How Older Athletes TRAIN DIFFERENTLY

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to stay active and maintain our health. Exercise has countless benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, improving mental health, and increasing lifespan. However, many people assume that once they reach a certain age, it's too late to start working out or that they won't be able to achieve the same results as younger athletes. This isn't true! You can absolutely train as an older athlete and see amazing results. Here's why you should give it a try.

Improved joint health. Training as an older athlete can actually improve the health of your joints. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who started exercising after the age of 40 had less wear and tear on their joints than those who didn't exercise at all. This is because working out strengthens the muscles and connective tissues around your joints, which gives them added support and stability.

Increased bone density. As we age, we start to lose bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis. However, weight-bearing exercise (such as running, hiking, or lifting weights) can help slow down this process by building up your bones. Not only will this reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis, but it will also make your bones stronger and less likely to break if you do have a fall or accident.

Better balance and coordination. Being active helps improve your balance and coordination at any age, but this is especially important as you get older. Poor balance is a major risk factor for falls, which can lead to serious injuries—especially in older adults. By training as an older athlete, you can improve your balance and coordination, making falls less likely and giving you the confidence to stay active.

There are countless reasons to start training as an older athlete—improved joint health, increased bone density, better balance and coordination—to name just a few. So don't wait! Get out there and start reaping the benefits of exercise today. Your body will thank you for it!

In this video, CrossFit Masters athlete Jason Grubb speaks with Chris Hinshaw - the SME for CrossFit on Aerobic Capacity. They discuss how athletes should train differently as they age in order to maintain their performance and health. They covers important topics such as CrossFit Training, strength training, long and slow training, and recovery for aging athletes.