Tennis Elbow Helpers

Sadly, I'm reaching an age where I'm starting to feel more aches and pains than I ever did before, and one of those is in my elbow. I'm pretty sure its tennis elbow, but I'm not 100% sure yet. But I came across two products from "Dr. Ortho," which seems like a legit enough name...so if you're in the same boat I am in, check them out.

EPI-Sport Tennis Elbow Forearm Clasp - $31.95

A tennis elbow brace that holds the forearm tendons in a more parallel position to minimize stretching and tearing. Helps speed healing and relieves pain and discomfort. Lining absorbs shock and keeps moisture away from skin. Specs: Black, X-Small-X-Large, Shock-Absorbing Liner, Keeps Moisture Away From Skin, Clasp Design Provides Dual Compression

Gel-Band Tennis Elbow Arm Band - $19.95

While John Edwards look-alike in the image above may be enough for you to try out one of these bands, you should also take note of what it can do for your tennis elbow too. Its worn just below the elbow joint while at rest or during activity, this armband applies focused compression to the tendon without restricting circulation. It eliminates stress and helps reduce inflammation and pain. Includes a patented gel cell that can be removed and heated/chilled for thermal therapy on acute and chronic injuries. Helps reduce nagging pain and speeds healing. Specs: Beige or Black, Universal sizing, Patented Gel Cell For Hot/Cold Therapy, Helps Reduces Inflammation and Pain, Gel Cell Insert Focusses Compression.

The Tennis Tutor Ball Machine

An affordable, value machine. Unfortunately, don't look for it to send you topspin or underspin. You can, however, adjust speeds and elevations, which is a plus. You can also program it to hit 4 different shots. It can hold 150 balls - enough to wear you out, and has wheels for easy movement. It has a chargeable battery and also can be plugged in, and it has a wireless remote control.

Check out Tennis Tutor ball machines.

Get Fit for the Tennis Season - Go Running with Serena Williams

Nike continues to merge sports and entertainment. First they developed the iPod shoe. Now, they've introduced a mix of iTunes that included Serena Williams coaching you while you run. There are two, 30 minute, custom-made workouts - Interval Run and Spontaneous Speed.

Interval Run Workout includes following tracks:

1. Whatever U Like (Nicole Scherzinger)
2. The Way I Are (Timbaland)
3. Give It to Me (Timbaland)
4. My Humps (Black Eyed Peas)
5. Makes Me Wonder (Maroon 5)
6. Tambourine (Eve)
7. Impacto (Daddy Yankee)
8. Out of Control (State of Emotion) (Kenna)
9. Glamorous (Fergie)
10. Fergalicious (Fergie)
11. Pump It (Black Eyed Peas)

Spontaneous Speed Workout includes following tracks:

1. Family Affair (Mary J Blige)
2. Just Fine (Mary J Blige)
3. Let It Go (Keyshia Cole)
4. Instigator (Kaci Brown)
5. Baby Love (Nicole Sherzinger)
6. Release (Timbaland/Justin Timberlake)
7. Apologize (Timbaland/OneRepublic)
8. Give It To You (Eve & Sean Paul)
9. Unbelievable (Kaci Brown)
10. Nolia Fairytake (Vanessa Carlton)
11. A Thousand Miles (Vanessa Carlton)

Serena Williams' Interval and Spontaneous Speed workouts are available at the Apple iTunes Music Store.

From Women's Tennis Blog

Tennis fitness products - Stretch your hamstrings

Whether you're trying to move better on the court or prevent injury, stretching your hamstring is critical. But its hard to stretch it properly, until now. The Hamstretch helps those lacking flexibility get the stretch they need in their hammies and hips. Easy to use, just lie on your back, put your leg in the cradle, and pull back with your arms.

Get the hamstretch Hamstring Stretching Device

From Tennis.com

Wrist Assist - "The best 69 bucks you'll ever spend," says Brad Gilbert

This thingamajig claims to consistently place a player’s wrist and racket in the optimum position throughout the hitting zone. What Square Hit Tennis, the maker of Wrist Assist, aims to accomplish this this consistent placement is to enable a player to lock the correct stroke into their muscle memory.

I believe in muscle memory. And frankly I think Brad Gilbert's a great coach. So I might give this a shot if I were a beginner trying to get my initial stroke down. Then I'd drop it, seems to me it would only become a crutch.

Check out the Wrist Assist at Square Hit Tennis

Books by Brad Gilbert

Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis--Lessons from a Master




I've Got Your Back: Coaching Top Performers from Center Court to the Corner Office

Bakko Freestanding Net helps you fight the Winter tennis blues

Have you made a New Year's resolution to get back into shape, or at least get your tennis game back into shape? I have, and luckily I live in Arizona. But if you live in a colder climate and you can't always get to or pay for indoor tennis, this is a great option.

The Bakko Indoor Free Standing Net is 12.5' wide and 7.9' high allowing it to fit in garages, basement, etc. with 8' ceilings, and the support feet project 4' forwards and backwards. This makes it perfect for winter practices for colder climates. Also preferred for driveways by those who do not like elevated nets.

I grew up in the middle of Pennsylvania and would have loved this thing - it sure beats getting frostbite on your hands hitting against your garage door...

Bakko Indoor Free Standing Net - $419

Make a New Year's Resolution for Tennis Fitness

The holidays are officially over. You've been pounding eggnog, chomping cookies, partying and enjoying delicious meals for the last month.

Now, its resolution time. It doesn't matter if you play tennis, racquetball, squash, platform tennis, badminton or ping pong - you won't be able to do any of these if you're woefully out of shape. And it doesn't matter the weather. Maybe you can't play the sport(s) you love, but you can certainly stay fit in the off season.

Want to tear the band-aid off all at once, painfully but effectively?
Then get into shape with Jillian Michaels kick-your-ass weight loss and fitness plan

JUMP ROPE!
Here is what I've used to get back into shape for tennis. Killer cardio, builds your calves and thighs, and boosts your foot speed on the court.

Harbinger Adjustable, Speed Jump Rope - 9 Feet
You have to have a good jump rope, and I personally like this one. Its fast and its adjustable so it'll work no matter your height.

Leather Weighted Jump Rope
Another great option is a leather jump rope. These are the ropes you see boxers using with such precision and speed. I used to have one and loved it. They aren't adjustable, though, so get one that fits.

Other Jump Ropes

Need something else?
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What about weight training?
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Tennis

When I was growing up, we didn't do a lot of weight work as tennis players. Dumb. We were always told it would make us too big and inflexible. C'mon, do you know how much you have to lift weights to become that big? Either at the gym or in your home, weight training is one of the best things you can do for overall fitness, health and strength on the court.

Speedminton - If Sharapova likes it, can it be all that bad?

Speedminton. The ability to play "tennis" wherever you would like - the beach, the park, your back yard, wherever.

The "sport" uses an exclusive birdie called Speeder that is designed to fly fast and automatically start braking at the end of its flight ready for the return volley. These puppies can move up to 190 mph (Holy Crap!). Its for ages 8 and up and requires no net and no court. In fact, it can be played at night too with "Speedlights" attachments to make the birdies glow.

The Speedminton Fun Set includes:
- 2 Speedracquets: High quality, extruded Aluminum for lightness and maximum durability. Weighs just 6 oz, and is 23" long. Suits all ages.
- 3 Speeders: Made from patented, aerodynamic materials, each for a different kind of Play. One Fun Speeder for recreational play; one longer-distance, 190-mph Match Speeder; a Night Speeder for nighttime play.
- 4 Speedlights: For up to three hours of after dark play. Inserts into the cap of Night Speeder.
- 1 Speedbag: For carrying portability
- 1 Wind Ring: For play in windy conditions
- 1 Set Fun Court and Fun Guide-book: For those who love to compete! Eight cones to set up a competitive court

I don't know why they're referencing tennis, or why Sharapova's involved. Seems to me this would be a bigger draw for badminton players. But it does look like fun.

Watch a video about Speedminton here.

The fun pack starts at $39.95 from Mansion Select

EyePort Vision Training

If you end up getting one of these, I recommend closing your door and not let anyone see you, lest they call the guys in white suits to pick you up.

Accoring to Vic Braden, "The EyePort will revolutionize the way athletes train and perform."

How It Works: Position your EyePort near the edge of a table or desk. Sit so your eyes are 24 to 30 inches from the unit. Put on the provided red-blue glasses. Press the Enter button on your EyePort, and simply allow your eyes to effortlessly move from one light to the next on the programmed EyePort. Voila! You are on your way to top visual performance - tennis, golf, baseball and more.

Ummm...is this a tennis training guide or are we watching Spy Kids in 3D?

Beware any product that starts it feature description in the following way:

It may look like a space ship, but it’s far easier to operate. Here are some of the EYEPORT's features.

Here are the features:
- Automatic shut-off (I want mine to shut off when someone walks into the room.)
- Pre-programmed workouts (Workouts? Really?)
- Multiple speed settings
- Special glasses to train each eye individually (we call them eye patches)
- Carrying case included (in case you want to look silly in other places)
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 year

The device is developed by Dr.Jacob Liberman.

Dr.Jacob Liberman received a Doctorate of Optometry, a Ph.D in Vision Science and is a fellow of The American Academy of Optometry, The College of Optometrists in Vision Development, The College of Syntonic Optometry, and The International Academy of Color Sciences. He is also the recipient of the H.R. Spitler Award for his pioneering contributions to the field of phototherapy.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: At Mansion Select, we want to be sure that the item you choose is the right one for you. Within 30 days of delivery of your order, you may return any merchandise (except e-books, opened video & software products) purchased from Mansion Select in its original condition with your email order confirmation or packing slip for a full refund of purchase price. On items over $75 shipping within the US, we will even arrange free pick up or pay for returns shipping.

EyePort Vision Training System...$199.95

Self-respect...Priceless

Tennis Power Resist System / S&M Device

Stop the madness.

Mansion Select is selling a Tennis Power Resist System that claims to help you "Become a better tennis player faster with 'overspeed training!'" whatever that is.

The Power Resist System provides an extended workout on the tennis court, that is also safe. Increase speed, intensity, and conditioning under resistance! The Power Resist System, like our Powerband, trains players to become better athletes faster through what is known as overspeed training. But, while the Powerband is designed for close-up work with a coach or partner, this Power Resist system allows for much longer stretch and resistance - up to 27 feet.The result is an incredible workout with extended yet safe court coverage.

I will let this video speak for itself. If you believe that this will help you win more tennis matches, go for it.

Watch Video

Tennis Power Resist System - $69.95 at Mansion Select

Lateral Resistor - Prepare for Impact!

I'm finding myself being increasingly sarcastic and cynical when it comes to the tennis fitness items I'm finding. That's not my intent, but as a marketer I understand what these companies are doing - selling you things you don't need.

Now, today we have the Lateral Resistor, which helps you work on your quick step patterns. I 100% agree that small steps are critical to make adjustments and ultimately set yourself up for a winning shot. Just look at Jimmy Connors, he was the master at this.

But it just seems to me that tying your legs together will do more to give you bumps, scrapes and bruises than fix your footwork. Here's a better idea to work on this. Next time you're hitting, try to make 6 tiny steps before you make a shot, each and every time.

There, I just saved you $30.

$29.95 at Mansion Select

Plyo-Hurdles for better, stronger movement on the court

The Plyo-Hurdles are lightweight and unbreakable hurdles meant to strenthen your stride and footwork. Each set comes with a packet of drills cards to create hours of fun while improving movement skills. Great for children to develop skills for all sports. Available in 7" and 12" heights. Set of 6 plus drill booklet.

“Plyometric exercises enable a muscle to reach maximum strength within a short time.” - Dr. Donald Chu, a leading authority on plyo training

Now, I am absolutely not saying these guys aren't worth it. I do believe in plyometrics and I believe that doing these types of drills will help your fitness and tennis game. But...for $70, I might think about looking up the drills online and using homemade versions of the hurdles - anything from shoe boxes to stacks of books would work.

A set of 6 is $69.95 at Mansion Select

Curves® for Women Leg Toning Sneaker

We had no idea that the extremely popular Curves chain of women-only gym had branched out into branded sporting goods, but apparently they have. Here we have the latest in those endeavors, the Curves® for Woman Leg Toning Sneaker. We could only find these on Avon.com and one size on eBay, so the information is limited. And its hard to tell how well these would actually perform on a tennis court. However, from what we have read, this unique sneaker-based design cushions feet while also helping to stimulate circulation. And the natural rocking movement challenges your muscles to strengthen. Leather and man-made materials.

BTW - WhatsAllTheRacquet learned from GottaDeal.com that you can enter promo code AVON710 for FREE shipping!