A recent interview of former NFL star Rod Woodson by Jen Murphy of the Wall Street Journal discusses his post retirement exercise routine.
This week, Rod Woodson, former NFL player and future NFL Hall of Famer, was interviewed by Jen Murphy of the Wall Street Journal about his exercise routine since retiring from the NFL in 2004. Mr. Woodson relates that after a brief period of post-NFL laziness, he found himself suffering from back pain due to two degenerated discs. While playing pro football, Mr. Woodson was careful to keep his abdominal muscles and lower back strong by exercising. This, he says, kept his back pain-free.
After a brief layoff from exercise, Mr. Woodson tells Ms. Murphy how he began a new exercise program of non-impact cardiovascular exercise (stationary bike or elliptical machine), and weight training for muscle strength. The new program is a success, according to Mr. Woodson, as he has maintained his weight at 201 lbs since his retirement from football, and his back pain has disappeared.
The only problem I see with Mr. Woodson’s program is his admitted lack of flexibility training. In order to maintain optimum muscle and joint function, flexibility work should be included in a workout program. Routine stretches and yoga are helpful for both recreational and professional athletes alike.
