Preconference workshops

Brain Fitness Coach workshop
Cody Sipe

Sunday, October 12
8: 00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Learn how to create and lead safe, effective exercise programs that can improve cognitive abilities, build cognitive reserve, and protect against cognitive decline in older clients. This session will cover a number of essential concepts in the fields of neuroscience and brain health in an easy-to-understand manner, while also providing numerous hands-on opportunities to engage with the material.

Explore how both physical and cognitive exercises contribute to cognitive longevity and dementia risk. Also, learn how the two types of exercise can be used simultaneously through a method called dual-tasking (cognitive-motor training) to achieve superior results.

In this session, you will practice numerous low- and high-tech dual-task exercises that you can use with a wide variety of clientele. Special emphasis will be placed on how to select exercises and create programs that address specific aspects of cognitive function to maximize individual results. Several current and emerging “brain gym” models that incorporate these strategies and technologies will be discussed.

You’ll be able to:

• Discuss essential concepts in cognition and brain health and the basics of memory and creating memories.
• Identify lifestyle factors that improve brain health and reduce dementia risk.
• Develop personalized brain fitness programming that builds on the principles of dual-tasking.

Faculty: Cody Sipe, MS, PhD, DipACLM, Cofounder and Vice President, Functional Aging Institute; Professor, Harding University; and CEO, Marbles Brain Body Fitness.
CEUs

Per-person fee to attend:$149.00

Vital core training for older adults
Leslee Bender

Sunday, October 12
9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

The core is vital for an active ager. Supine exercises such as crunches can not only damage the spine but also be ineffective—especially for those with dysfunctional postural issues where the floor is not an option.

Discover and experience the components necessary to implement a core training program designed specifically for active agers. Learn about the importance of functional core training to improve balance, proprioception, attitude, posture, and more. Whether you are a director or a trainer, this session will give you the tools and programming to help your members/residents improve balance, flexibility, and mobility.

Explore the importance and application of functionally safer methods of core training, such as using a small ball to protect the back while strengthening and lengthening the body. Leave with new options to address core issues for individuals at all fitness and ability levels.

You’ll be able to:

• Describe many applications to strengthen the core for all activities, from gardening to pickleball.
• Provide members/residents with functional core training to improve dynamic posture, reduce pain, and improve mobility and stability—thereby improving quality of life.
• Implement and lead a safe, effective program that provides vital core training.

Faculty: Leslee Bender, BA, ACE, ACSM, NASM, FAFS, NPCP, Owner, Ageless Training Academy.
CEUs

Per-person fee to attend:$149.00