A new study suggests older people would rather exercise alone than be surrounded by a bunch of youthful hard bodies in Spandex.
A Canadian researcher says the results are a cautionary note about providing the right exercise setting for senior citizens.
Mark Beauchamp says people of all ages generally prefer to exercise with people their own age -- or they may opt to go it alone. He notes that older people may be intimidated by "the Spandex-clad ideal" seen in some exercise environments.
Researchers studied the behaviors of 947 people, ranging in age from 30 to 92, in the northern English city of Leeds.
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Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn), fitness trainer, in A-P interview
Fitness trainer Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn) says exercising with younger people who are in better shape make older people more aware of their own limitations.
CUT 345 (03/22/07)>> :04 "their ailments"
Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn), fitness trainer, in A-P interview
Fitness trainer Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn) says older people worry that trying to keep up with younger people could result in injury.
CUT 346 (03/22/07)>> :08 "younger people"
Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn), fitness trainer, in A-P interview
Fitness trainer Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn) says older people are intimidated by those who are able to do more.
CUT 347 (03/22/07)>> :13 "with 35"
Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn), fitness trainer, in A-P interview
Fitness trainer Ron Kardashian (kar-DASH'-uhn) says older people find it tough to exercise in the fitness center environment because of their limitations.
CUT 348 (03/22/07)>> :11 "do it"
GRAPHICSBANK 924162 (04/03/06)>> 2000x1500
Senior uses pulley exerciser at the West Hill retirement home, West Orange, New Jersey, photo on black
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