Stay Strong and Fit for Your Favorite Outdoor Sports

Golfing, tennis, running and other outdoor sports are just as important later in life as they were in our 20s, 30s, and 40s.

You still want a strong drive on the golf course, a good serve in tennis, and stamina to enjoy a run.

As we begin to see states loosening coronavirus restrictions, outdoor venues – like golf courses and tennis courts – are often among the first to welcome back players. Even if that’s not the case for you yet, we all must maintain your strength, endurance, and flexibility during this time.

With businesses opening back up, like ours will on Monday, May 11th. We’re still here to help with online workouts, videos, PDFS, and more.

Golfers Are Looking Stronger

Have you noticed how much more fit PGA golfers tend to be these days? It’s true even for one legend in his 60s, Greg Norman.

“I don’t work out to be ego-fit. I work out to be life-fit,” says Norman, who refers to his fitness as a “15^th club in my bag.”

Focus on core, mobility, and flexibility, says current star, Justin Thomas. He works to stabilize muscles in his abdomen, back, hips, and glutes – key for powerful swings and proper alignment.

If an amateur golfer lacks flexibility, mobility, stability, and core strength, “the ability to execute the golf swing in an efficient manner is going to be limited,” says Sean Cochran, trainer to PGA stalwart Phil Mickelson.

‘Changes in My Body Were Starting’

Millions of people around the world play tennis regularly, at all ages. They even like to call it “The Sport of a Lifetime.”

It can add a decade to your life, says a study reported by the Mayo Clinic. That’s a greater gain than from cycling, swimming, or running.“Once I hit 50, I could tell changes in my body were starting to happen – and that made me more determined to make sure I stay active,” says Brooke Kline, 53, an educator. So, Brooke altered his gym workouts to keep him sharp for tennis. He focuses on strength, mobility, and speed. Tennis is also fun and social, and it offers these benefits, according to Tennis Canada:

• A reduced risk of heart disease
• Better balance, coordination, and agility
• Increased brain power
• Weight control
• Bone strength
• Better stamina

Runners Need to Strength, Too

Resistance training has been gaining traction among 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.

He also says mature runners should use cardio equipment at the gym, like elliptical machines and stair climbers.

A running-only focus can leave you lacking flexibility and functional diversity that keeps you better able to handle daily life.

“The more different things you do, the more of an athlete you inherently are,” says physical therapist and author Jay Dicharry

Stay Fit to Enjoy Your Grandkids – And Let Them Enjoy You

Why be fit after 50? For millions of people around the world, their No. 1 reason is their grandchildren.

Being an active grandparent requires physical ability – strength, endurance and flexibility – that you can build in a gym or fitness studio.

When the grandchild is an infant, you want to get down on the floor – and then back up again. As the kids grow and get heavier, you’ll be picking them up and carrying them around. By the time they can run, they’re going to want Grandma and Grandpa to go outside and play.

Get them away from screens and engaging in creative play that neither of you will think about as “exercise.”

Gain confidence with strong legs, back, core, glutes and more. We’re here to help, so come tell us about your special little ones and we’ll get you in shape for fun, healthy activities like…

• Visiting a playground to swing, climb and help them explore.
• Hiking in a neighborhood or out of town on a trail. Play “I Spy with My Little Eye” or scavenger hunt games. Look for certain wildlife or birds. More info: The American Hiking Society.
• Bicycling – As they keep growing, think of the special times you’ll have riding together.
• Snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling – Don’t let winter keep you inside. Bundle up, stay safe, and have fun.
• Skating – Roller-skating at a rink or on your sidewalk, plus ice skating in the winter.

Working out – If you’ve walked them to, say, gymnastics practice, sneak in your own workout if possible