5 Great Reasons To Not Skip Fitness

Tennis is a very physical sport, played best by highly trained athletes. That means every player, at every level will benefit from improved fitness. In our HP program, we have scheduled mandatory fitness sessions that range from distance running, core building, plyometrics, strength training, injury prevention, speed and agility training, etc. These fitness sessions are usually scheduled at the end of a training block to reduce fatigue during the tennis training portion of the day's session. Invariably, especially during the school year, players come to me with a litany of reasons and rationale for why they have to "skip fitness tonight".

"I have too much homework." Really, 30 min is going to make that much difference?

"My Dad says we have to leave now" Thanks for the support on the overall message, Dad. By the way, you're paying for this time.

"My _____is injured and I don't think I can do it" There are plenty of exercises not involving your foot, shoulder, or whatever ails you.

These are some of the common excuses. I usually say something like, "Don't tell me why you're skipping fitness. Look in the mirror and tell you, for it is only you who pays the price for this."

I can probably think of many more, but lets take a look at these 5 reasons not to skip fitness, whether it's an integral part of your HP training, or five minutes of jumping rope by the adult weekend warrior.

1-"if you are serious about your goals as a competitive player, how can you not be serious about your fitness?" Pretty self-explanatory. If I've said it once..........

2-Mindset- You do yourself a great service when you establish a mindset that this is not optional, "It's a key part of my existence as a tennis player, and one I need to embrace, and even enjoy."

3- the tennis benefit- There is no doubt that the fitter athlete will eventually prevail. At every competitive level, so much could be achieved by a slightly faster, or more explosive first step. Or a little better aerobic base. Or a little stronger shoulder . Or a little better mental stamina,

4- the life benefit- The off court advantages of regular fitness training are well documented. Increased longevity of life, improvement in alertness and energy levels, improved mobility and range of motion, better sleep cycles, fat- burning and healthy weight balance, deeper concentration, better self-image, are just a few of the inherent benefits of a regular fitness regimen. Even a half hour twice a week makes a huge difference.

5- The psychological benefit-This is probably the most underrated and highest value of a fitness routine. Those of you who regularly hit the gym. attend yoga class, or go for a run around the neighborhood can attest to a couple of typical responses. Before you go, you often feel dread or try and talk yourself into skipping it just once. Then once you are there. in the activity. you are SO glad you did, and you feel SO much better for having made the effort and stayed true to your goals.

Or, on the occasion you do decide to skip it, you have distinct feelings of guilt. How many times over the years have I said, "this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't skipped my workout!"?

In short, if you do it, stick to it! If you haven't started yet, there's no time like the present. Embrace the fitness training portion of your tennis life, and you will begin to embrace better results, and better experiences.