Now is the Perfect Time for Softballers to Shape Up!

Feb. 1, 2009 – Lisa Cachia

Happy New Year senior softball-ers!

It’s the off-season from your sport and the perfect time to shape up a bit for the next round. I know you’ve been playing ball forever, however, the truth is that as older individuals it’s even more important to stay focused on fitness in order to be productive and injury-free on and off the field.

Here are a few facts and suggestions for your consideration.

As we age, overall balance and flexibility tends to diminish. By disciplining oneself to perform a few simple strength exercises and stretches on a regular basis we can maintain a greater sense of stability and power.

Stretching should be performed before AND after exercise.

Prior to exercise, start with a light warm-up. Muscles are more pliable when warm and making the time for about 10 minutes of walking or cycling will make your stretch more effective and prepare your body for more vigorous activity later.

By focusing on stretching the larger muscle groups in the legs, chest and back we greatly reduce risk of injury -- and it will help you get your head in the game.

Post exercise muscles are fully warmed. Stretching large muscle groups then will further increase flexibility and may help to reduce soreness. Not to mentions it just feels good!

So work smart and you can play hard! Have a healthy happy new year and a great season.

All older adults should consult their physician before engaging in any exercise program or sport to determine any physical limitations.

(Information for this column based on S.L Volpe, S.B. Sabelawski, and C.R. Mohr, 2007, Fitness nutrition for special dietary needs. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics). To order, visit www.humankinetics.com.

Lisa Cachia is a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor and owner of Benefitness Personal Training. Contact her at benefitness@comcast.net