NO GAME ? NO PROBLEM
Fitness
“ ASTHE BODY AGES , MANY CHANGES OCCUR . TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS LOSE ELASTICITY AND MUSCLES LOSE FLEXIBILITY .”
TAMER IBRAHIM CO-OWNER AND FITNESS DIRECTOR OF YB FITNESS
“ We no longer run adult leagues because it just got too out of control . The players took it too seriously .”
The opportunity to get lost in a game for a few hours is what many adult athletes love most about playing team sports . Trone was in his early 20s when he realized he was not good enough to play professional baseball .
“ Little did Iknow then how blessed I would be with unusual durability which has allowing me to play competitive team sports for decades ,” he says . “ Even now at 53 , when Ilace up my cleats , Ifeel like akid again .”
Remember to Properly Train
Before embarking on any sports or exercise program , participants should get afull check up and clearance from a medical doctor . Athletes also might consider meeting with a personal trainer .
Anne Nappi , fitness trainer and owner of Body 4 Body Fitness says , “ Many adults who decide to take part in asports league think they can just pick up where they left off in college . But between working , raising a family and getting older , they are not going to be in the same condition that they once were .”
Tamer Ibrahim , co-owner and fitness director at YB Fitness in Short Hills , says , “ As the body ages , many changes occur . Tendons and ligaments lose elasticity and muscles lose flexibility . A fitness evaluation can help athletes avoid injury by teaching them the proper way to train .”
Adult athletes face different challenges than kids and teens that play sports .“ Older athletes also have to be mindful of elements , such as stress , poor nutrition and lack of sleep , that make them more susceptible to injury ,” Nappi says . This is especially true when it comes to “ Weekend Warriors ,” people that
NO GAME ? NO PROBLEM
For adults that don ’ t want to play team sports , there are still many other fun ways to getfit in a social atmosphere alongside peers . Consider one of the following group exercises offered in Short Hills .
STRENGTHEN , LENGTHEN AND TONE ( SLT )
SLT is a 50-minute hybrid workout that mixes strength training , cardio and Pilates into one challenging and inspiring workout . The workout is done on the Megaformer machine .
Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer Julie Katz says ,“ SLT helps recreational athletes because , when the muscles that surround the spine get stronger , athletes suffer fewer injuries and perform better . I ’ ve had many golfers , skiers and tennis players tell me thatSLT has increased their overall strength and muscle control , thereby allowing them to perform better onthe courseand the court .” Introductory classes are offered three times a week and although not required . It is recommended that new clients come to one of these classes to learn about the Megaformer machine .
BHAKTI BARN YOGA
“ Bhakti Barn Yoga in Millburn is a great addition to any sport as it tones your muscles as well as brings flexibility ,” says owner Betsy Davis . “ In addition , athletes thatcometoour studiosay thatit had brought them much more mental clarity too , during their tennis game , or football game , etc . Yoga bringsthe calmnessyou need to participate at your highest level .”
work all week and then overexert themselves when they play sports or exercise on the weekends . “ They love playing and go out hard right away because they are competitive ,” says Nappi . “ They wind up overdoing it and pulling a muscle , which then sidelines them for weeks .”
Warming up and stretching the muscles prior to working out can help athletes avoid injuries and perform better . It ’ s also a good idea to build up intensity slowly , especially if you haven ’ t played sports in a while .
“ People need to listen to their bodies ,” Ibrahim says . “ Tightness , soreness , longer recovery time , shortness of breath – these are all signs that you are overdoing it and at risk of hurting yourself .” ■
54 MAY 2017 MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE