Yup, it’s really been 15 years since Major League Soccer star Kyle Martino played his last professional game. “With the way my body feels these days, I don’t miss it at all!” he says with a laugh. That’s why, he adds, “I’m just as happy to be sitting on the sidelines talking about the game rather than playing in it.”
Fans can hear him call (and analyze) the shots on more than 20 top US Men’s National Team soccer matches all year on both TNT and HBO Max as part of the streaming network’s first-ever domestic live sports coverage. Though the team lost to Serbia 2-1 during his January 25 debut, he’s bullish about the future. “The US has a very young and exciting team right now, thanks to players like Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna,” he says. “And the sports’ popularity will continue to rise in America because the 2026 World Cup is taking place right here.”
Martino speaks from experience, of course. The former All-American at the University of Virginia spent seven seasons playing for the Columbus Crew and the LA Galaxy as a midfielder. After hanging up his cleats, he provided color commentary and insight for NBC Sports, ESPN, Fox Soccer Channel and HDNet. The father of three also served as board chairman of Street Soccer USA, which empowers underserved communities through the power of soccer, and he launched the nonprofit The Over Under Initiative, dedicated to improving kids’ health and wellness. He also recently opened Football Cafe, a soccer speakeasy in NYC.
But Martino still gets his kicks by playing his beloved sport. He recently co-created Street FC, a soccer club in which members use numerous hard-surface spaces across the country to play pick-up soccer at a low cost — and he takes full advantage of the perks. “It got me back playing the game I love again,” he says. “And it’s where I get in my workouts these days.” Below, Martino shares his fitness favorites with CNN Underscored.
It’s true: You don’t need fancy (read: pricey) equipment to achieve an effective strength workout. In fact, resistance band training has proven to achieve the same results as free weights, only with less pressure on your points because of the durable latex material. “It sounds simple, but I love resistance bands,” he says. “They’re lightweight, easy to find and travel with and you get a wide range of resistance movements.” (Find a slew of easy demonstrations on YouTube.)
Related: Peloton instructor Olivia Amato shares her workout must-haves
No fair-weather user, Martino is adamant about applying his sunscreen. “I wish someone had told me to wear it more regularly when I was younger,” he says. “But as I get older, I never leave the house without putting it on — especially now that I’m back in the sunshine calling games. It’s so important to protect your skin.” This SPF 50 cream offers broad-spectrum protection.
Related: Supergoop vs. Trader Joe’s: Which invisible sunscreen is best?