain energy to do more every day as well.
“It’s ok to exercise with the goal of looking fitter or more attractive as the other good things will come along with it as well.
“The difference in exercising doesn’t vary with age as much as one might think. Some of the same exercises I perform myself I have women in their 70s do as well. The intensity level might not be as high for those women but the basic principles of proper exercise remain the same. A greater look at health factors are of course considered for older individuals – such as arthritis, heart disease, and other serious conditions such as Parkinson’s – when designing an exercise program.
“When working with older individuals I try and avoid ground work exercises as lying flat or going up and down from the ground can cause dizziness. Generally the exercise bouts won’t last as long for older adults and more time is put towards a really efficient warm up to avoid any injuries and to perform at a higher level during the workout. Not every exercise needs to mimic an activity of daily living but I do my best in explaining why it is we are doing something and how that would benefit the person in the garden or wherever they spend their time to show off their new found strength and capabilities.
I believe in building strength from the ground up, as our feet and legs are the foundation of our bodies and keep us moving. We emphasize doing rotational type core exercises to avoid the many aches and pains people suffer from who do not make exercise a part of the routine.
“Even when we can’t get to a gym there are always safe exercises I recommend my clients take part in such as push-ups off the counter top or sit to stands off of the chair for example.”
Oleksak can be reached at 413-454-2729
