A record 11,978 athletes from around the world just wrapped up the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. The event has been held since 1987 for athletes 50 and over in everything from track and field to bowling, basketball to disc golf, and softball to triathlon.
Those 12,000 people represent the growing enthusiasm behind “older” people enjoying sports.
They’re not letting age keep them from doing what they love.
Many of them know that training at a gym is the best way to build the strength, stamina, and agility they need to excel.
How about you? Did you used to enjoy playing a sport or two? Are you hoping to take one up soon?
Regular exercise at a gym or studio can keep you ready for anything – even if you don’t care about playing sports.
“Be fit – or suffer the consequences,” says the US Tennis Association to anyone who wants to keep playing past middle age.
And it’s not just tennis! Many sports, like golf, pickleball, and even running, require endurance, flexibility, and power in the legs, butt, and arms. And a solid core will get you farther along in everything.
‘My Secret to Getting Older’
As the Baby Boom generation maintains activities, we see increases in all activities.
- The number of golfers over 65 rose to 4.2 million in 2018, up 17 percent from the previous year, according to the National Golf Foundation.
- Baby boomers make up about 20 percent of US skiers.
- More than 15,000 athletes over 50 competed in track and field, softball, pickleball, swimming, and other events at the National Senior Games in 2019, another omnibus mega-event.
Eva Sorensen, 101, of Alexandria, Virginia, was this year’s oldest competitor at the Utah games. She’s a top bowler and shuffleboard player who has been participating in the event for 15 years.
“That’s my secret to getting older,” she told a TV station. “I’m not going to quit. I’m going to make 110 at least.”
The Huntsman Games also boost participants’ health with screenings for cancer, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.
Even Runners Need Muscle
Resistance training has gained traction among even elite runners partly because humans lose muscle mass starting in midlife.
“My runners that are around 60 might only run three to four days a week and spend the rest of their training time in the gym,” Masters running coach and former Olympian John Henwood told Outside magazine.
Nordic walking involves walking with ski poles in your hands, which makes it a good upper-body workout. It’s also low-impact and easy on the joints.
And pickleball is taking over the world. It’s like a cross between tennis and ping pong, particularly popular among people over 50.
Sports are fun, social, and good exercise. Working out right can help you enjoy them even more!
See us now so you can keep enjoying what you enjoy – sports, gardening, dancing, or just living!
We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!
Interested in changing your life for the better? Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of! Learn more here: 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.
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