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Wednesday, August 2, 2017

HEALTH: Staying sharp and physically competent thanks to tennis

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a webinar provided by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) and presented by Dan Zeman, M.S., Exercise Physiologist. The event was a part of their Spring/Summer Webinar Learning Series and was entitled "Re-think Tennis: Promoting to the Baby Boomer Generation." 

For those not aware, this named group of people is sometimes identified by a birthdate that ranges from 1946 to 1964.  Therefore, they would in fact be today's grandparents with ages between 48 and 70 years young. Now you might be thinking that this certainly cannot be a prime marketing target for this quite physical game. However, the focus of the webinar was on how to promote tennis (in the words of the TIA) "as a activity that will allow them to live independently, reduce their risk of future falls, maintain muscle mass, improve balance, agility and coordination plus stay mentally sharp." In other words, tennis is both a lifetime and life-sustaining sport that provides assistance in the quality of life well beyond our athletic prime.

During the webinar, which was an interactive session, I asked the question, "Can you address the value of those programs not located in tennis clubs but instead through recreation centers–especially sessions that get parents actively involved on the court with their kids?" The response was very positive. Dr. Zeman said, "I applaud that question because any time you can get social engagement at a family level you really are doing a great service to that community or that family."

Anyone who has participated in the programs from Gotta Play Tennis Kids is aware of how the activities provided are engaging to kids, parents, and even grandparents.  The focus is not on one's muscularity or agility prowess. Rather the motivation is on one's ability to learn some new and very fun skills amongst 5-10 year old children. 

Trish and I are proud to provide this kind of service to families, to communities, to parents, and even grandparents. We are glad to hear that some others of greater notoriety are of like mind and that they see the value of what we strive to provide each and every time we step out onto the court.