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Jenny McClendon, MS, PT, CGCP, is the captivating producer of Jenny Fit Start, a fitness channel on YouTube that caters to seniors and beginners. Whether you want to build strength, increase mobility, or just get going, Jenny’s careful approach to fitness makes every level feel at home. Showcased in Oprah Magazine and Glamour Magazine, Jenny’s easy and enjoyable exercise programs have been applauded for their ease of access and fun appeal for all skill levels. Jenny’s Fit Bunch is a community of members that grants exclusive access to live classes, customized training, and nutrition content, bringing Jenny’s drive at any time. In this interview, Jenny shares her journey and offers insights into her wonderful programs and training.
Jenny, your journey from physical therapy to becoming a leading advocate for senior fitness has been inspiring. What motivated you to focus specifically on balance and bone density, and how has your background shaped your approach?
I fell in love with working with active seniors early in my career, mainly due to how inspiring they are to me and how much I wanted to assure them that aging doesn’t have to be a negative aspect of life. As we age, our lives start to feel “small,” and I want to make their life BIG, full of life and energy and fun through health and fitness. As I continued to work with active seniors, I noticed how very important weight-bearing exercises and strength training are, which can help maintain/improve our bone density and balance, and therefore, will lead to a decrease in the risk of falls, increase ease in daily activities, and an improved quality of life.
Falls and fractures are significant concerns for older adults. What are the most common misconceptions about senior fitness, and how can exercise be used as a preventive tool to improve stability and strengthen bones?
The biggest misconception I see/hear is that we can’t do things when we age (“I’m too old for that.”). Instead of giving up on certain activities, it’s more important to simply modify them so that they are safe, appropriate, and fit into our lifestyle. Exercise is medicine – just like we take medicine to help treat/prevent health problems, we can use mobility and exercise in the same way. The better mobility, flexibility, endurance, and strength we have, the less risk we have of falling and fractures.
Your YouTube channel, Jenny Fit Start, has made fitness more accessible to seniors worldwide. What key elements make your workouts both effective and engaging, and how do you ensure they are safe yet challenging enough for real progress?
To better my channel, I read all my comments – I listen to each and every viewer and member. The common theme I hear is that they love that I have a Physical Therapy background, so they know they can trust me and know that my programs are safe. They also like that I am real, personable, and motivating, in a non-intimidating atmosphere. I also LOVE to have fun, so I feel the more energy you give, the more you receive. I’ve been in the industry over 30 years and continue to teach at least 6 classes a week.
With aging comes a natural decline in muscle mass and bone density. What specific types of exercises do you recommend to counteract these effects, and how can seniors incorporate them into their daily routines for long-term benefits?
Weight-bearing exercises — exercises where we feel some pressure and where our feet come off the ground — are key to maintaining muscle mass and bone density. I highly recommend walking, dancing, aerobics, up/down steps, wall push-ups, squats, and strength training with bands and weights.
Mindset plays a crucial role in staying active at any age. How do you motivate individuals who may feel discouraged or hesitant to start a fitness journey, especially those who believe it’s ‘too late’ for them?
I always ask my clients, “When have you ever done a workout and then regretted it afterwards?” I remind them that the hardest part is getting started and remembering how you feel afterwards. I also highly encourage participating in activities that are fun—that bring you joy—because you are likely to return to those activities. The best thing to do is start slow and gradually add time, reps, and different exercises.
For seniors and beginners looking to enhance their fitness and overall well-being, what is the one piece of advice you would give to help them stay committed and see lasting results?
It’s never too late to see or feel a change! Small, tiny changes over time can lead to massive, life-changing results.
