When Athletes Get Old: Waking Up the Competitive Spirit
Submitted by Got Strength? Blog
We all have different motivations for getting or staying in shape. Some people do it for the health benefits. Others find inner peace in unplugging their mind for an hour a day. Others do it just to look good in a bathing suit. All of these are perfectly fine reasons to get or stay in shape.
Former athletes, on the other hand, often have a different set of motivators. Remember when you were participating in your sport? Remember the feelings and the motivators you had? Unless you were an extremely talented athlete in a very particular few sports, chances are you didn’t win much money back in your competitive days. If you did, a big paycheck is a solid motivator.
For the rest of you former athletes out there I’m willing to bet the motivators were the thrill of competing against others and yourselves and the excitement of winning. A lot of athletes have never found that type of thrill in the gym, instead using it simply as a means to improve for the field.
Unfortunately this means that when they retire from competition they often totally quit exercising. There’s nothing sadder than a former great athlete who’s let themselves go to pot, let me tell you.
If that describes you, then let me suggest a few things. We need you to start competing in something again. Yes, I know you’re out of shape. I know you’ve got a bum knee, back, hip, or whatever. I’m willing to bet there’s still some physical activity you can compete in. I’ve come up with a handful of competitive sports for people of all ages of varying degrees of physical involvement.
Softball: Ah, the classic “former athlete” sport. Some leagues are populated by middle-aged men drinking beer and going on about their glory days (back in high school). If that’s your bag, then that’s cool. If not then there are some very solid competitive leagues in most areas. It would behoove you to be in decent shape for those as the play is fast and there are other athletes on the field.
Powerlifting: This is for the athletes who did enjoy the weight room. You can compete in the bench press, deadlift, and squat. Powerlifting can be as big or small as you make it. I would recommend that you attend a meet in your area first to get the sense of what it’s all about.
Martial Arts: There are a variety of martial arts out there from sport/show martial arts to more hardcore combat arts. Depending on the level of involvement you’re interested in you can find it in the martial arts world. Some forms are purely fighting arts against other people while others involve competing in forms on which you will be judged.
Raquetball: Do you prefer a raquet sport? Strap on your goggles! Raquetball is a fast-paced two-person game played indoors so it can be rain or shine. The small court allows for some agility practice and there’s a certain finesse to placement of the ball.
League Basketball: If basketball is your thing most community centers or Police Athletic Leagues host adult basketball games. There are usually varying levels of competition based on your experience or ability. Start slow and move up as you see fit.
Obviously there’s a lot more than just these five opportunities for adult competition out there but I want to give you some ideas. Just because you’ve stopped playing your sport for your school or national team doesn’t mean that you need to be done competing. Keep yourself motivated by pushing the competitive juices!
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