I see you! I play basketball and I am loving being part of a sporting team well past my playing peak. Things have changed since I used to be able to get away with two basketball games, a netball and hockey game a week as well as all night dancing in a club!
Here are my top 3 tips to keep you all playing on…!
1) Be fit for your sport: the people who have the longest sporting career are diligent in strength, fitness and mobility training outside of their sport. Your footy comeback will be ill-fated if you haven’t done any physical activity since *that* grand final. Treat your season lead up and your non-sport days as your best pre-season ever and you will perform better and prevent injury!
2) Set reasonable expectations: the most boring tip, but you expected it, right? Don’t be thinking you can go from 0-100 like you did at age 20. You’re twice that age, be twice as smart! Don’t automatically take on extra games, remember to take your turn as interchange, and address any injuries early. Healing rate slows down with age!
3) Consider cross training: professional athletes with looooooong careers don’t flog themselves in their specific sport as much as they did when they were younger. Consider gentler ways to build your cardio like using the bike or swimming.
Even if the scoreboard doesn’t show it, you’re a winner for staying involved in sport. It’s unparalleled for fitness, connection with others and bragging rights!
Abby
