What does it mean to be a “Master’s Athlete”?

By Almine Barton

I sat contemplating this question before my fingers began to type. For several days, prior, actually. What does it mean? The term, “Masters.” Does it simply denote age?  Does it denote skill level? Does it indicate mindset? I thought about each of these perspectives, and wondered to myself, “Do I feel like a ‘Masters’ athlete?  If so, what does that feel like?

I think, invariably, each woman will have a different feeling on what it means to her, but since I’ve never been (almost 46) before, I’m not sure what its “supposed” to feel like.

With technology, advances in medicine, understanding of nutrition, supplements, & lifestyle factors, I’m sure many women would agree that they feel better, 40 years of age on up, then they did in their “roaring 20’s.” Maybe they “burnt the candle at both ends” in their youth.  Maybe quantity over quality got them to the point, where that mentality wasn’t sustainable for longevity.

Maybe a health or life issue arose in their 20’s or 30’s that “woke them up” to living a more healthy lifestyle.

Whatever it may be, I know many women, including myself, who feel better, not just in their body, but in their mentality, once they hit their 40’s.  

I would describe it as “settled.”  There’s something “settled” inside of me. It feels like all of my life experiences are starting to integrate, & that the lessons I learned from them are there for me to draw from now.

“Whatever it may be, I know many women, including myself,
who feel better, not just in their body, but in their mentality,
once they hit their 40’s.”  

I also hear the “flip side” from many women. As a licensed acupuncturist & certified fitness trainer, I’ve been treating & training pro athletes for 23 years.  The vast majority of these have been women. Many of them report slower recovery after workouts, hormonal shifts making a greater impact on their workouts (& workout schedule), more fatigue, and decreased libido.

These are things, that can be mitigated & addressed. In future monthly articles, we’ll go more in depth as we explore everything from training, not just on the mats, but off as well, nutrition, herbal supplementation, mindset (competition & otherwise), and overall wellness of the masters athlete.

There is a viable reason why women have been statistically proven to excel in long-distance endurance events. You might say, “How does that relate to JiuJitsu? We’re doing anaerobic rounds.” Ah, but it does. Jiu-Jitsu is a “long haul” sport. There is an underlying endurance to staying in the game. Let’s explore, together, how to do that best.

Not everything I propose or offer in these articles will feel applicable to you. That’s okay.  Take what you find useful.  Leave the rest. Or, perhaps file it away for another time, when it might feel more applicable to your stage in training.  I merely offer thoughts, time tested advice, as a clinician & trainer, and thoughts as an athlete myself.This is the first article in a line of many to come…all exploring the amazing phenomenon of what it means to be in the “late stage of the game,” & still see what your incredible body is capable of. 

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Disclaimer: *Nothing written in the “Masters Column” is to be taken instead of medical advice from your health care provider. Please consult your physician before engaging in any physical activity, or partaking of any vitamin, herb, or supplement.

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