Fit for Tennis – Fit for Life!©

By LaRue E. Cook, BS, MHS, JD, CPT

Overall fitness is comprised of five components (muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular conditioning, body composition, and flexibility). Each of these components has its importance in your fitness for tennis, and for your everyday life! No matter what level of tennis you currently play, including each of these components in your off-court preparations will help you better enjoy the game, and remain injury free. So, let's get started, by taking a look at the first component – muscular strength.

Tennis is an impact game! Each time you hit a stroke, or run for the ball, your body is absorbing serious impact and exerting force. This requires upper and lower body strength. To improve this component of fitness, include strength training in your workouts. Equipment such as free weights, medicine balls, bands, tubes and body weight can be used. Your training can be in the gym, at home or on the court.

In my next segment, I'll look at a few specific exercises for improving your tennis-specific strength.

As with all forms of exercise, check with your physician before undertaking any of the training methods or exercises described in this article to make sure that they are appropriate for you. Always have an experienced, certified personal trainer assist you with setting-up any new exercise routine or program.

---

LaRue E. Cook is a certified personal trainer, tournament tennis player, and fitness author with over 14 years training experience. He also competes in sanctioned tournaments throughout the country, and uses this unique blend of training and tennis-playing experience to help other players get fit for tennis through his "Tennis Fitness Program." LaRue has trained a variety of tennis players, including "elite" junior players, many who are nationally, and regionally ranked, adult tournament and league players, and people new to tennis. He also works with a variety of general fitness clients, including the elderly, and those looking to lose weight or reduce body fat. LaRue’s first tennis fitness book, "A Tennis Player and Racquet Athlete's Guide to Stronger Shoulders and Core Muscles" has recently been released. To purchase his E-Book, or to get information on his training and training seminars, visit his website www.tennisfitness.net. He can be reached at: tennis4lec@yahoo.com.

Copyright 2004-2006 by LaRue E. Cook All Rights Reserved