OT: How do you old guys stay in competitive shape?

[storrsroars]

I used to be decent to good at numerous sports back in CT. Moved to a new city, started a business, got fat and didn't "compete" in anything that involved a ball or teams for almost 20 years, with the exception of an evening 9-hole golf league for couple of years.

At 62 I finally dropped some pounds this year, got to biking regularly and found an over-55 softball league so I'd have something where I could release pent up competitive juices.

Slowpitch is a sport I used to rule. I was told that "newbies" who hadn't played in a decade or two typically got injured right away and it was mostly hammies. I figured my hammies would be OK from the biking, but I made sure they were stretched out well before playing my first game.

Hammies were fine. Between fielding errant throws and trying to accelerate out of the batter's box I did pull both groins and twisted a knee first game. Took the next one off, wrapped up my legs like Mickey Mantle for the one after that, then pulled a quad and a calf. All the while I went a whopping 2-for-16 as I was hitting flatfooted and required a runner.

I went out an purchased an impressive collection of compression sleeves for various body parts. I healed with the help of some PT, came back, hit .700 in final three games while running for myself but now have a stress fracture in my outer ankle which I believe is from running bases.

Based on the amount and types of yardwork I do, I was not expecting a complete physical breakdown from frigging slowpitch softball. But damn. Every throw feels like I'm ripping years of scar tissue. God forbid I decide to dive for a ball... who knows what will break?

I've received from other players advice ranging from, "I do tai chi every morning" to "The secret is to never stretch a damned thing!" when asking about how they keep their atrophied muscles and arthritic joints limber and their brittle bones from breaking.

So what's you're secret for limbering up to play competitive sports at at least a competent level once you're past 60? What should I be doing this offseason to prepare for next year?

 

[UC313]

Blue emu oil.

 

[husky429]

Stretch after not before games. Do a dynamic warm-up instead. Not the reason youre getting ALL those injuries, but it may contribute.

Some people are just genetically more sturdy, even if you were once quite fit. Take it easy and have fun. It's softball.

 

[uconnphil2016]

I'm 25 and just pulled my groin yesterday, so I'm right there with ya!

 

[tcf15]

Forget about stretching - just jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Forget about stretching - just jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups.

The way his belly shakes when he says 'hut' makes the show

 

[Deepster]

I believe you have 3 components: How you eat, how you drink alcohol and how you exercise.

When you get older, you have to be smart about (at least) 2 of the 3. If you want to eat poorly, you need to monitor your alcohol and exercise regularly. If you don't want to exercise regularly, you need to be strict about what you're eating and drinking.

Most guys want to eat and drink like they're 22 and don't exercise nearly enough and the pounds mount.

 

[Guapo]

Pepe's/Sally's/Modern

 

[CL82]

Uh, when you say competitive, do you mean competitive eating?

 

[storrsroars]

Uh, when you say competitive, do you mean competitive eating?

I understand that "sport" even less than I do adults who still watch wrestling.

Pepe's/Sally's/Modern

I imagine that I could burn a butt ton of calories running back and forth between Pittsburgh and New Haven.

 

[Mano]

I used to be decent to good at numerous sports back in CT. Moved to a new city, started a business, got fat and didn't "compete" in anything that involved a ball or teams for almost 20 years, with the exception of an evening 9-hole golf league for couple of years.

At 62 I finally dropped some pounds this year, got to biking regularly and found an over-55 softball league so I'd have something where I could release pent up competitive juices.

Slowpitch is a sport I used to rule. I was told that "newbies" who hadn't played in a decade or two typically got injured right away and it was mostly hammies. I figured my hammies would be OK from the biking, but I made sure they were stretched out well before playing my first game.

Hammies were fine. Between fielding errant throws and trying to accelerate out of the batter's box I did pull both groins and twisted a knee first game. Took the next one off, wrapped up my legs like Mickey Mantle for the one after that, then pulled a quad and a calf. All the while I went a whopping 2-for-16 as I was hitting flatfooted and required a runner.

I went out an purchased an impressive collection of compression sleeves for various body parts. I healed with the help of some PT, came back, hit .700 in final three games while running for myself but now have a stress fracture in my outer ankle which I believe is from running bases.

Based on the amount and types of yardwork I do, I was not expecting a complete physical breakdown from frigging slowpitch softball. But damn. Every throw feels like I'm ripping years of scar tissue. God forbid I decide to dive for a ball... who knows what will break?

I've received from other players advice ranging from, "I do tai chi every morning" to "The secret is to never stretch a damned thing!" when asking about how they keep their atrophied muscles and arthritic joints limber and their brittle bones from breaking.

So what's you're secret for limbering up to play competitive sports at at least a competent level once you're past 60? What should I be doing this offseason to prepare for next year?

I know you were being earnest and this was not the intended effect, but I couldn't stop LOLing while reading this for some reason. And it's been a few years since I've had a chance to do anything more than just jog (house, kids, etc), so I really shouldn't be laughing since I'd probably have a similar breakdown or three.

Also I have nothing to offer in the way of advice, sorry.

 

[Guapo]

Pizza will save you; I promise.

 

[huskeynut]

I'm in my mid 60's now. The body does not want to do what it use to. That just a fact of life. I use to backpack regularly when we lived in CT, but the last few years became difficult at best. The body just wouldn't carry the load. It doesn't help I have arthritis in my lower back and neck either.

Two years ago I got rid of a major vice - smoking. And proceeded to gain weight. Now I work to get the weight. Biking 4 to 6 miles each morning is getting it off along with changing my eating habits. Biking is great for the legs, knees (I've had both knees cut twice), the back and endurance. I'm also doing a lot more stretching to keep as limber as I can.

As to competative sports, been there, done that. I golf for fun, not the score.

 

[LIuconn]

Do some balance exercises

 

[RichZ]

I'm 72. I ponder my mortality daily. Well, more like nightly.
I hit the gym probably 28~29 days a month, mostly for cardio and peripheral vascular benefits. Bike, treadmill, rowing.
The last time I attempted to play HORSE, I hurt my left knee so badly it was swollen for 3 days. that was HORSE mind you, not actual basketball.
SIGH.

 

[Ewekon]

Use your favored arm (hand) for twelve ounce curls and the less favored for that other male activity.

You will live to 90.

 

[Edward Sargent]

I believe you have 3 components: How you eat, how you drink alcohol and how you exercise.

When you get older, you have to be smart about (at least) 2 of the 3. If you want to eat poorly, you need to monitor your alcohol and exercise regularly. If you don't want to exercise regularly, you need to be strict about what you're eating and drinking.

Most guys want to eat and drink like they're 22 and don't exercise nearly enough and the pounds mount.

Well said!

 

[superjohn]

I used to be decent to good at numerous sports back in CT. Moved to a new city, started a business, got fat and didn't "compete" in anything that involved a ball or teams for almost 20 years, with the exception of an evening 9-hole golf league for couple of years.

At 62 I finally dropped some pounds this year, got to biking regularly and found an over-55 softball league so I'd have something where I could release pent up competitive juices.

Slowpitch is a sport I used to rule. I was told that "newbies" who hadn't played in a decade or two typically got injured right away and it was mostly hammies. I figured my hammies would be OK from the biking, but I made sure they were stretched out well before playing my first game.

Hammies were fine. Between fielding errant throws and trying to accelerate out of the batter's box I did pull both groins and twisted a knee first game. Took the next one off, wrapped up my legs like Mickey Mantle for the one after that, then pulled a quad and a calf. All the while I went a whopping 2-for-16 as I was hitting flatfooted and required a runner.

I went out an purchased an impressive collection of compression sleeves for various body parts. I healed with the help of some PT, came back, hit .700 in final three games while running for myself but now have a stress fracture in my outer ankle which I believe is from running bases.

Based on the amount and types of yardwork I do, I was not expecting a complete physical breakdown from frigging slowpitch softball. But damn. Every throw feels like I'm ripping years of scar tissue. God forbid I decide to dive for a ball... who knows what will break?

I've received from other players advice ranging from, "I do tai chi every morning" to "The secret is to never stretch a damned thing!" when asking about how they keep their atrophied muscles and arthritic joints limber and their brittle bones from breaking.

So what's you're secret for limbering up to play competitive sports at at least a competent level once you're past 60? What should I be doing this offseason to prepare for next year?

August_West walks to Arby's.

 

[storrsroars]

August_West walks to Arby's.

I think Dub chooses his remote assignments based on how short a distance it is to an Arbys.

 

[UConniki]

First you marry some one 21 years younger than you, who runs 5 miles a day, rides her bike 15-20 miles a day, roller blades a couple of times a week , does all the yard work at our home and asked for a skate board for Christmas (which santa brought ) to add to her 7 surfboards...... and you just try( and fail) to keep up with her, but as long as your trying you'll do good enough to stay in reasonable shape . ( having 6 kids 34 through 5years of age also helps)

 

[CL82]

August_West walks to Arby's.

I was going make a "rolls" to Arby's joke, but Auggy has lost a ton. Good for him.

 

[Stinger92860]

Age 60, I play basketball 2-3 days a week. I’ve been road cycling for about 8+ years. I love riding and try to get out 2-3 times a week. When it gets too cold I spin. On business trips I may run, but not often, too rough on the legs.

 

[Mano]

First you marry some one 21 years younger than you, who runs 5 miles a day, rides her bike 15-20 miles a day, roller blades a couple of times a week , does all the yard work at our home and asked for a skate board for Christmas (which santa brought ) to add to her 7 surfboards. and you just try( and fail) to keep up with her, but as long as your trying you'll do good enough to stay in reasonable shape . ( having 6 kids 34 through 5years of age also helps)

There you go Storrs, heave-ho to the ‘ole wifey, grab a new one and make some babies!

 

[auror]

People over the age of 60 aren't supposed to be in competitive shape.

 

[Rocktheworld]

Go to doc, your test will necessarily be “low”, get a script