Paul, have you thought of switching handedness for tennis, serve and swing with the other arm? I tried that for awhile during a convalescence. I totally sucked but could see improvement. And many people make incredible use of other body parts to get or gain functionality; e.g. the armless using feet to paint pictures.
Jim, not only have I thought about it, I tried it a few times. For the very reasons you're talking about. And though awkward, I surprised myself with how well I was able to hit forehand and backhand with my opposite arm. Serving, however, would be a different kind of learning curve. Doesn't mean I shouldn't try it, though.
Why push again, Paul? Why not? I have enjoyed sports and being active for decades, life is too slow and unexciting without being physically active and enjoying the activities with others.
I do believe in the tolerances on a spectrum. I was lucky to be born a ginger; I have read studies that say they have higher pain tolerance. Either that or I'm a tad slow about noticing the calls.
Sounds like you know what you're doing and it works for you. I wouldn't mind doing something similar, if I knew I could avoid a second shoulder surgery. Unfortunately practicing tennis serves seems to put me on that trajectory.
I think we also need to talk about longevity and the things we can do to help with that. The power of yoga becomes even more important as we age; although not just for the older population, strength-balance- and flexibility becomes more important as we age in preventing injuries and falls. Although I don’t run anymore- I believe I am stronger now in many ways-both mental and physical-due to yoga.
Brenda, I think you're right. Yoga seems indisputably helpful. But then people say to be careful with yoga, because done wrong, or excessively, it can easily injure. I suspect most experienced midlife athletes, however, know how to handle a yoga session properly. For newbies like me, where should I look for on-demand 15-20 minute yoga sessions I can follow along from home?
Several yoga studios I attend classes at have online videos and most also offer free trial classes during the year. Yes, when starting out I recommend going to studio so you can tell your yogi what strengths/weaknesses you have physically so your practice can be tailored around it. Here are some video classes of varying length: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCnj7FkjgDOqEd5wbsQhsjoA
A decade ago, at 62, I had gotten back on the wagon of being in close to top shape. I ran marathons regularly; competed at squash as part of a team, usually beating people 4 decades younger because of my conditioning, not my skills; was committed to a tough weights program. All was going fine till a large van rear-ended me and left me with torn Achilles tendons (wrongly diagnosed) & with trouble walking. After a correct assessment I slowly went back to the running & weights - till plantar fasciitis. Then no running for 3 years, lighter weights. Then as getting back in the scene, arthritis in my toes. Operations did nothing to alleviate the pain. Have decided to push again, slowly, starting with long hikes, short and slow runs. Pain? Yeah, but after the runs, and it's part of a normal day anyway.
Jim, I appreciate your story. Reading it a couple times, I'd like to ask why you decided to "push again." And also If there's anything on the tolerances side of the spectrum that appeals to you.
Paul, have you thought of switching handedness for tennis, serve and swing with the other arm? I tried that for awhile during a convalescence. I totally sucked but could see improvement. And many people make incredible use of other body parts to get or gain functionality; e.g. the armless using feet to paint pictures.
Jim, not only have I thought about it, I tried it a few times. For the very reasons you're talking about. And though awkward, I surprised myself with how well I was able to hit forehand and backhand with my opposite arm. Serving, however, would be a different kind of learning curve. Doesn't mean I shouldn't try it, though.
Why push again, Paul? Why not? I have enjoyed sports and being active for decades, life is too slow and unexciting without being physically active and enjoying the activities with others.
I do believe in the tolerances on a spectrum. I was lucky to be born a ginger; I have read studies that say they have higher pain tolerance. Either that or I'm a tad slow about noticing the calls.
Sounds like you know what you're doing and it works for you. I wouldn't mind doing something similar, if I knew I could avoid a second shoulder surgery. Unfortunately practicing tennis serves seems to put me on that trajectory.
I think we also need to talk about longevity and the things we can do to help with that. The power of yoga becomes even more important as we age; although not just for the older population, strength-balance- and flexibility becomes more important as we age in preventing injuries and falls. Although I don’t run anymore- I believe I am stronger now in many ways-both mental and physical-due to yoga.
Brenda, I think you're right. Yoga seems indisputably helpful. But then people say to be careful with yoga, because done wrong, or excessively, it can easily injure. I suspect most experienced midlife athletes, however, know how to handle a yoga session properly. For newbies like me, where should I look for on-demand 15-20 minute yoga sessions I can follow along from home?
Several yoga studios I attend classes at have online videos and most also offer free trial classes during the year. Yes, when starting out I recommend going to studio so you can tell your yogi what strengths/weaknesses you have physically so your practice can be tailored around it. Here are some video classes of varying length: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCnj7FkjgDOqEd5wbsQhsjoA
A decade ago, at 62, I had gotten back on the wagon of being in close to top shape. I ran marathons regularly; competed at squash as part of a team, usually beating people 4 decades younger because of my conditioning, not my skills; was committed to a tough weights program. All was going fine till a large van rear-ended me and left me with torn Achilles tendons (wrongly diagnosed) & with trouble walking. After a correct assessment I slowly went back to the running & weights - till plantar fasciitis. Then no running for 3 years, lighter weights. Then as getting back in the scene, arthritis in my toes. Operations did nothing to alleviate the pain. Have decided to push again, slowly, starting with long hikes, short and slow runs. Pain? Yeah, but after the runs, and it's part of a normal day anyway.
Jim, I appreciate your story. Reading it a couple times, I'd like to ask why you decided to "push again." And also If there's anything on the tolerances side of the spectrum that appeals to you.