Tennis is perhaps the original cross-training workout—a fact we’ll be reminded of when watching the world’s top athletes crush 140-mile-per-hour serves and send balls zipping down the line at the U.S. Open over the next few weeks.
One look at their powerful frames proves that while high-intensity interval training studios and dance-cardio sessions generate plenty of buzz among fitness enthusiasts these days, there’s still little that compares to the total-body sculpting benefits—or the sheer satisfaction—of a well-played tennis set.
Free weights will build muscle—try low weights and high reps to cultivate lean strength rather than bulk—although ultimately Cascino prefers boxing.
Sparring is great for arm strength, and you need to put your whole body into a punch, similar to how you serve and hit forehands and backhands.
This is a sport that stresses a lot of flexibility, since you need to adjust quickly to reach different shots, and many players often slide, with legs apart, to reach a ball.
Twenty minutes of full-body stretching, before and after a workout, is essential, and adding in yoga can lend greater pliability to muscles.
You never want to be flat-footed.
If you watch the pros, their heels are slightly off the ground, with their weight on the balls of their feet.
The key to any tennis-focused regime involves developing shoulder strength so you can power through your serves and returns.
Lastly: Factor in periods of rest.
If you go hard four or five days a week, do a day of lighter activity, especially before a match.