Athletes can greatly benefit from the free Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) screening at the National Senior Games, which measures key aging indicators and provides personalized feedback. NSGA team member and power walker Del Moon took the SAFE and shares his experience.
The long-running Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) is a valuable measurement tool for senior athletes and is available again at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. SAFE examines four key areas of fitness – Cardiovascular, Muscular, Flexibility and Balance. Athletes gain valuable insights and advice from their participation.
I have been on the NSGA staff since 2013 and actually became an athlete for the first time when I took up Power Walking in 2019. I’ve done the SAFE exam twice before, but now have a special reason to see how I am doing now. In April 2024, I needed a spine laminectomy procedure followed by a hip replacement in October, all of which made most forms of exercise impossible for over a year.
I know my balance isn’t where it should be and I badly needed advice. Follow the video as I go through the screening. Dr. Becca Jordre, who initiated SAFE, explains the steps:
I was not surprised to find out that I have a lot more work to do to fully recover, but since regular powerwalking is my best prescription I know I am on the right track. Becca also gave me exercises much more appropriate for me than the ones I was given in rehab. My goal is to just finish what I’m calling my “recovery race” and build for the future.
Athletes, I strongly recommend that you make the time to take the SAFE test. It is available through August 2 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and is located just outside The Village at the Mid-American Energy Company Rec Plex.
By: Del Moon
