FAQs

Why are you called 50fifty?
First, we are for people over the age of 50 with a devotion to working the "whole" body (50%) and the brain (the other 50%). We also liked how it sounded!

Why only people over 50?
At this age, you require a different workout than you did in your 20s and 30s. Your body changes and your training techniques and equipment should change with it. But most importantly, starting with people in their 50s you can take steps that will help you live a longer, healthier and active life well into your later years.

Is Linda Blamer a personal trainer?
No, and she is not training anyone, because here at 50fifty we only use experienced master certified personal trainers. But maybe more importantly, she has worked with numerous personal trainers for the last 25 years and knows what has and has not worked for her. She looks at it from the client's perspective

What are the essential pillars for maintaining a healthy brain and body?
1) Physical exercise, 2) Mental exercise, 3) Nutrition and 4) Stress management.

What experience does 50fifty have regarding brain fitness?
50fifty is affiliated with Lumosity, one of the world's leading research development companies in cognitive neuroscience brain games. Lumosity has been tested among 7,200,000 people worldwide. Lumosity was selected vs. hundreds of other online and software games by 50fifty.

What are cognitive abilities?
Cognitive abilities are the brain based skills you need to carry out any task from the simplest to the most complex.

Is exercising my brain at work enough?
Brain cells grow in active areas of the brain. Therefore you want to challenge your brain with a variety of types of tasks regularly in order to keep as much of your brain as active as possible.

Does a brain program really work?
Recent research shows that the brain remains placid and trainable throughout life. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association a significant percentage of participants who trained for over 5 weeks (even after the age of 65) improved their memory, reasoning and information processing speed. You are never too young to start or old to begin.

What is the difference between one computerized based program and the next?
The best are those created by neuroscientists and do rigorous testing to ensure performance and results. Some off the shelf computer games simply do not carry the credentials and wherewithal to stimulate the entire brain.

Why are so many brain games now appearing?
With recent scientific developments it has become much easier and cheaper to learn about the brain. Research on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis is increasing all the time. With these tools came scientific evidence that cognitive training is neuroprotective.

What does a good brain program need to have?
A good program should include an assessment, a variety of challenging tasks that use different cognitive skills, regular practice and feedback. At 50fifty our trainers make it easy and fun at the same time.

What actual games are good for exercising the brain?
Look for games that focus on life's abilities such as working memory, visual and auditory short-term memory, planning, location memory, naming, time estimation, divided attention and hand/eye coordination. All of these are utilized at 50fifty.

Can menopause affect your cognitive thinking?
Yes. There is some evidence that women with lower estrogen levels experience faster cognitive decline. In fact women who take estrogen supplements and exercise their brain do better on certain memory tests.

Do I have to pay when I sign-up?
No, quite the opposite. We want you to be convinced 50fifty is right for you. But just so you know there are no club annual or monthly membership fees, initiation fees or monthly dues with 50fifty - that saves you thousands of dollars each year. It is important to us at 50fifty, that you are fully committed to our unique program before officially signing up.

What does it cost?
We are competitively priced vs. other personal training services, but also offer our clients several ways to save money off our standard prices. (click for pricing)

If I am not 50, can I sign-up?
We would never want to turn anyone away, especially those who believe like we do in both the body and the brain fitness regiment. But to be fair, our entire program is geared to the 50 plus baby boomer crowd.

How do you measure success with the brain and body?
We use state of the art body composition monitors. In less than 3 minutes we give you a complete review of all the key factors for a healthy body. We review the results with you and compare and measure on a consistent on-going basis after every 12th session. We also, with the help of the computer, score and track your brain results and automatically increase the intensity once each level is reached. After each brain session, you will be given a BPI (Brain Performance Index) to see your progress.

Why do you believe in an exclusive one-on-one gym?
50fifty is only about the brain and body. We are not a social meeting place. Our objective is full concentration with no distractions even by other clients in the room. It is just you and the trainer.

Can't I do this all on my own?
Sure. And you should if you decide not to come to 50fifty. You will live a better and longer life. But at 50fifty, we use proven tools, specialized equipment and personalized/customized one-on-one sessions to make sure you are doing your brain and body exercises properly, and to maximize your growth and development. Another reason is commitment. Studies show clients stick with a program over a longer period of time when a personal trainer is involved.

Can I just sign-up for the physical fitness and not the brain?
No, I am sorry, but we are committed and passionately believe in the "whole" body and brain regiment.

Can I do the brain fitness on my own?
Yes, but not at 50fifty. Regiment, consistency and stimulating the brain when your blood flow is maximized will ensure that you are being challenged and generating new neurons. Remember, your brain needs new and different stimuli on a consistent basis that can delay or prolong the onset of dementia and/or Alzheimer's.

How would you describe the environment at 50fifty?
Friendly, open but focused on results. It's about the client above anything else! We use color vs. the stainless steel/black colored environment you see in most gyms. Research has proven that color is a highly stimulating and motivating factor when working out.

What level of trainers do you use?
All trainers are certified with a minimum of 3 years experience. They are hand-selected by the founder and tested by the Lead Master Trainer to ensure they have all the qualities necessary to be a part of the 50fifty team. All trainers must train Linda Blamer, our founder, before joining 50fifty to ensure they possess the right attitude and skill level.

Can I buy sessions individually?
Yes. But we also offer significant savings at different package levels, during both peak and non-peak hours.

Why doesn't 50fifty have long-term client contracts?
We are a pay as you go service. We do not believe in tying anyone up and wasting their money should they decide not to continue with our program. Also, we do not believe that if you take a small break/vacation/sick from the service that you should be penalized for the time away. The client, not the gym, is our number one priority.