Jessica Rackman, sexagenarian and proud grandmother, is the founder of F.I.T.T. Over 40, a personal training service catering primarily to the over-40 crowd. Founded in September of 2005, the company services clients well into their 80s. Her acronym F.I.T.T. alludes to four key elements in successful exercising: Frequency, Intensity, Type and Time. Originally based in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Rackman currently resides in Livingston and is looking to expand her practice to Essex and Bergen Counties.
After earning her B.A. and graduating Magna Cum Laude from Brooklyn College, Rackman went on to earn an AAS in Exercise Science. She is certified by the American Council of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and she is a member of IDEA, a professional organization providing continuing education in the science of exercise. Rackman has written articles and has given presentations to local communities. She is also a licensed CPR instructor.
In describing her process, Rackman shared, “I begin with an initial health history intake, an assessment of the client’s fitness level and a discussion about his or her goals. If a client is coming off an injury or illness, I will consult with their medical practitioner before framing a customized and progressive exercise program. I explain the purpose of each exercise to the client and always include enjoyment in the process. I chart the client’s progress at each session to make sure the program is working maximally. My sessions are one hour long, beginning with a warm-up followed by resistance training including dumbbells, bands, stability balls and balance boards. I end each session with passive stretching.”
Rackman explained that training a population of older than 40 is a totally different mission than training the younger set. The key word in training the more mature individual is “functionality.”
As we age, daily activities must be reinforced so that we age gracefully. Everyday activities such as getting up from a deep sofa, sitting on the floor with grandchildren, maintaining balance while carrying groceries and reaching up on a high shelf, all can be strengthened so that our quality of life is enhanced. Rackman has many calls from adult children whose parents have moved into their homes and can use assistance in navigating their way in this new environment. She has found these sessions to be greatly appreciated by the client and the hosting families.
“Whether it’s weight loss, increasing lean muscle mass, improving bone density or simply being more fit, I will help you look and feel your absolute best,” Rackman said. “Stay fit, stay healthy, live longer, live better.”
Rackman’s sessions are held in her home studio in Livingston. She welcomes calls from other counties in New Jersey and will work with clients on finding suitable locations and time slots.
To contact Jessica Rackman for further information about F.I.T.T. Over 40, email her at [email protected] or call
718-309-7914.
By Pearl Markovitz
