Walking Improves Tennis Game

Atlanta has one of the largest, if not the largest, population of tennis players of any city in the world 

In Atlanta, you can play 12 months out of the year.  Atlanta has more recreational leagues than I can name much less participate in.  If you wanted to, you could play a league tennis match 7 days a week 12 months of the year.

But, one cannot live on tennis alone.  The stress on your arm, neck and back can take its toll so it is important to mix it up with other exercises. 

For years I tried to strengthen my arms and legs by working the same muscles that I used when playing tennis.  Finally a personal trainer told me I was doing it wrong.  I was working those muscles enough with all my tennis, I needed to work my other muscles and give my tennis muscles a break.

When I got Jaycee from the Humane Society, I was already walking a couple of times a day, generally totaling a mile or a mile and a half . 

Now, Jaycee is not a dog for a sedentary person.  Jaycee is like the Energizer Bunny from the old commercials – you cannot wear her out. She just keeps going and going and going.  In a feeble attempt to at least get her to sit, I started walking more.  I started walking from 3 to 6 miles a day spread out over 2 or 3 walks.

An unexpected consequence of all this walking is that my stamina on the tennis court has increased greatly

I have even started playing more singles rather than just doubles.  Surprisingly, I outlast and frequently beat people half my age.  

All of my walking has increased both my leg strength and flexibility.  Not only am I playing harder and longer matches but I am suffering from fewer injuries. 

If you want to give your tennis game a boost, try walking.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr user Cutglassdecanter – Joan Valencia