If you are in any way connected to the fitness or running world, you know that there is quite a bit of hype around the idea of using a minimal shoe for training and running. From Vibram Five Fingers to the New Balance Minimus, you can see athletes everywhere utilizing these shoes to strengthen their…
Staying balanced with fluids and electrolytes is a key concern to every competitive athlete. Very common complaints such as fatigue and cramps could be easily avoided if properly-hydrated, especially during the hot and humid summer months. Water is the number one ingredient every cell and tissue of the body needs in order to survive. The…
Tennis is a unique sport that involves intense physical activity for a prolonged period of time. Nobody knows how long one’s match will last until the final point is won. Thus, it is vital for every tennis player to have the aerobic capacity to have endurance and tolerance. As discussed in my previous articles, nutrition…
Over the last five years, there has been a major shift in the perception and practice of physical training and its relationship to on-court performance. Instead of looking at becoming “fit” as a means to an end, players are now looking for programs that will enhance actual tennis skills. One common flaw to recent tennis…
Everybody knows that fluid imbalances and mild dehydration can trigger muscle cramping. And although we know that muscle cramping can and does occur with severe dehydration and heat injury, there is no conclusive evidence that consuming adequate fluids with or without electrolytes will prevent typical nocturnal or exercise-associated cramping. In fact, studies have found that…
In order to design an effective dynamic warm-up routine, it is important to understand the science behind each component and how it can affect your tennis game in the short- and long-term. Most tennis athletes rarely warm up, or when they do, it is done in an ineffective manner. This can give you a tremendous…
Following proper nutrition preparation will guarantee improved tennis performance. Packing your lunch box with proper snacks and fluids will help you to avoid fatigue, cramps and get you ready for any early matches, late matches or even multiple matches. Here are some easy tips on what super snacks and drinks to have in your bag…
1. Functional movement The first step to improving a players’ speed is to assess and correct their functional movement limitations. It sounds unrelated to speed, but in fact, it is the foundation for building quality training programs, tennis mechanics and creating higher speeds on the court. Not only does it make the athlete more efficient…
The foods that we eat provide the energy and fuel that our body needs. An athlete’s body has different needs and requirements in order to optimize their athletic performance. A lot of people have misconceptions about different food groups, as some try to avoid carbohydrates, while others avoid fat. This type of dieting is called…
Staying balanced with fluids and electrolytes is a key concern to every competitive athlete. Very common complains, such as fatigue and cramps, could be easily avoided if properly hydrated, especially during the hot and humid summer months. Water is the number one ingredient every cell and tissue in your body needs to survive. The fluids…