The saying, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” grows truer with age. It’s easy to tell yourself, “I really need to go for a walk” as you sit in your chair. Yet it takes effort to switch off the TV or put down your book, then get up and go.

But you don’t have to motivate yourself alone. Having someone hold you accountable, tailor an exercise program, guide you through routines and carefully monitor your progress makes a huge difference. It’s fun to walk with friends or dogs, but they won’t give you the feedback a professional can.

Jaan Heinmets finds that squeezing an exercise ball between his knees develops his leg muscles. Photo by James Harris Photography

Kristen Nielsen, 46, is a certified personal trainer specializing in senior fitness and functional aging. As the owner of TogetherWON, she helps older adults regain strength, mobility, balance and confidence through tailored exercise programs. Her services are offered either at her home studio in northeast Colorado Springs or in the client’s home. 

Nielsen, who’s certified by the American Council on Exercise, understands how physical challenges can lead to social isolation and emotional struggles, and works to reverse those effects through fitness.

“When older adults start to lose their physical health, they tend to pull out of life,” said Nielsen.

Her work aligns with the expertise of other professionals in the field, like Jack Butler, a trainer at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers - Rockrimmon. Butler summed up the importance of exercise by saying, “Motion is lotion!” 

But the benefits go beyond just flexible joints.

“Exercise is proven to lower depression, increase energy levels and many more benefits,” said Butler, who holds an associate degree in physical therapy, is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has studied modern management of the older adult through the Institute of Clinical Excellence.

“Working with older adults can have a huge effect on the patient’s daily life and ability to remain independent,” said Butler. 

FLEXIBILITY, STAMINA, STRENGTH

Jaan Heinmets, 77, has worked with Nielsen for almost two years—and his wife, Shirley,  makes sure he keeps up with his exercises.

Heinmets, who once enjoyed walking 12 to 13 miles with ease, found his balance deteriorating over time. 

Kristen Nielsen demonstrates proper form, as Richard Leahy twists his body to flex his spine. Photo by James Harris Photography

“Progressively, I got weaker and my balance got bad,” said Heinmets. “It was to a point where I was falling, even with [hiking poles].”

Heinmets now follows Nielsen’s guidance on improving balance. One exercise involves standing while lifting each foot over an object like a small traffic cone or placing his feet on colorful disks on the floor. 

“It’s still hard, but it’s much, much better,” Heinmets said. “Every now and then, I have a setback because I’m doing something I don’t normally do. The thing about Kristen is that she makes me want to succeed.” 

Nielsen believes in the importance of personalized plans based on each client’s needs. She evaluates clients’ health metrics, including heart rate and blood pressure, to ensure that each program is safe and effective. However, she always advises clients to consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine.

“I think it is better to be preventive and proactive, rather than reactive,” said Heinmets.

Richard Leahy began working with Nielsen in July 2024. At 66, he had always viewed exercise as a chore, but realized his mindset needed to change as he noticed the effects of aging. 

Nielsen had him lying on the floor, putting his feet up against the wall while crossing his legs to improve flexibility, especially in his hips.

“She has me doing that every weekend,” Leahy said. “I had a hard time doing that at first, but now it’s easy.”

He also does short, intense cardiovascular exercises to increase his heart rate and boost his stamina.

Another major age-related issue Nielsen sees in her clients is sarcopenia—a loss of muscle mass. Through personalized fitness programs, Nielsen works with clients to rebuild lost muscle mass, which helps seniors maintain their independence and overall quality of life.

“A lot of people, by the time they are 60, have lost half of their original muscle tissue,” said Nielsen.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN

Nielsen also incorporates brain-boosting exercises into her fitness programs. One mental exercise uses lighted pods that flash in various patterns and colors. Clients are instructed to touch the corresponding light with the correct hand, combining physical movement with cognitive challenges.

Shirley Heinmets improves her brain’s processing speed by coordinating her hands to lighted pods while balancing on an exercise ball.

In addition to being a certified brain health trainer, Nielsen is passionate about learning more about dementia and its early symptoms. She cited recent research showing that combining physical activity with mental challenges, such as puzzles, creates more neural connections in the brain. 

“It’s like a one-two punch. It gives you that much more benefit,” she said.

One thing Butler likes about working with seniors is helping them unlock their own capabilities.

“It is so rewarding to see people overcome physical limitations,” added Nielsen. “I find a lot of joy in it.”

FIND YOUR BEST FIT—TRAINER, THAT IS

Here are some key questions to ask: 

• Is the trainer affiliated with a gym? Do they have a home studio or will they come to your home? 
• Where are they located? The closer to home, the fewer excuses not to go.
• What are their qualifications?
• Do they offer exercises specifically tailored for seniors? Relay your specific challenges. Common concerns for seniors include mobility, balance, stamina and strength.
• What do their services cost? While online or TV exercises can be helpful on a budget, they won’t provide a personalized program or feedback.

Ron Versaw uses straps attached to the ceiling in Kristen Nielsen’s home studio to build his strength. Photo by James Harris Photography

READY TO GET STARTED?

Book a free balance assessment with Kristen Nielsen with TogetherWON, TogetherWON.com, 719-243-2877

Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers

• Gleneagle: 12229 Voyager Pkwy #150, 719-488-0120
• Briargate: 4025 Family Place, 719-471-4430
• Rockrimmon: 6385 Corporate Drive #307, 719-219-9795
• South Colorado Springs: 1803 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., 719-527-0848
• Falcon: 7622 McLaughlin Road, Peyton, 719-495-3133

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