Fitness
How to Get
Your Game On
Tips for staying active as you get older
WRITTEN BY RANDI MAZZELLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE-MARIE CARUSO
W
hile any type of
physical activity
is good, playing
team sports
offers some
additional
psychological benefits. “Playing in a
sports league is a great stress reliever
for adults,” says Allison Zeimann,
sports director of the Summit YMCA.
“Adults come to exercise, have fun
with friends, and enjoy some down
time.”
Dr. Lonnie Sarnell, a clinical and
sports psychologist in Millburn, says,
“Playing sports is a socially accept-
able way to be intense and to let out
aggression. In addition, participating
in sports improves concentration and
keeps mental skills sharp.”
David Trone, 53, has been playing
sports his entire life. Trone played
baseball in college and did not want
to give up playing team sports even
after his chance at playing in the
minor leagues ended. A father of
three, he regularly plays softball and
basketball in the adult leagues at the
Summit YMCA (he also plays in an
adult flag football league.)
“I find running on the treadmill
so boring,” Trone says. “All I think
about is how much it hurts. Playing
sports gives me a great full-body
workout while also distracting my
mind.”
“Many parents spend their week-
ends watching their kids play sports
NUTRITION IS KEY
To play well and avoid injuries, athletes
need to eat well. Amy Fleishman,
registered dietitian and nutritionist
in Livingston, offers these tips for
healthy eating:
MODERATION IS KEY. Don’t cut out
anything you love. Instead, eat those
items in moderation.
AVOID PROCESSED FOODS.
Diet should be filled with fruits,
vegetables, lean proteins and complex
carbohydrates. Adult athletes should not
be afraid to consume carbohydrates –
whole wheat breads and pastas are
great energy the night before a big game
DON’T FORGET TO HYDRATE.
This is especially true when playing
summer sports in the heat.
AVOID SPORTS DRINKS.
Most are filled with sugar.
REMEMBER, BEER DOES NOT
COUNT! It is dehydrating, as are
caffeinated drinks, such as coffee
and soda.
DON’T OVEREAT. Playing sports is not
an excuse to overindulge. In fact, older
athletes do not need as many calories
as their younger peers.
Fleishman suggests athletes eat a small
meal an hour before game time. “A slice of
whole wheat bread with natural peanut
butter is a good option,” she says. “Avoid
anything heavy or spicy. Eat a snack about
30 minutes post-game, preferably one with
a 4:1 carbodyrate/protein ration. Greek
yogurt with fruit, chocolate milk or
trailmix with nuts and raisins are all good
choices. Avoid granola bars because most
are just glorified candy bars.”
“PLAYING SPORTS
GIVES ME A
GREAT FULL-BODY
WORKOUT WHILE
ALSO DISTRACTING
MY MIND.”
DAVID TRONE
and wishing they were out there too,”
Sarnell says. “I encourage them to get
out there and play! Even if it’s out of
your comfort zone and makes you
nervous, stick with it.”
Participating in team sports can
also help parents develop a deeper
bond with their sports-playing
children. Kids love to switch places
with their parents and watch them
from the sidelines. “By playing sports
myself, I can better empathize with
my kids when I watch them play,”
Trone says. It also gives me more
credibility when I give coaching
advice since I am not just a dad,
I am a player too.”
Adults that play in sports
leagues can get pretty competitive.
Jesse Corazza, founder of Soccer
For Life, an elite soccer club
for children and teens, says,
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MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE MAY 2017
53