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

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.

Do Sports Supplements really work?

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.