Ronjini's Blog

If you have read any of my blogs, you'll see I'm a little obsessed about fitness, but due to my schedule it's hard for me to always stay on top of it. But I think about it all day. I was having a conversation with my friend about staying fit and being the best. My goal this women's season is just to wipe out all of my opponents.

Then I got to reading a magazine that had some great tips about conditioning for the season and getting in shape. Here are some tips on how-to get in top form for the season:

Work out in Intervals - it is no secret that you need a good amount of endurance when playing matches. Interval workouts are great for building a spring in your step while you're on the court. Try 20 second sprints with 10 second recovery for eight intervals to get you going.

Lateral movements - How can you forget that you move side to side all over the court? After all that's why we buy tennis shoes, to support those lateral movements (and our precious ankles) on the court. If you have 30 minutes, get on the court and try side to side shuffles. Side lunges are also a great way to work your calves and your lateral movement simultaneously. Another great lateral drill is placing a rope/towel/weight dead center between your legs and jumping from side to side promoting those quick moving feet and some cardio.

Running split-steps - Another great drill for the tennis court is to practice that infamous split step that i'm sure many of us forget to do. Use the lines on the court to run forward, backward and side to side; utilizing the court lines for areas to pause and split step before heading into another direction.

Work on your bottom half - Tennis starts with strong legs, why do you think women in tennis have such short skirts? It is important to make those legs, hips and lower back strong so that you can endure a long game of tennis and live to tell about it. Focus on exercises that will reach several muscles at once like moving squats, leg presses, lunges and core-strengthening drills. I like the drills that incorporate a resistance weight like a medicine ball.

Get your mind right - meditation, relaxation and yoga help your mental game on and off the court. Take a yoga class at your local gym, sit in the sauna or just take 10-15 minutes a day to sit on the floor in your living room to just empty your mind and relax. It is important during that 6-6 score and Add IN point to have your mind in the right place to secure the win.

Diet, diet, diet - Eating a balanced diet always helps when playing. Staying hydrated, getting protein and lightening up on the fatty stuff will keep you fit and light during the season. Try and stay closer to fruits, vegtables and grains during the season to keep you energized and pumped for your next match.

I'm off to work on my body, so that I can dominate this season. Next match this Sunday! Wish me luck!

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