Athletes over 50 at the World Senior Games in Utah

If You Enjoy Sports, You Need to Be in Shape

A record 11,978 athletes from around the world just wrapped up the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. The event has been held since 1987 for athletes 50 and over in everything from track and field to bowling, from basketball to disc golf, and from softball to triathlon.

Those 12,000 people represent the growing enthusiasm behind “older” people enjoying sports.

They’re not letting age keep them from doing what they love.

And many of them know that training at a gym is the best way to build the strength, stamina and agility they need to excel.

How about you? Did you used to enjoy playing a sport or two? Are you hoping to take one up soon?

The truth is, regular exercise at a gym or studio can keep you ready for anything – even if you don’t care about playing sports.

“Be fit – or suffer the consequences,” says the US Tennis Association to anyone who wants to keep playing past middle age.

And it’s not just tennis! Many sports like golf, pickleball, and even running require endurance, flexibility, and power in the legs, butt, and arms. And a solid core will get you farther along in everything.

‘My Secret to Getting Older’

As the Baby Boom generation maintains activities, we’re seeing increases in all kinds of activities.

• The number of golfers over 65 rose to 4.2 million in 2018, up 17 percent from the previous year, according to the National Golf Foundation.
• Baby boomers make up about 20 percent of US skiers.
• More than 15,000 athletes over 50 competed in track and field, softball, pickleball, swimming and more at the National Senior Games in 2019, another omnibus mega-event.

The oldest competitor at this year’s Utah games was Eva Sorensen, 101, of Alexandria, Virginia. She’s a top bowler and shuffleboard player, and she’s been participating in the event for 15 years.

“That’s my secret to getting older,” she told a TV station. “I’m not going to quit. I’m going to make 110 at least.”

The Huntsman Games also boost health of participants with screenings for cancer, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

Even Runners Need Muscle

Resistance training has been gaining traction among even elite runners partly because humans lose muscle mass starting in midlife.

“My runners that are around 60 might only run three to four days a week and spend the rest of their training time in the gym,” Masters running coach and former Olympian John Henwood told Outside magazine.

Nordic walking is basically just walking with ski poles in your hands, which makes it a good upper-body workout. It’s low impact and easy on the joints.

And pickleball is taking over the world. It’s like a cross between tennis and ping pong, and it’s particularly popular among people over 50.

Sports are fun, social, and good exercise. And working out right helps you enjoy them even more!

Come see us now so you can keep enjoying what you enjoy – whether it’s sports, gardening, dancing, or just living!