(Sporting) Life Begins at 30
While most sports have traditionally been the domain of young people, more adult athletes than ever are participating in sports. Master athletes are even being discussed as a “model of aging”. With serious societal issues of obesity and inactivity facing the world, the master athlete illustrates aging well is possible. Master athletes compete in running, cycling, weightlifting, softball, triathlon and many other sports.
Studies show master athletes can increase strength, better maintain muscle mass, decrease body fat, increase brain volume, and improve emotional health.
Both resistance training and endurance training have been shown to improve physical function in master athletes. Endurance athletes have been shown to benefit from resistance training by improved movement economy.
Master athletes should utilize a periodized training program just as younger athletes would. Periodized training may actually be more important for master athletes as physiological factors associated with aging can be lessened if proper programming is utilized. Strength and power should be programmed for the master athlete in order to maintain maximum performance.
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1 comment:
Coach,
what are your thoughts on Master athletes who have been away from consistant training following a more linear program such as a "starting Strength program" by Mark Rippetoe?
JP
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