In order to play tennis well, you have to focus on sharpening your fitness skills. Many tennis coaches might tell you that their students who are the complete package, mastering the physical and mental aspects of the game (level of talent aside) have a greater chance of succeeding in matches versus the players who solely rely on their talent and have a limited work ethic, because they can (or so they think they can until a challenging opponent comes along in the tournament draw).
Physical fitness has always been a weakness of mine; if someone wanted to beat me in a rally, they’d have to try my patience, which oftentimes worked (and still could technically work; I hope none of my friendly competitors are reading this right now; actually, maybe I am giving away inaccurate information - wink). Just because my fitness has been a hole in my tennis game, that doesn’t mean it cannot improve. Everyone can make room for their improvement, and the beauty of fitness is that everyone can be the best version of themselves (as if you haven’t heard that phrase one million times over). It’s so true, though; instead of comparing ourselves to our friends or people we look up to, why not just work with what we have and be the absolute best with the tools we are naturally born with? Easier said than done.
I took my first Orange Theory class today in Forest Hills before a Club paddle match - it went better than expected as I ran two miles, averaging more than 5 mph. Never have I ever…done that before! I think there’s a psychological benefit behind running in a group setting in a fitness class compared to running by yourself at the gym. I’m also an Equinox member, and sometimes lack motivation when running on the treadmill. At Orange Theory, the majority of the workout is spent on the treadmill (at least the first half or so), during which your heart rate, calories and overall output are all accounted for. I was able to do that fairly well for my standards, but when it came time to doing weights - forget it. You have to be coordinated to do that well, especially the first time around. Would I do it again and incorporate Orange Theory into my routine? Probably not, since I’m already a member of another gym and should be running outside as I have a 5K race coming up at the beginning of February. Mind you, that’s the first 5K race or race of any kind that I will have ever done - come on! All in all, it the experience training at Orange Theory gave me perspective: Use what you have to get into tennis shape. In my case, I can run outside with the Peloton application (which trains you for races, etc.); use the various equipment at the Equinox gyms; or just do at-home workouts. Whatever avenue works better than doing nothing, that’s for sure.
I am so excited to work out tomorrow, in one way or another - perhaps it will improve my tennis game…or not! Here’s to exercise, and the wonderful way it makes us feel! <3 -e