Personal trainer Bob Bursach, 82, works with his client, Miriam Varadi during a fitness session in Toronto on Friday, January 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Bob Bursach, a seasoned personal trainer based in Toronto, has spent much of his career working with professional athletes, but now he’s dedicating his expertise to a new group: seniors. At 82 years old, Bursach is proving that exercise is vital for all ages, especially for seniors.
Bursach's oldest client is an impressive 96-year-old woman who he trains twice a week. For him, the best part of his job is witnessing the tangible improvements in his clients’ lives, particularly when they realize they can rise from the floor without assistance. "The first thing they notice is their strength coming back," says Bursach, highlighting the profound benefits of regular physical activity, especially for seniors.
His youthful appearance and health are no accident — he credits his daily exercise routine as the key to staying in top shape. His success echoes a growing body of research emphasizing the importance of exercise for seniors, even those in their 80s and 90s. A recent paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal calls for more doctors to prescribe physical activity to older patients.
The paper, led by Dr. Jane Thornton, Canada Research Chair in Injury Prevention and Physical Activity for Health, challenges old assumptions that frailty, age, or functional impairments should prevent doctors from recommending exercise. In fact, Thornton asserts, these conditions should be viewed as reasons to promote physical activity, not as barriers.
Thornton's team reviewed the latest studies on exercise and aging, finding that physical activity is a powerful tool against over 30 chronic conditions commonly affecting older adults, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and dementia. A 2023 meta-analysis cited in the study found that meeting the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week could reduce the risk of death by 31% compared to sedentary behavior.
Thornton stresses that it’s never too late to start exercising, noting that even small improvements in daily activities can significantly enhance one’s quality of life. For seniors new to exercise, she advises starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity. In cases where seniors have health concerns, supervised exercise can help ensure safety before transitioning to independent activity.
Physical therapists, kinesiologists, and certified personal trainers with proper training can offer valuable guidance, ensuring seniors exercise safely and effectively. For those with specific conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, the paper recommends alternatives like water-based exercises, tai chi, and resistance band training, all of which can improve balance and muscle strength.
Bursach, who tailors each client’s regimen based on their physical evaluation, believes in the motto "train but don’t strain." His approach highlights the importance of personalized fitness plans that help seniors stay active without overexerting themselves.
Leigh Vanderloo, scientific director at ParticipAction, also emphasizes the need to overcome the fear that often prevents seniors from exercising. She compares this reluctance to the nervousness parents feel when letting young children take risks. In reality, Vanderloo says, staying active is one of the best ways to promote healthy aging and prevent falls — a crucial concern for many seniors.
For Bursach, seeing his clients thrive through exercise is the ultimate reward. "It’s not just about getting stronger; it’s about improving their quality of life," he says, reinforcing the idea that exercise can help seniors regain their independence and well-being.
