Move over pickleball, the next sports trend for the older athlete is walking soccer. We love the idea that you can modify a sport, like what happened when tennis morphed into pickleball, and still retain the excitement of participation and the health benefits.
Whether you are a soccer veteran or a newbie, walking soccer’s rules are designed to protect you from endless running, head injuries, and strained or torn muscles and tendons, while retaining the competitive fun. One foot must be on the ground at all times — no jogging or running; all free kicks are indirect; and the ball must never go up in the air above the height of your head. There are only six people on the field from each team and the field is smaller than the regulation one; matches last 60, not 90, minutes.
As for the health benefits, one study found that for guys ages 50 and older who had osteoarthritis of the knee, high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, playing the game for two hours a week for 12 weeks reduced body mass and total body fat. And another study (limited though it was) found that walking soccer builds important social connections, so vital for mental and physical health as you age….
READ MORE at source: https://cdispatch.com/news/health-tips-from-drs-oz-and-roizen-for-8-13-24
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