The Mature Athlete

There is no reason why you can’t train and continue to make great progress into your 40s, 50s and beyond. There are just a few things you need to adjust.

Warm Ups/Mobilize

Okay, so unlike the younger generation we can’t just walk in off the street, into the gym, get under 100Kgs and start squatting!  If you’ve been sitting at your desk all day or at the wheel of a car, your hip flexors are going to be tight. This will cause all sorts of problems with your lower back and knees, in fact your whole mechanics will be thrown out. So before you get under the bar make sure you warm up and mobilize.

Load

I’ve discovered that it’s far better to get a little more volume than to pile on the load to the point that you’re so gassed that you can’t get much in the way of back off sets. Leave your ego at the door ( c’mon you’re in your 50s!) and concentrate on excellent form.

Technique

This goes without saying but I’m going to say it. The Mature Athlete can’t afford to get sloppy with the performance of reps! As my coach has drummed into me over the past 2 years. “Technique is King!” . . .

Frequency

Listen to your body. Just because you hit the gym 6 days last week does not mean you can do it again this week. The accumulated effect will catch up with you and you’ll be open to injury and illness. . . .

Nutrition

This is another given. You’ve got to take care of what you’re putting in your body! We can’t get away with the type of food that the youngsters can tolerate. We have to be smart. It’s that simple.

Hopefully these tips will help guide you on your fitness journey so you can keep improving ( and show the young ones how it’s done 😉) More power to you!