With a background in breath work, neurological pain management and strength training, Coach Ileane focuses on restoring confidence, independence and resilience in older adults. In this interview, she shares why she works with seniors, the myths she wants to kill off, and what really gets people showing up week after week.

For people who do not know you yet, what is your rehab background?
I mainly focus on breathing, manipulating the neurological system for pain management and being a huge part of the rehabilitation process.

Why do you want to work with seniors?
Because they remind me of my own parents, and I feel that seniors want to be independent and feel young again. And as one grows older, your fear of pain, falling down and getting hurt intensifies. So I hope to educate them that their bodies are stronger than they think and not to be afraid.

Why is rehab training important for seniors? What aches and pains do they typically face, and what is the cause of it?
Rehab training is important for everyone and particularly seniors. As one grows older, without maintaining strength and resilience, the body will start to lose muscles and tolerance, causing it to feel even more sensitive and vulnerable. Most seniors I face have knee and back/hip pain mostly and I would simply blame it on lack of movement and strength training.

What assessments do you run in class when a new senior joins your class?
Basic body movements like toe touching, full squat and balancing on one leg.

One myth about ageing and strength you want to kill off today?
When you have pain, the more you shouldn’t avoid that pain, and pushing through it sometimes (as long as it’s tolerable) will actually get rid of the pain.

What are some challenges you face, working with seniors?
Being overly careful and not wanting to push themselves more even if they could.

How quickly do seniors start to experience benefits?
It really depends on every individual and how much effort they put in themselves. Definitely the more you practice, the more progressions and benefits you’ll gain!

What do you want seniors to feel when they leave the 1pm class on Saturday?
I want them to feel that they’re not as fragile as they think they are and that pain is not a factor limiting their bodies’ capabilities.

What do you say to someone who insists they are “too old” or “too weak” to start?
Muscles know no age, it only knows how to grow under pressure and stress.

How to get my parents/grandparents to sign up?
Set an example first, show them the benefits you’ve gained from working out and encourage them to do so as well. Because they should stay fit and healthy and not rely on anyone to take care of them.

What gets seniors to show up on Saturdays and keep showing up?
My charm? Hahaha. I will make sure that they feel challenged every week and feel stronger each time and hopefully they’ll get addicted to the wellness of working out!

Who is the class perfect for?
Everyone who is not in serious health issues and has the green light from the doctor to exercise!

Who is not ready yet and what should they do first?
If you’ve just had a surgery of some sort, or certain illnesses. Get a proper medical clearance first before attending. Or if you’re really in a lot of pain somehow, seek someone to help with reducing the pain first, someone like me. Wink.

What to bring, what to wear, and how early to arrive?
Comfortable exercising clothes that are breathable and able to stretch in. Shoes that are not too thick and preferably no arch support as well. You want to be able to feel your feet on the floor to work the tiny muscles.

Join Ileane’s Seniors class this Saturday at 1pm and find out how you’re neither “too old” nor “too weak”. Sign up here.

Enjoy a complimentary Personal Training session

New to Level? Start your first consultation with us.

To make sure this is the right place for you we provide a complimentary personal training session for us to learn about your current exercise program, lifestyle, fitness goals, and for you to experience our facilities.