Fitness for On-Court Performance

The best thing about tennis is that it's a great form of exercise. Playing tennis provides good aerobic conditioning while competing and having fun. Once you get hooked on the game, you'll probably want to go out and play as often as possible. With an increase in work and family obligations competing for attention, it's not always easy to make time for tennis. This sometimes forces us into the "weekend warrior" syndrome, in which you strenuously exert yourself several hours each weekend, then go back to a sedentary routine during the week.

If you're a top-level tennis player, you know how important fitness and conditioning are to your game. If you play socially and not really for competition, you might think that the idea of cross training is not for you. All you want to do is play with your regular group every week, not really to improve your game, just for some fun. Going outside and exercising by playing tennis is a very healthy activity, especially if done on a regular basis. Beware though, even if you think you're going to take it easy, don't ignore your body or the warning signs it might be giving you if you're not conditioned.

Whether you are a serious competitor, or a social player, tennis requires a lot from your body. After just one set of doubles, your heart rate will have risen from its resting state, hopefully not past a healthy level. If all you do is just hit groundstrokes with your partner, you will be using muscles in your arms, legs, shoulders and back. Depending on your age and general health, this can be quite traumatic on your body unless you're used to the activity.

Among tennis players at any club or park, the topic of conversation always turns to "tennis elbow" or "bad knees". The next time you're at a social tennis event, take note of how many players put on a knee brace or elbow strap. These are people who love tennis - they are playing through a new injury or living with a recurring one. Minor injuries are a normal and expected outcome of playing any sport, including tennis. Frequent injuries may be a sign that something is wrong, and a message from your body that it can't do what you're asking of it.

If you play tennis, then you could be considered an athlete at one level or another, and you should think as an athlete would. Not necessarily a world-class athlete, but as someone who asks their body to perform an activity. One of the most important things to remember is that you should listen to your body. If you sweat while playing tennis, you need to replenish the liquid in your body, preferably with plain water. If you've developed tennis elbow, you need to stop playing and rest the tendons for several weeks, then begin exercises that will help strengthen the area. If your muscles are always sore, incorporate some stretching exercises into your daily routine, as well as before and after tennis.

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