Emma Mattison | Holistic Fitness & Health for 40+

A: I've carefully designed these programs to meet the unique health and wellness needs of adults over 40. This program is specifically designed for adults over 40 who are new to fitness or returning after a break. It's ideal for those who want to start building a foundation in balance, strength, and general health, particularly if you have had mobility or balance challenges.

A: While there are no strict fitness prerequisites for the Intermediate program, it's important to complete the level placement survey on my homepage, especially if you haven't done so already. This program is designed for individuals who already have some foundational fitness experience, making it a step up from the beginner level. Prior experience in basic exercise or fitness routines is beneficial. As always, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new fitness regimen, particularly if you have any health concerns. This ensures the program is a good fit for your current fitness level and health status.

In the Intermediate program, you'll need a yoga ball, resistance bands, light dumbbells or a similar weighted object, and a sturdy chair. While I recommend specific brands and types within the program, feel free to choose suitable alternatives. A yoga ball is strongly encouraged due to its versatility for corrective exercises and core stability, with guidance on choosing the right size provided in the program. For resistance training, standard flat resistance bands, pull-up assistance bands, and loop resistance bands are used. You can tie a flat band into a loop if you don't have a loop band. A set of light dumbbells is useful, but any comparable weighted object can be substituted. Make sure to use a solid, stable chair for certain exercises, and avoid using cushioned furniture. If you don’t have the required equipment for any workout, it’s best to skip that exercise.

A: The Beginner Functional Fitness program is an 8-week course that focuses on mastering functional movement patterns. We start by teaching the foundational movements and gradually increase volume each week — meaning more repetitions or sets — to build your strength and proficiency. The progression prioritizes volume first, allowing you to become comfortable and confident with each movement before moving on to more complex exercises. The course features a combination of highly detailed "teaching" videos, which provide thorough instruction on form and highlight common mistakes, and "practice" videos. These practice videos are designed for you to work alongside after learning the movements, ensuring continuous reinforcement of critical form reminders. This approach ensures a solid foundation in functional fitness, tailored to mature adults embarking on their fitness journey.

A: While the programs are premade, I've developed them to accommodate diverse fitness levels and objectives that are common in adults over 40. When you choose a program, you'll fill out a comprehensive survey that helps pinpoint the plan that best aligns with your fitness status, medical background, and personal health goals. This way, even though the program is premade, it's still targeted to your needs.

A: I understand that starting a new fitness regimen can be daunting, which is why I've put a system in place to guide you. The initial survey you complete is instrumental in identifying the right program for you. It considers your current fitness level, any existing health conditions, and your ultimate wellness goals. Based on your responses, you'll be directed to the program that is most suited to your situation.

A: I am a NASM-certified Personal Trainer, nutrition coach, and a specialist in functional aging through the Functional Aging Institute (FAI). Additionally, I hold certifications in stretch and flexibility coaching and am a qualified virtual trainer. Currently, I am furthering my education with graduate studies in Exercise Science, with a concentration on exercise physiology and protocol development. Through the FAI, I also have numerous specific certifications in working with clients with joint replacements, kettlebells, as well as having my certification for Tai Chi.

A: Absolutely, I believe that investing in your health shouldn’t be a financial burden. That's why I offer various payment plans to accommodate different budget needs. You have the option to pay in full for the complete program or select a payment plan that's spread over the duration of the program.

A: While these programs are designed to be self-guided, I ensure that all the necessary resources you need to succeed, including detailed program guidelines, exercise descriptions, and nutritional advice (if applicable), are at your fingertips. However, for clients who need more hands-on support and accountability, I recommend exploring my 1-on-1 training options.