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Tips on Buying the “right” Tennis Shoes

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Let’s start off by saying that not all tennis shoes are created equal. Form and function are still the best recipe for success. As with any shoes make sure the pair of tennis shoes you purchase allow you to move in very explosive start and stop movements. This is of course the complete, opposite of the concept behind a long distance running shoe.

Should you buy leather over more breathable materials? It is recommended that you purchase a hybrid of the two. One provides durability and won’t wear through as quickly while the other allows the foot to move inside the shoe a bit more giving the player more coordination.

It is also recommended to have more than one pair. The average, avid player can easily wear through a new pair shows within 4-6 months depending upon how often they play. Always look at the tread to determine how worn the shoes is.

The lateral aspects of a good shoe should provide stability and help protect against injury. If for example your shoes are too loose, you could potentially roll an ankle. This is a common injury that could bench you for an extended period-of-time.

Court Shoes are the only shoes that should be worn on the tennis court. The insole should provide some level of cushion to absorb the high impact and rapid movements of a playing surface. Clay court shoes for example are very different than concrete court shoes.

Always make sure you give yourself at least a half an inch from your toes to the end of the shoes to avoid blisters. Color, Style and brand are purely aesthetic so have fun choosing the right shoes for you!

Can a tennis racket make a difference in your game?

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Let’s start off by saying it depends! That said we should probably take-a-look at the skill level of the player first. There is a correct and right choice for each skill level. Players must also consider how serious they are before making the investment.

There are also a few misconceptions out there that size doesn’t matter. Guess what, in this case, it does. Rackets range in size based on the arm length of the players and grips can be built up to customize for comfort.

Handles can also be adjusted with standard lengths ranging from 27-29 inches. Arm length combined with the length of the handle can provide more effective ground strokes and serves especially if you prefer “singles”. Conversely if you prefer “doubles” you can always have the handled shortened if you later decide that this is more comfortable. Most pro shops and/or stringers can typically accommodate this request.

Tennis Pro’s often get asked the question, “Should have I have more than one racket?”, and the answer is “yes” especially if you are competing in tournaments. Another question we often get asked is, “Does the brand of racket matter”? While Tennis Pro’s aren’t necessarily experts at racket design we do have our personal favorite, but again this more subjective.

An important note that players should always consider is the size of the racket head because this will determine speed over control with some that are in between. Depending upon the strength of the player and if they like to hit a “heavier” ball, you should always consider the weight of the racket. The technology of graphite vs. carbonite materials have come a long way since the days of aluminum.

The first question we always get asked above any other however is, “how much should I spend on a good racket”. Typically, most intermediate and advanced rackets start above $100 and come unstrung. Always remember you usually get what you pay for, so don’t sell underestimate the performance of a good racket if you want to truly advance your skills.

If you care about style, there are many colors and designs on the market today so have fun shopping around and you will be the envy of your peers. While there are no points in tennis for style, it can’t hurt to boost a little confidence in your mental game!

Fitness starts with building a Strong Foundation

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Today, exercise and fitness are not the same thing. Fitness combines strength and form where exercise builds endurance and skill. Today’s athletes know the secret to creating a finely tuned body is developing our core.

Life these days is stretched more than ever between work and home life. A strong core can give us all more energy and endurance to sustain the stress that plagues us all. Whether you find time to go to a gym or decide to workout at home, we can all turn back the aging process.

Technique and form delivers results in the shortest amount of time allowing our bodies at any age to develop lean muscle mass. Results don’t happen overnight so it’s important to keep a consistent routine combined with exercise, nutrition, and plenty of rest.

When we isolate our core muscles we target the area that all other muscles leverage for well-rounded performance on the tennis court. Resistance training has been proven to be one of the most effective ways for athletes to isolate muscles whereby eliminating and momentum and relying strictly on a single muscle to do the work.

Once we have established a strong core it is much easier to filter in weight training because the house is already built.

Mastering the art of supporting our own weight will return dividends later when combined with proper weight training.

Posture and use of the correct stance are the hallmark basics to achieving that perfect core. As with any form of cardio, breathing and exhaling build stamina over time. Start with 1- minute planks and each week go another minute with a goal of 5 minutes or more.

Once you can hold a plank for this amount of time you are ready to start with pull ups and then eventually weights. You will also notice major physical results and your body shape will start to change shape. You’ll notice you can stand up straighter and reduce the risk of injury.

Always remember to stretch before and after any rigorous activity. You’ll start to notice the effects of stretching daily as you experience less downtime for your muscles to repair. stretching combined with a strong core will also build endurance and flexibility.

Tennis is a cardiovascular activity the requires endurance. Players also helps to de-toxify the body and accelerate the fat burning zone. Activating the heart rate for 15 minutes daily will also improve the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection. The optimal heart rate formula is 220 minus your age, times 60 for the lower number, then 220 minus you age and times 80 for the upper number.

The tennis community has long known that the secret to maintaining a youthful appearance is by keeping a strong core and a healthy lifestyle balance.

Selecting the right Tennis Apparel

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Tennis is one of the few sports that has a history of fashion and elegance. Today, players literally have limitless options to choose from. It is important to carefully select materials that breathe well such as performance fabrics like dry wik or poly cotton blends. Never let them see you sweat applies.

Make no mistake, function outperforms fashion every time on the court but that doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself. The days of shopping as local Club pro shops and sporting goods stores are becoming obsolete making it harder to find proper attire. Retail everywhere is being replaced by online stores. How do you know you’re getting exactly what you paid if you can’t see it beforehand?

First off, tennis clothing should be form fitting and cling to the body without impeding a player’s performance. That does not mean however that players should wear tight clothing either. True fit is the best policy if you aren’t sure. Light colors are also recommended. Technology has caught up with these lightweight fabrics and now clothing has built in SPH ratings from the sun.

Another factor to consider is Total comfort is the major consideration is longevity on the court. The last thing a player wants is to be encumbered by their clothing. While sweatshirts, jogging pants, and long sleeves may protect you from the sun, they won’t deliver performance on the tennis court. Layers might be a better choice throughout the day.

Accessories come in a variety of choices as well. It always a good idea to protect yourself from the sun. Hats, visors, and other protective head wear is always effective.

For women, a variety tops and shirts are available both with and without sleeves. As Tennis has become more physical and competitive so too have the types of performance wearables. Today’s tennis tops may include cami-tanks, baby tees, halter tanks, v-back tanks, and tie halter tanks which are all appropriate choices for most club and recreational settings. Skirts, shorts, and one-piece dresses are always great and safe choice as well especially wherever they might be a dress code.

Men’s tennis apparel has made probably the most progress in recent years and fashion is all the rage. While men still are limited to tops and shorts, performance t-shirts and sleeveless shirts are becoming more popular with the competitive athletes.

The best way to really know what options are right for you is to ask around and get as many opinions as possible before you invest too much money.

Tennis Accessories are a “Booming” Business

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The world of tennis continues to experience massive revenue growth at over 30% annually and tennis accessories are a booming industry. Tennis clothier boutiques and specialty pro-shop retailers are popping virtually everywhere outfitting players around the globe in style.

Notable items that are on top of everyone’s holiday this year include everything from luxe sport handbags to upscale tennis bags. Whether you are an avid player or simply an enthusiast, there are literally thousands of options to choose from. Online retailers have taken the sport to a whole new level by creating a hipster cult following.

Advertisers are pushing the envelope between fashion and sport and are attracting the attention of well-known apparel designers who are showcasing the latest trends as part of their regular casual wear lines that can see on runways from New York, Paris, and Milan. It seems like everybody wants to look like they belong to country club these days even if they can’t afford the membership. Tennis accessories have so many interchangeable looks that hipsters from Venice Beach to Melrose Ave can’t get enough.

Top brands like Nike, Fila, Bole, Lacoste, and Adidas have been forced to make room in this niche industry for a new generation of cross over fitness designers such as Athleta and Lululemon, and Lucy. Sock designers have also decided to capitalize on the action with countless patterns and colors that look great on and off the court. Look around at your local strip mall or shopping center and you will most likely find one in your city.

Have you seen how tennis grips have been changing? Companies such as Smash Tape and Alien Pros offer cool alternatives to the old standards from Tourna, Head, and Wilson. These make great stocking stuffers, hint…hint…! Always think outside the box when it comes to tennis accessories and you will stand out of the crowd every time with your own unique style.

Tennis Court Equipment can make a difference!

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There are different categories of tennis court equipment for individuals, facilities, and for instruction. The most versatile on the market accommodate all categories. That said there are a few “must have” pieces of equipment all tennis players should consider if you don’t belong to some type of club that provides them.

Stop chasing balls and bending over backwards to scoop them up. Ball Hoppers are an essential and come in 3 sizes with the largest of the handhelds that holds up to 200 balls. The detachable polyurethane coated baskets are also ideal for use as a teaching aid. They are lightweight and easily convert to a standing position to feed balls from when coaching.

Another piece of equipment to consider is a Roller Squeegee. It is an expensive way to keep the court clean from debris. Try to get the steel handles that eliminate wobble and assures ultimate stability. It is not necessary to acquire a commercial grade version unless you are a facility coordinator. Look for the compact models that you can easily assemble and pack.

Water Brooms are key in regions of the country that tend to collect a lot of rain and moisture in the air. They are also a great way to maintain safety on the court and are one of the best ways to remove water deposits more quickly allowing players to help dry out the courts after a heavy rain. Make sure you shop around because there are several different variations that range in price.

Stay cool and out of the sun when taking a break with the Tennis Court Awning. Although they make awnings that come with stands, they tend not to be the portable. Try to find the awnings that attach to the bench. The detachable units also typically expand, contract, tilt, and fold into a carrying case. There are many sizes to choose from and some are heavier than others.

Last, but not least, is the gallon cooler stand. Stay hydrated with an insulated cooler that keeps water cold and can be rolled behind you, so nobody is required to do any lifting. Look for the coolers that compact to fit in the back of most vehicle trunks.

What is the best way to stay hydrated on the Tennis Court?

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To answer this question properly we must first address the debate over if all H2O is created equal. Does Filtered vs Alkaline make a significant difference? The answer is Yes. Most water filters do not filter all contaminates out of the water including fluoride. The pH level in filtered can vary from acid to weak alkaline. To effectively flush out toxins you need to be drinking a water with a higher pH level. A good pH level is around 8.0 as it is not too alkaline and not acidic.

Many theories also exist around plastic water bottles and containers, some skeptics still believe all plastic is equally harmful to the environment. While there is some truth in this, technology has come a long way since the days of the toxic disposables. Today, consumers can find everything from thermo-insulated and vacuum insulated to eco-friendly BPA-free products.

In addition, look for containers that are not only dish washer safe but have push button lids and meter intake monitoring. The best containers keep hot or cold beverages without sweating. There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold chug of water after a Live Ball game. It’s not a mystery that it’s virtually impossible for anyone to drink enough water. Therefore, it seems logical that people who always carry a water bottle as more likely to stay hydrated than the rest of us.

When water tastes good like in the case of Alkaline water, people naturally want to consume more. Most tennis players bring water to their tennis lesson or tennis clinic, but rarely carry with them otherwise. We all know that reusable containers are better than disposable for the planet. However, for some skeptics this point still isn’t convincing enough. If this best describes you, consider the money you will save by switching to a reusable water bottle.

The Best Destination Tennis Vacations

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Tennis is one of the few sports where players can find a court in almost any location. However, for the true tennis connoisseur, only the best will do. Destination vacations are becoming increasingly popular in a health-conscious world. Unlike private tennis clubs, tennis players now can have the experience of an all-inclusive package that includes accommodation, airfare, fitness, spa, and most importantly plenty of Tennis. Indulge in endless private or family lessons, adult social clinics, junior’s tennis camps, and more.

Maybe you prefer an island tennis experience, perhaps a desert tennis getaway, how about tennis aboard a cruise ship, or even a seaside luxury tennis resort? Whatever your idea of the ideal destination tennis vacation is you’re sure to find a perfect blend of leisure travel with fitness. Choose from hard courts to clay and grass.

Destination Tennis vacations offer a limitless array of non-tennis activities set amongst beautiful backdrops and gorgeous sunsets. Healthy cuisine, guided tours, swimming, golf, massage, yoga, and much more are all part of the magic. Imagine coming home from a vacation refreshed and full of energy instead of fatigued. Pampered elegance at its finest best describes this kind of unique travel.

We’ve all heard that “families that play tennis together stay together”. Why not book your next Destination Tennis vacation with other like-minded families? Let the hotel concierges work with the Tennis department to line up matches and group lessons. After all this is your leisure time so have fun, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.

Dress codes are typically casual, but if you feel like shopping, almost every destination tennis resort has a wide variety of tennis apparel and equipment options at their Pro shops. Get the latest fashions from top designers. Expect to pay a little more because after all it is a hotel, but you’re on vacation so a little splurging here and there can add to the fun.

Quick recovery methods for combating Tennis Injuries

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It’s inevatable that injury will occur at some point in tennis since it’s a physical sport that places a lot of stress on the body the more competitive we play. Whether you suffer from joint pain, lower back pain, or tennis elbow there are numerous methods of treating these symptoms quickly so players can get back out on the faster.

Once such method is to explore the several prosthetic product options out there that can help restrain further injury and pain such as sport tapes, compression sleeves for knees and arms, and elbow guards for reducing tendinitis. The key is to continue wearing whenever you are on the court or until it is no longer needed. In addition there are some simple exercise tricks that can help accelerate muscle repair in these areas such as pushups, planks, and squats.

Like with other sports, it’s essential to stretch and loosen your muscles prior to playing tennis, then stretch again when you’re done. This will reduce the likelihood of muscle strains as well as the lower-back muscle spasms often experienced by tennis players. Core stretches such as trunk twists, arm circles and slow jogging from one part of the court to another are good ways to warm up your muscles prior to play. If you have chronic back pain, you may want to add to your warm up some lumbar stretches to your warm up routine. All professional tennis coaches recommend stretching before lessons so always try to arrive at least 10 minutes early. This practice also makes players more flexible and agile in their performance.

Learning proper technique will help reduce injuries when playing tennis. A professional coach will teach you optimal stances and other creative ways of working around injuries while still maintaining performance. One such method is using the one-handed backhand, which can reduce some of the rotational stress that this shot puts on the spine. Your coach can teach you safe practice techniques and help you avoid excessive repetition of a single kind of shot like a serve or overhead, reducing the chance of straining any muscle groups.

Massage Therapy has unlimited benefits for muscle spasms, soar joints, to tendinitis. Deep tissue massage and sports massage modalities are proven therapeutic methods of healing muscle and joints faster. You can always ask your licensed Massage therapies for additional methods you can use at home such as placing a tennis ball under your lower back to help relieve pressure.

Do Sports Supplements really work?

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We all love taking group tennis lessons especially with friends and family. It’s a great way to stay fit with a healthy dose of competition. As we get older, stamina becomes a contributing factor. Equally important to note is that not all supplements are designed the same for men and women. Even more confusing is the subject around multi-vitamin supplements.

To define these questions, consider that for most recreational players the sport of Tennis is an activity that consists of short bursts of energy between 4-10 seconds in duration, with 10-20 seconds recovery times in between. Limited data exists detailing the dietary intakes and requirements for protein verses carbohydrates in racket sports. Although research has shown that a lower carbohydrate intake can limit high-intensity exercise. Therefore, its safe to say that glycogen depletion can likely fatigue a player during their tennis lesson or high-performance training.

Recent studies have shown that creatine can improve an athlete’s pre-workout performance. L-carnitine has been proven to expedite muscle recovery in post workout exercise. Nutritionists suggest there is a direct correlation between how a body transitions from pre-workout to post-workout exercise using these amino acid supplements.

Both can be effective for either pre-workout or post-workouts when they are high quality with no artificial flavoring. Alternatively, packing fruit, nuts, and low sugar snack bars can help to sustain energy throughout a tennis lesson or match. A final note to remember is as with any form of intense exercise is to stay hydrated with plenty of water. Stay away from soft drinks or other sugar related beverages as this can spike insulin levels and can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting in some cases.