Masters Athletes - Training amazing humans of all ages for unlimited possibilities

Athletic prowess knows no age limit. In the realm of movement, there exists a special breed of individuals known as masters athletes, who defy the conventional notion that physical prime fades with time. Masters athletes, typically classified as those over the age of 35, continue to push boundaries and chase their athletic dreams with unyielding determination. However, the journey for these seasoned competitors often requires tailored training approaches that acknowledge the nuances of physiology that has seen decades worth of use, while harnessing the untapped potential within. I have a passion for training masters athletes!

And an athlete is anyone that moves!

Let’s delve into what I fully believe are the art and science of training masters athletes, exploring strategies to help conquer goals, whatever they may be.

Masters athletes embody a unique blend of experience, resilience, and passion. Their motivations vary widely, ranging from personal fitness milestones(sitting on the floor comfortably after a hip replacement, hiking or rucking across the US) to competitive triumphs(a lifelong competitive equestrian, a pickle baller, or completing their 20th marathon). Some seek to maintain vitality and health, while others aim to dominate their respective sports at local, national, or even international levels. Regardless of aspirations, mastering the art of training for such individuals involves a deep appreciation for the physiological realities and complexities.

Being a masters athlete brings forth a myriad of physiological changes that can impact athletic performance. Differences in muscle mass, flexibility, cardiovascular capacity, and recovery times are among the challenges faced by masters athletes. However, within these challenges lie opportunities for growth and adaptation. Applying a synthesis of training and when the client trusts the process; together we can unlock the full possibilities of the masters athletic potential.

When I train anyone in the masters category; one size does not fit all. Personalization is key.

Training programs must be carefully crafted to accommodate individual goals, fitness levels, injury/surgical history, and lifestyle factors. Emphasis is placed on holistic development, encompassing strength, endurance, mobility, agility, and resilience.

Resistance training forms the cornerstone of any effective training regimen for masters athletes. Which is how the Pilates apparatus is a perfect fit. Resistance can be modified easily. By focusing on compound movements and functional exercises, strength gains can be attained while mitigating the risk of injury. In training masters athletes, I typically prioritize cross training exercises that will target muscle groups prone to injury, are often ignored, and may be in decline. Such as foot mobility and agility, the posterior chain, and core; thus creating targeted work essential for maintaining functional independence and athletic performance.

What we do in the studio is a key component of cross-training the masters athlete. Having the care and experience to not only train for the specific goal in mind, to be sure adequate training is happening in the support musculature is key to injury prevention and endurance training. For example, if you are a masters athlete that loves to walk, run, or bike. Those are a sagittal plane activity. Therefore; a decent percentage of your training will be happening outside of the sagittal plane to ensure the support structure tissues of the body are fully optimized and prepared.

Maintaining an amount of flexibility and mobility, that is appropriate for your sport, is paramount for injury prevention and performance optimization. Creating specific mobility and flexibility work to enhance joint range of motion, alleviate muscular imbalances, and promote postural alignment are also a key component when training. Paying special attention to enhance movement quality and tissue resilience.

I really do love training masters athletes!

I believe training masters athletes is both an art and a science, requiring a nuanced understanding of physiology, personalized programming, and a holistic approach to wellness. By embracing the inherent challenges and opportunities for the athlete, myself and the athlete can collaborate to achieve remarkable feats and rewrite the narrative of what is possible in the realm of sports. With dedication, perseverance, and strategic guidance, masters athletes can continue to defy expectations and inspire generations to come.