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The sporting lockdown presents challenges for every generation. But none more than for the over 70s, for whom minimising contact with anyone outside their household has brought particular challenges. Two legends of Welsh sport – Lynn Davies and Phil Bennett – give Graham Thomas their best tips for staying healthy and active.
We all need a hero these days – even Olympic champions.
Lynn Davies – forever known as Lynn the Leap thanks to his exploits in winning the long jump at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games – says he’s been inspired by Captain Tom.
Undoubtedly one of Wales’ greatest figures in the nation’s sporting history, Lynn is now 77.
He’s still lean, toned, very physically active and – just as he did in his athletic heyday – seems to resemble a Hollywood film star.
But like everyone else over 70 the current lockdown is giving Lynn moments of anxiety, nervousness and frustration.
That’s why he’s felt a motivating boost by the headline-grabbing efforts of Tom Moore, who has so far raised an astonishing £33m for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his garden a month before his 100th birthday.
“Captain Tom has been incredible – an absolute inspiration,” says Lynn.
“My role models used to be people like Carl Lewis, and the great sprinters and athletes of their day.
“But now I’ve reached a certain age and there’s still somebody who is more than 20 years older than me, still getting out there and exercising. I’ve thought, ‘Blimey, if he can do that, then I can do what I need to do.’
“That man is making us all feel motivated and inspired and he’s showing that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to being active.”
The official advice for all over 70s during the coronavirus pandemic is to observe strict forms of social distancing and only go outside for periods of exercise provided you stay two metres away from other people.
It also involves staying away from sons, daughters, grandchildren and friends, other than those who live with you.
So, how are Wales’ best known 70-year-olds coping with the lockdown and what’s their best advice?
Lynn’s Tips
- Try some gentle stretching and movements for arms and legs, even if you have to do it sitting down.
- Get outside and go for a 10 or 15-minute walk, even if it’s only around your house or street.
- Once, you’ve done 15-minutes, you may find you can build it up to 30 minutes, but remember to keep the social distance between you and others.
- Try and get inspiration from others – swap tips and exercise plans with friends, or watch workouts on TV or online – “it’s great to see The Greed Goddess and Mr. Motivator making a comeback.”
- Keep a routine, but make sure it’s flexible enough to suit your energy levels from one day to the next. If you have a routine, then you’ll find it will improve your mental strength, too, and you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction from achievement.
- Stay in touch with friends. Talking with them will give you a boost and it will also lift their spirits as well.
He may no longer possess the sprinter’s speed that flew him down the long jump runway in the 1960s, but Lynn is still running and says exercise and health is more important to him than ever.
“I still run six 500 metre loops around a field, which is a couple of miles. Then, the next day I might have a light jog over a shorter distance just to keep it varied.
“Being a sprinter and a power-based athlete, jogging doesn’t come easily to me, but I’ve just about made the transition now.
“These are really difficult, strange times for everyone, and I’ve felt worried and vulnerable at times like everyone else has.
“But we need to stick to the advice and a big part of that is to stay healthy and fit. That will make sure if any of us get ill, then our immune system is strong enough to help protect us.
“If there is one good thing that comes out of this lockdown, then it’s a sense of perspective and an appreciation of what really matters – your health, and having your family and friends to enjoy life with.
“My wife and I are using the phone and other technology to stay in touch with all the family and even though we feel a little isolated at times, we’ll get through it. There will be better times ahead.”
Wales rugby legend Phil Bennett is another from the over-70s group, who is having to adjust to life under lockdown.
Phil, who turned 71 back in October, ran every day until four years ago when knee and back injuries related to his rugby days finally forced him to slow down.
“These days, I mainly walk, but with a few little jogs worked into my routine,” he says.
“I get up early, have a good breakfast with fresh fruit, and then walk for an hour with my wife Pat, on the paths and lanes where we live.
“When I train on my own, then I put down markers in the park and do brisk walks of 50 yards between them, with a few light jogs as well.
“But it’s mainly walking. If I don’t get out, then I feel cheated and in the current situation it’s obvious you have to make the most of exercise time for both your health and your sanity.”
Phil’s Tips
- Try and eat a solid, healthy breakfast to set you up for the day ahead.
- Get out for a walk as often as you can. Admire our beautiful Welsh countryside in the mornings and appreciate it feels good to be alive.
- Work on jobs in the garden or around the house to stay active.
- Don’t risk harm by over-doing the exercise. Realise your body is changing and there is wear and tear that needs appreciating.
- Wear a watch that measures your steps and set yourself some kind targets.
- Remember the experts’ advice on social distancing, so use all the tech you have to stay in touch with the grandchildren and children.
- Treat yourself now and again and throw away your bathroom scales. The best way to know if you’re putting on a couple of pounds is when your trousers feel tight.
