As we get older, our bodies start to function differently, making it difficult to complete specific tasks, such as daily habits, routines, and even exercises. And when you’re an older athlete, changes in your body functions and how you do tasks and physical work can be challenging.

When you’re an older athlete who wants to maintain fitness, there are special exercise considerations that you must be aware of due to the effects of your muscles and joints aging, your cardiovascular fitness, and various physical parameters. Some older athletes get a fitness coach to have a custom, well-designed training program that would help them stay fit as they age. 

If you’re curious about how older athletes could maintain their fitness, keep reading. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my ultimate guide to helping older athletes stay physically fit. Let’s begin!

Speed

When you get older, you’ll notice that your body will start to slow down, especially when you’re an older athlete and you’re used to doing rapid movements. If this is beginning to bother you, you can slow age-related declines in speed with the following training methods below:

• Interval training and hill running: These types of exercises will condition both your aerobic and anaerobic systems, resulting in significant fitness improvements.
• Weight training: This training type will help maintain muscle tone and strength and improve fast-twitch muscle fibers. 
• Plyometric exercises: To increase your power and strength, plyometric exercises can do just that by focusing on movements that exert maximum force in your muscles for short interval times.

Ideally, you want to work with a fitness coach who is aware of your past activities and physical health to create specific programs that will help you focus on speed while being safe. 

Endurance

You may notice that as you get older, there will be many other fitness declines, such as your body composition, where you’ll find an increase in body fat and a decrease in muscle mass. Some may even experience a loss of height due to osteoporosis and even diminished cardiorespiratory capacity and muscle atrophy. 

However, despite these declines, there are different physical activities older athletes can do to counter these losses and improve their endurance.

Nutrition

One of the best ways to protect your joints from age-related degeneration is by practicing proper nutrition. When you age, your joints become less flexible, and you’ll also lose range of motion, compromising your physical abilities. And for this reason, you must make sure your body is getting enough nutrients, especially when you’re an older athlete. 

Take vitamin C to increase collagen formation. For anti-inflammatory effects, make Omega-3 oils and bioflavonoids part of your daily regimen. Sulphur-containing amino acids that you can get from meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and some vegetables can enhance joint cartilage health. As for protection against damaging free radicals, you can take antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E.

Before taking any supplements, you should speak to your doctor or a holistic health coach so that you can buy the right supplements that will give you the nutrients your body is lacking. 

Conclusion

For some older athletes, slowing down and experiencing changes in their bodies can be a bit disheartening. However, you should know that you’ll still be able to remain fit and healthy with determination and focus. You can do this by following specific exercises and programs created by your fitness coach. In no time, you’ll notice having improved speed, endurance, and nutrition, and doing physical activities will again be a piece of cake for you.

If you’re looking for a fitness coach, you’ve come to the right place. I am Meg Parker, an intentional health coach and a skilled licensed massage therapist. Are you thinking of starting your fitness journey today? Schedule a discovery call with me!