At 58 years old, Mike Tyson is about to fight a historic fight against the influencer and now boxer Jake Paul, 30 years younger. Beyond the media commotion and all the controversy generated in recent days, and regardless of the final result, it draws attention the unbeatable physical condition of the veteran. How can he remain active and aspire to success despite his advanced age (from a sporting point of view)?
In the opinion of José Francisco Torneroexpert in Biomedical Sciences and Psychophysiology at the European University, Mike Tyson’s ability to continue competing in boxing at an older age “can be attributed to a series of interrelated factors supported by scientific foundations.” First of all, “genetics plays a crucial role.”
Good genetics and much more
According to Tornero, it is very likely that Tyson “has a genetic makeup that favors a high proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers.” (type II), which contributes to its characteristic explosive power.”
Various studies in sports genetics have shown that certain genetic profiles are associated with superior athletic performance and greater muscle recovery capacity. “This genetic predisposition influences aspects such as bone mineral density, connective tissue integrity and metabolic efficiency, allowing you to maintain your muscle mass and strength even with advancing age.”
Training regimen
Genetics is the basis, but much more is needed to reach the highest level at an age when most athletes have long since retired. Training regimen is key and, according to the sports science expert, “it has been meticulously adapted to meet the specific physiological needs of an athlete of mature age.”
Unlike the high-volume, high-impact training methods used by younger athletes, “Tyson has likely incorporated functional training practices that focus on parameters that are often undervalued and underserved, such as flexibility, core stability and muscle endurancer”, says Tornero.
Specifically, flexibility is crucial to maintain an optimal range of motion and prevent musculoskeletal injuries, since, “with age, the elasticity of tissues decreases, so integrating Dynamic stretching exercises and practices like yoga can improve mobility and reduce the risk of injury”.
Regarding core stability, the expert explains that it is “essential for the efficient transfer of force and for maintaining proper posture during explosive movements.”
Likewise, exercises like Pilates y lumbo-pelvic stability training They strengthen the deep muscles of the abdomen and back, which is essential for a boxer looking to maintain power in his punches.
Muscular endurance allows the athlete to “sustain high levels of effort for prolonged periods, compensating for possible decreases in anaerobic capacity associated with aging”.
Workouts that incorporate the interval method and resistance exercises with moderate loads They can improve energy efficiency and delay muscle fatigue.
Other examples of veteran athletes in top shape
Tyson is not the only veteran who has used these types of training strategies to prolong his sporting life on the front line. There are examples in different sports disciplines:
- LeBron Jamesalthough younger, invests significantly in his body care, including cryotherapy, therapeutic massages and low-load, high-frequency training to maintain his performance in the NBA.
- Roger Federerin tennis, has adapted his training to focus on recovery and injury prevention, allowing him to compete at the highest level beyond the age of 35.
- Tom Bradywho has extended his NFL career to age 44, attributes part of his sporting longevity to strict and personalized nutritional regimens.
The importance of a good team of professionals
Another important aspect that decisively influences Tyson’s good physical preparation is the multidisciplinary team that surrounds you, made up of specialized trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, sports doctors and sports science experts. “Access to advanced technologies for recovery and training, such as internal and external load monitoring systems, biomechanical analysis and physiological monitoring tools (e.g., measurement of heart rate variability), allows for accurate quantification of multiple performance variables,” highlights Tornero. “The more data coaches and the team handle, the more effective the decision-making is to optimize performance and minimize the risk of injury.” This includes “the use of predictive models based on training load to prevent overtraining syndrome and adjust programs according to the athlete’s individual response.”
Tornero ventures that, in the case of Tyson, “it is likely that This comprehensive approach is coordinated by a sports performance director or sports scientist.who integrates information from all areas to create a personalized training plan.”
Sports nutrition
Nutrition is another essential component that influences the ability to continue competing at older ages. The key is, according to the specialist from the European University, in “a carefully planned dietrich in proteins of high biological value, fatty acids omega 3 y antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, which helps in muscle protein synthesis, reduces systemic inflammation and improves immune function.”
Likewise, Tyson surely resorts to a supplementation with specific nutrients guided by the team of professionals that surround him, “such as creatine and branched chain amino acids (BCAA)which can further improve muscle recovery and physical performance.”
Recovery techniques
Advanced recovery techniques are another key. They are based on “the utilization of cryotherapy, compression therapy, deep tissue massage, and electrical muscle stimulationwhich “It can accelerate post-workout recovery, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and prevent injuries,” says Tornero. For example, “the use of whole-body cryotherapy has shown benefits in reducing inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in elite athletes.”
Finally, we must take into account Tyson’s background. “The value of the experience and tactical knowledge accumulated throughout your career cannot be underestimated.”. In his opinion, “neuroplasticity and procedural memory allow veteran athletes like Tyson to anticipate movements and make tactical decisions more quickly and accurately, compensating for possible decreases in the speed of physical reaction.” This cognitive and strategic aspect “has been key in the long careers of other athletes, such as Roger Federer in tennis or Manny Pacquiao in boxing, who have competed successfully beyond the age considered peak for their respective sports.”
