Grandfather needs some prep for his sports career
Q. My grandfather wants to start playing softball and soccer for exercise. We’re very supportive but wonder he should do to prepare physically for this?
A. He should consult with a family physician before taking on any new exercise programs. Dr. Andrew Feldman, chief of orthopedics and sports medicine at St. Vincent’s Manhattan Hospital, has extensive experience developing workout routines for seniors. He offers these tips:
1. Have a regular workout routine. It’s important to already be active before participating in competitive sports. Seniors should build up their stamina by designing an aerobic workout before they play team sports. Activities that are low- or non-impact, such as walking or swimming can be very beneficial.
2. Take advantage of the gym. Many sports clubs offer non-impact machines that can allow senior to have good heart health, yet at the same time, use their bones and joints enough to keep them smooth and non-degenerative, as in the case of arthritis. This way, they can save their joint strength for more impact sports, like running around the soccer field.
3. Play at the right level. It’s important for seniors who want to play team sports to play against others who are at the same level. A beginning soccer player should play against other beginners, to prevent overexertion. (This is true with all sports.)
4. Wear the right equipment. Many seniors have overcome bone and joint diseases, such as osteoporosis and arthritis. It is very important to wear the correct protective equipment to minimize the risk of injury to fragile bones. For example, those who have had knee replacement surgery should wear protective knee braces.
5. Choose the right sports. It’s great to feel energetic enough to participate in team sports, but it’s important to know how much your body can handle. For example, those who have had a history of heart problems should choose a sport like softball rather than marathon running. The start-and-stop action in the sport allows for a good workout, with minimal exhaustion.
(Send your questions to Steve Infanti at scinfanti@earthlink.net.)