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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | OCTOBER 2020 | 45 Sun Lakers have many great opportunities to stay fit, the key to enjoying tennis as a life-long sport. Ed McGrogan, senior editor for Tennis Magazine, explains some of the factors that are important to senior players in his 2017 article, "Play Tennis At A High Level No Matter Your Age." Staying in great shape maximizes our speed, flexibility, and power to excel on the court. Players who stay fit play similarly to how they played at 35 or 40; they just don't hit as big, aren't quite as fast, and not quite as flexible. Keeping the weight off is very helpful, as well as stretching. Some Sun Lakers work out at the gym with specific routines to maintain strength. Others use Pilates, with its focus on breathing and elongating muscles. Stretching prior to playing becomes more essential for seniors as a preventative measure and staving off injuries. It's helpful to do a light warm up, like jogging around the perimeter of the court or a few minutes of mini-tennis, before attempting to stretch. Stretching cold doesn't do you any good. It's like stretching a cold elastic band. Mental preparation is as important as physical readiness. Successful senior players adjust their expectations, goals, and even let go of a "results-oriented" mindset. As we age, it may be that we no longer have the "kill shot" that was so dependable in the past. Putting the ball in the right place becomes more important than overpowering an opponent. Being less physical means adjusting to the court seemingly becoming larger as we get older. All you need to do is get one more ball in than your opponent. Follow through and hit with height over the net. Trying to finish the point too early may result in making an error and losing the point. While winning can be a source of enjoyment, it's not the only thing. Remember the old adage, "It's not winning or losing, but how you play the game." You can be proud of working hard and doing your best! With all of this talk about getting older, it's important to focus on the bright side. Remember, with age comes wisdom! Wisdom can be a terrific resource on the tennis court. Seniors have an opportunity to demonstrate their high-level strategy. There's nothing wrong with hitting a drop shot! Be smart, effective, and have fun. Let's get out there and play tennis! Tennis Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Free Estimates Senior Discounts 760-250-9919 Contractor's License #529601 formerly PASS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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