Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Don't Let the Sport Leave You


In light of the U.S. Open upon us, and the fact that I had an amazing time witnessing men and women (love Maria Sharapova) play to the point of exertion, I thought that tennis would be an appropriate topic. Now, I'm not talking about the game of tennis because I'm not much of a tennis player, but I do want to tell you about tennis as a sport and a means of total body fitness.

A common theme of college students and many adults is that they think they are fit by crushing some weights 4-5 days a week. But the real question is are you fit for the court?

Keeping sports with you, whether it be tennis, basketball, running, etc., will bring your health and fitness to all new heights. It isn't about muscle concentration, working chest this day and back the other. Fitness is about being able to have the endurance to handle the court. That is the real test. It's about being strong, flexible, explosive and with a heart that can beat at speeds where you feel it in your face.

I watched John Isner defeat Andy Roddick in a thriller that lasted close to four hours. That's true fitness and training at work - lasting almost four hours pushing your muscles to the point where you collapse. After finally defeating Roddick in the 5th set, Isner, not quite sure how to celebrate with no gas left in the tank, just fell to the court in a combination of exhaustion and disbelief.

Start training for the sport and you'll notice you'll push yourself further. Instead of jogging, do fast sprints in intervals. Check out more of these total body workouts that helped tennis great Victoria Azarenka.

However, it isn't just about physical conditioning. Sports have a major mental component, and the mental battle will always be the toughest challenge. So take it on and never let the sport leave you. According to a Men's Health List, 10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity At Work, bringing a tennis ball to work will increase your productivity.

If you find yourself tiring out in your training too early, have some coconut water. The loaded potassium helps prevent cramping. John Isner, the #4 American in the tennis world, drinks several before a big match. They are available at Whole Foods Market.

So take the sport everywhere and find true fitness within you.

1 comment:

  1. Tyler,
    The tip about squeezing a tennis ball while you work is really interesting. Thanks for sharing.
    -Kathryn Stolarz

    ReplyDelete