fitbody
INTO COMMUNITY TENNIS Double Your Fitness & Fun
SWING by Randy Kambic
ennis participation topped 30 million players for the first time in two decades in 2009 and con- tinues to climb, according to the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) and the Ten- nis Industry Association. Their study reflects the sport’s revival in popularity due to its accessibility in neighborhood parks and schools, as well as its cardio- vascular benefits. Plus, it’s just great overall exercise.
T
If one is a neophyte or gave up tennis years ago for less demanding ac- tivities and feels intimidated watching players hit fast serves or slice or drop shots, playing doubles can be a good way to enter the action. Playing with a partner isn’t as physically demanding as going solo.
“In doubles, you don’t have to cover as much of the court as in singles,” says David Schobel, USTA director of competitive play, in White Plains, New York. “It’s great for begin-
28
ners, if someone’s been away from the game for awhile, or as you get older.” Even more, it brings the bonus of social camaraderie regardless of age or competitive levels.
GENTLING EXERCISE ON THE COURT
As with any invigorating activ-
ity, planning ahead and preparing for contingencies can keep you swinging. A good diet provides a solid foundation. As a general rule, avoid eating a meal within two hours of playing in order to avoid indigestion or stomach cramps. The best pre-play meals feature complex, slow-releasing carbohydrates, to provide energy over time. Mark Kovacs, USTA head of sports science, in Boca Raton, Florida, offers these examples: Oatmeal, ber- ries, a banana, whole-wheat toast or eggs for breakfast. For lunch or dinner, a lean-meat sandwich on whole wheat
East Bay Area |
www.NAEastBay.com
and rice; soup, to store up on sodium in case of heavy perspiration; or pasta. When it comes to consuming fluids, the operative guideline is to drink a lot, especially during a hot summer. “If you are feeling thirsty, then you’re already getting dehydrated, so you need to drink water before and during the match,” advises Dale Miller, Regional Tennis Director for Leisure Sports, Inc, and Tennis Direc- tor at ClubSport Valley Vista in Walnut Creek. He advises that players remind themselves to drink during every changeover and listen to their body’s thirst ques. “Staying hydrated is a mind and body experience.” Tennis elbow, also known as later- al epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the wrist extensor tendons. The USTA estimates that about half of all players will encounter this injury caused by overuse at some point. Treatment includes icing the area,
Photo: Andrew Ong/USTA
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40