I am headed to New York City today for the U.S Open ladies final. More on that next week! Have a great weekend! Thank to Glam Media and American Express!
Tag: tennis
Summer Activities and Burning Calories: Fitness Friday
Looking for new ways to burn more calories? Summer is almost gone, but Bob Greene, Oprah’s trainer and founder of “The Best Life”, says, ” If you seize the summer, you can end the season in better shape than you started.” Check out this list of summer activities that Bob suggests to try which will attribute to burning calories. Here are 8 great ideas to help you stay fit just by being outdoors and enjoying what’s left of summertime.
•Frisbee—109 Calories: Embrace your inner hippie and get back into the Frisbee-throwing game with some friends (including the four-legged kind).
•Bicycling—145 Calories: Go for a spin at a slow to moderate pace on the open road (just be sure to wear your helmet!) Speed up to a fast pace to double your calorie burn.
•Paddle boating—145 Calories: This leisure-time activity is more vigorous than you realize.
•Badminton—163 Calories: Keep your eye on the birdie and burn calories with this Olympic sport.
•Building a sandcastle—181 Calories: Playing in the sand—digging and carrying buckets filled with sand and water offers a pretty good workout.
•Swimming—218 Calories: Jump in for an unstructured swim to burn calories and stay cool. If you swim laps at a leisurely place, you can burn more than 250 calories.
•Tennis (singles) – 290: Get that racket out of the back of the closet, and hit the courts for an activity you’ll just love.
•Beach volleyball – 290: You’ll have a lot more fun—and burn a lot more calories—than simply lying under an umbrella.
For more information on Bob Greene and best life see www.thebestlife.com
Fitness Friday: 10 Reasons to Play Tennis
Since Wimbledon is in full swing, it has made me think a good bit about tennis. A few years ago, I used to play tennis almost every day, and I was involved in several different leagues and even playing various tennis tournaments. It taught me a lot of things about myself, and I thought I would share why it’s such a great sport to try. Here are 10 reasons why you should take up tennis. I have taken a few years hiatus, but hope to one day soon I can play just for fun.
1. It increases your hand eye coordination-This is something we don’t practice as adults unless you take up a racquet sort, golf or something similar.
2. It improves your memory skills-Keeping up with the score, who is serving, and where to stand, can be a challenge to remember. It’s a great brain workout.
3. It’s great exercise-It is a very cardiovascular sport but has a touch of interval training too with a lot of start and stop motion.
4. It’s a great social sport-Playing tennis is a wonderful way to meet new people and make friends. One of my first opponents ever is now one of my good friends.
5. It improves your reflexes-You have to think and act fast. It is one of the few sports that I can say that about.
6. The clothes are so cute-Enough said..
7. It’s a lifetime sport-From child age to seniors, anyone can play throughout their entire lifetime.
8. It’s a great stress reliever-There’s something about hitting that ball that truly lessons stress.
9. It improves your focus-You have to fully concentrate if you want to perform well. It takes your mind off everything else in the world.
10. It’s a blast and so addictive-Once you start playing, you’ll see exactly what I mean
Holiday Fitness Gift Ideas for “Her”
Okay. I am a fitness fanatic. I admit it. I want everything fitness related for my holiday gifts so here is a list of some of my favorites. To start, is this great workout bag called the “Triumphant Tote” from Lululemon. Not only does it fit a 15-inch laptop, but it’s so roomy, cool-looking, has a waterproof outer layer, and an exterior pocket with removable bag for grubby gear (perfect for my cycle shoes and sweaty clothes). $118. I want this in black if anyone is listening…Here are some of my other favorites:
For the Runner: How about this Roga Short for Oiselle. It combines the flattering waist of a yoga short with the technical function of a great running short with a rear zip pocket and moisture protection. $44
For Anyone: The “Energy Bra” by Lululemon, is my newest favorite workout bra. It fits perfectly, is so comfortable and it’s great for any sport as well as hot yoga. I just splurged on this pink one! $42
For the Runner: I just bought these running tights from Saucony, and they are comfortable, have a reflective stripe for maximum visibility (if you are running early in the morning or late in the day), have a roomy pocket and ankle zippers. $65
For a Challenge: How about a great workout DVD? If you’re looking for a great overall workout that is tough and will tone you up, try my friend, Sandra’s, Horizontal Conditioning or Boot Camp DVD. $19.99
For Tennis: I love this new Nike Rival Tennis Skirt, part of the Sharapova holiday Dry-fit collection. The fit is awesome. $60
For Yoga: This Burn Out V-Neck from Yoga Fit is so soft and the perfect fit for yoga, running or just lounging at home. I love that their collection is made in in the USA. The yoga posture illustrations on the shirt are too cute.
Tennis Anyone? What Tennis and Love Have in Common
About seven years ago, I learned how to play tennis. My son was taking lessons, and when his friend didn’t come one afternoon, the tennis pro (Bob), asked me to give it a try. He pumped me up telling me that I seemed “like a natural”, and that started the next several years of my tennis addiction. I played almost every day, moved up from level to level, attended two state tournaments, and become a compete tennis fanatic. I loved so many things about playing tennis: meeting new people, making new friends, the competition, the challenge, and honestly, the clothes. I loved playing a team sport which I really never had done when I was young. Tennis gave me a certain confidence, and it helped me focus and exercise my memory. Two years ago, I gave it up for various reasons of family, work and burn-out. Friends and family often ask me, “Will you ever play again?” I hope and think so, but not to the level as before. Tennis is a great sport for so many reasons. I thought I would share why some of my closest friends love this great sport.