Daily Racquet

Timex Fitness Tracker Gets Your Feet Moving

For all those tennis buffs who are into cardio tennis or want to track your steps and calories — Timex has made it a little easier with the sleek Timex Fitness Tracker, which combines a comfortable sports digital watch with a wireless digital transmitter that can help you track your daily activity.

Designed with the runner/walker in mind, this watch works great on the tennis court as well — the Wireless Fitness Tracker’s digital transmitter easily clips to the waist and wirelessly relays information to a fashionable, highly functional Timex Ironman Sleek wristwatch that lets you track your time, steps and calories.

In addition to the Fitness Tracker, the watch features a 50-lap memory recall chronograph with lap, split, speed, pace, distance and total stoppage time; an Indiglo night-light with a Night Mode feature; 3 alarms with daily, weekday, weekend and day-of-week options; two time zones and is water resistant to 50 meters.

This little gadget actually keeps those feet moving and it lets you know when you're not.

For more information go to Timex.com. Available online at Amazon.com.

Add A Little Weight To Your Game With A Pro Trainer WinSock

 Here's a great new tennis gadget that will help you warm up your game quickly, build strength in your hitting arm and help you learn to accelerate the racquet through your shots —the ProTrainer WinSock.

How does it work? Simply slide the weighted trainer on your racquet and start hitting. Yes, you heard that right — unlike other racquet weights, the WinSock stays on your racquet while you hit. 

After hitting for five minutes or so, slide it off and you're ready to play. You'll be loose, warmed up and accelerating the racquet head right through the sweet spot for added power and control on all your shots. 

This patent pending weighted trainer easily slides on and off your racquet, weighs less than 7 ounces and is positioned on your racquet at the center of the balance point. Because you can actually hit with WinSock  trainer on your racquet, you are able to use it during warm-ups and training to both loosen up your arm and build strength which helps you reach maximum performance levels quicker, and hopefully, get that quick edge on your opponent by winning the earlier games of your match.

The WinSock is also the perfect training tool to help you develop faster racquet speed on your shots to put more spin on the ball, quicker reflexes, endurance, strength and control by building strength in the tennis muscles.

There is no doubt about it, this little weighted trainer helps deliver a powerful and reliable swing movement and dramatically improves swing speed and swing mechanics.

The WinSock is a must for any tennis player.

Available online at ptwinsock.com.

Go Green With Watergeeks Filtered Sport Bottle

With a Watergeeks Filtered Sport Bottle you can have fresh, filtered water wherever you play, not to mention making great strides in saving our planet from too many plastic water bottles! Made with food grade, BPA free plastic, this 16 oz. filtered water bottle will treat up to 80 gallons of water, approximately 3 months of use under normal conditions. The level 2 filter removes chlorine, bad taste and odor, as well as a significant proportions of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and copper. Simply fill bottle with water and drink.

Available online at Watergeeks.

2009 New Year's Resolutions

As we gladly ring out the old, and optimistically ring in the new, most of us have probably included a few things to help us get fit for the courts. If that includes you, here are a few of our favorite fitness aids that might help you accomplish your goal.

Complete Conditioning For Tennis
Take your game to a higher level! Now you can train to play like the pros by specifically conditioning each fitness component to meet the physical demands of tennis. Complete Conditioning for Tennis by Paul Roetert and Todd Ellenbecker improves your strength, power, agility, flexibility, quickness, and stamina. Experts from the United States Tennis Association provide the very best training exercises and drills, sample workouts from the game’s top players, and sample programs to maximize your tennis performance. You’ll finish strong in every match. Available online at Amazon.com.

Dyna-Flex Pro Plus Gyro Exerciser
Professional athletes use the Dynaflex Pro to strengthen your wrists, forearms, and other lower arm muscles. It's great to use as a carpal tunnel exercise (for prevention and rehabilitation), and also works great for improving arm strength for almost every sport and physical activity. Professional athletes use the Dynaflex Pro to improve grip, to improve arm strength, to improve shoulder strength, to improve coordination, as therapeutic relief for the hands, wrists, arms, biceps and triceps, and to gain a competitive edge in sports requiring hand speed, control, accuracy, and grip strength.They've been around forever. You may have played with one as a kid. They come in fun and different colors. Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

ETCH-Swing
ETCH-Swing is great to use for tennis strength training, whether you’re working on your serve, forehand  or backhand. At advanced levels, it has become an integral part of the training regimens of pros Justine Henin, Jelena Jankovic and Victoria Azaeenka since the Etch-Swing allows players to merge movement drills with upper body strengthening for more efficient training sessions. The unique design of the Etch-Swing does much more than a weight on the end of a racquet. Available online at Etcheberry Experience.

Yoga for Great Tennis 
In this easy-to-follow 45-minute video, avid tennis player and Jivamukti-certified and registered yoga instructor Anastasia will guide you through this tennis specific yoga practice. Flexibility, strength and breath control, which is part of every Yoga posture, is the key to on-court improvement. Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

TenniSpheres
TenniSpheres are an innovative product based on an ancient hand exercise technique. Two iron balls are manipulated in the hand(s) with various motions. The exercises are believed to have beneficial effects not only for the hand, wrist and arm, but for the whole body. Not only on these little balls helpful to your well-being; they're very cool looking! Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

Timex Fitness Tracker
The sleek Timex Fitness Tracker, which combines a comfortable sports digital watch with a wireless digital transmitter that can help you track your daily activity —  this watch works great on the tennis court. The Wireless Fitness Tracker’s digital transmitter easily clips to the waist and wirelessly relays information to a fashionable, highly functional wristwatch that lets you track your time, steps and calories. What a way to get a step on your opponent. Available online at Amazon.com.

PumpOne
PumponeNeed a little incentive to help you? Try PumpOne — a personal trainer that fits in your racquet bag. Here's how it works — you download a workout program, sync it to your iPod, iPhone, Nano, Zune or cell phone, and click through your workout while listening to your own music. When you’re done with an exercise, click the next button for your next move. Single workouts start at $9, packages start at $49. And for the tennis player there's even a tennis-specific stretch and core package. Available online at PumpOne.

Xtensor
The Xtensor is a glove-like device that uses elasticized bands for resistance as you open your palm and extend your fingers fully. The mini-workout can help rebalance your muscles, reduce pain from repetitive strain, and ward off join erosion. Use the Xtensor for two to three minutes a day. Work up to two sets of 15 repititions and while it may look a little strange, this little gadget works wonders to help build strength and relieve pain and tension. Available online at Amazon.com.

You make 'em and you break 'em but at least you have to try.

Getting A Jump On The Competition

Boxers have been doing it for years — just check out any Rocky movie and you'll see. But jumping rope also has it advantage for tennis players. It improves agility, speed, rhythm, and timing — all vital elements to the game. What's more, it'll spike both your anaerobic and aerobic levels, so you have the energy to both charge the net and take it to a fifth set.

And now, you can get all those benefits and more with JumpSnap, a ropeless jump-rope that tracks calories burned, the number of jumps, a timer, and has a ‘snap’ sound with each rotation providing the user a rhythm for each jump.

That's right! Get all the undisputed calorie burning and heart-pumping benefits of a traditional jump rope without the interruptions of tripping on the rope. The JumpSnap has two handles, one with an electronic chip inside to record the virtual rotations and the number of calories burned. Once you have programmed in your weight and height, the JumpSnap does the rest. With each rotation, there's a clicking sound that gives the illusion of the rope hitting the ground.

This new super gizmo has been featured in US Weekly as Hollywood's hot new workout and praised by Fitness magazine, Elle Canada and FLARE.

For more information go to jumpsnap.com. Available online at Amazon.com.

Great Stocking Stuffers

The Xtensor is a glove-like device that uses elasticized bands for resistance as you open your palm and extend your fingers fully. The mini-workout can help rebalance your muscles, reduce pain from repetitive strain, and ward off join erosion. Use the Xtensor for two to three minutes a day. Work up to two sets of 15 repititions and while it may look a little strange, this little gadget works wonders to help build strength and relieve pain and tension. Available online at Amazon.com. 

The 2008 Wimbledon DVD — Federer vs. Nadal features arguably the greatest match ever played at The All England Club, pitting world #1 Roger Federer against #2 Rafael Nadal. Back and forth they went, trading unbelievable shot after unbelievable shot. After it was all said and done, as darkness approached, Rafael Nadal dethroned five-time champion Roger Federer by winning the longest-ever Wimbledon men's final. Another magnificent chapter to add to their storied rivalry. Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

With a Watergeeks Filtered Sport Bottle you can have fresh, filtered water wherever you play! Made with food grade, BPA free plastic, this 16 oz. filtered water bottle will treat up to 80 gallons of water, approximately 3 months of use under normal conditions. The level 2 filter removes chlorine, bad taste and odor, as well as a significant proportions of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and copper. Simply fill bottle with water and drink. Available online at Watergeeks.  

TenniSpheres are an innovative product based on an ancient hand exercise technique. Two iron balls are manipulated in the hand(s) with various motions. The exercises are believed to have beneficial effects not only for the hand, wrist and arm, but for the whole body. Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

The 2009 Official Rafael Nadal Calendar — this 2009 calendar captures Rafa hitting his trademark shots as well as off court moments. Produced in a classic wall calendar format with large images of Rafa in action. Available online at Tennis Warehouse. 

The Original Blue Tourna Grip is still one of the most popular overgrips on the market. A dry and soft overgrip — it provide the ultimate grip in hot and humid conditions, Tournagrip absorbs like no other. Comes with three grips per pack. Available online at Tennis Warehouse.

The Draper Body Therapy neck blanket has been proven to increase levels of oxygen in the blood and improve circulation in the body — Draper Body Therapy is made with revolutionary smart fiber clinically proven to increase the circulation of oxygenated blood by up to 29%. Therapeutic benefits include increased energy, accelerated muscle recovery after stress or exertion, and relief from stiffness, soreness and swelling. Available online at Draper Body Therapy.

Figamajigs Hit The Sweetspot

Looking for that little energy pick-me-up before you hit the court? Or, how about something to just make you feel good?

Either way, you might want to give Figamajigs a try. This little chocolate covered fig bar will do the trick on both counts.

And, in case you didn't know, the fig, has long been known as “the fitness fruit” because of its combination of fiber, minerals, and nutrients that surpasses all other fruits. In this chocolate covered fig bar, you get the benefit of four grams of fiber as well as a healthy dose of antioxidants from the dark chocolate. If you go for the Figamajig with almonds, you get an additional gram of protein. Unlike most candy bars, this one is low in fat (only four grams), and does not contain high fructose corn syrup which is commonly found in nutrition/energy bars.

Since hitting the market in 2005, Figamajigs have been featured in Newsweek Magazine, made Prevention Magazines' list of the top 25 Best New Power Foods and Forbes top candy list.

Available online at figamajigs.com.

New ZYM Catapult Is Creating A Buzz

The new ZYM Catapult, the latest edition to ZYM's electrolyte portable hydration products is creating quite a buzz, both literally and figuratively.

The new berry‑flavored ZYM Catapult, which tastes as good as it sounds, adds B12 vitamins to the mix as well as 100 mg of natural Guaraná caffeine, resulting in a breakthrough portable hydration drink that fights off dehydration, fatigue, muscle pain, and lactic acid build-up.

ZYM Catapult combines convenience and portability — coming in a small plastic tubes containing 10-tablets — you can have them available in your racquet bag at all times. 

Literally the refreshing alternative to the traditional bottled choices. Zym's non-carbonated flavorful taste is always fresh and contains only one gram of sugar.

Just drop one of the tablets into your water and watch it dissolve.

Visit gozym.com. Available online at Amazon.com.

Give Your Game A Hand With Bionic Glove

When it comes to technology, tennis has it all — space age materials in tennis racquets, goodyear rubber in tennis shoes and now, Bionic Tennis Gloves.

These gloves, designed by a leading orthopedic hand specialist, feature a patented Anatomical Pad System maximizes grip strength, while motion, web and expansion zones throughout the glove provide complete flexibility and comfort. The Coolon moisture control evaporates perspiration quickly to reduce slippage, ensuring greater racquet control, stronger hands for long matches and fewer blisters and calluses.

Historically, very few players have ever worn tennis gloves, even though the International Tennis Federation permits their use.  That’s because gloves typically restrict performance. But Bionic Tennis Gloves are different. They actually improve performance on the court. 

Here’s how: 
· Cabretta leather palm is so soft and comfortable it feels like a second skin.
· The patented Anatomical Pad System maximizes grip strength. The pads fill in the palm-side valleys between finger joints.  That allows the hands to have more contact with the racquet. More contact means less hand fatigue, a great feature for players with arthritic hands. The extra strength and reduced fatigue means stronger serves and more powerful ground strokes even late into a match.  
· Motion, web and expansion zones throughout the glove provide complete flexibility and comfort, without sacrificing the feel of the racquet or touch on the ball.
· Coolon moisture control evaporates perspiration rapidly to deliver greater racquet control and reduce slippage, set after set.

Designed for all levels of play, the gloves have been tested and proven beneficial for individuals with arthritis. 

If you're still not convinced you need a glove for the tennis courts, how about the garden or the golf course? Bionic Gloves have been awarded PGA Tour Partner’s Magazine Member Tested Seal of Approval, the National Health & Wellness Club Seal of Approval, the National Home Gardening Club Seal of Approval and the Handyman’s Club of America Member Tested Seal of Approval. 

Available online at bionicglove.com.

Serena Williams Hits iTunes For French Open Tune-Up

Want to know how an athlete like Serena Williams achieves her combustible mix of electric speed and long haul endurance needed to win a Grand Slam Tennis Tournament like the French Open? Find out from her custom-made workouts that are designed to improve speed, build stamina, and give you a boost when needed.

The first workout out is a 30-minute interval run set to a series of high-octane hits by Timbaland, Nicole Scherzinger, Fergie, Daddy Yankee and other Interscope Records artists. While you listen to the music, Serena sets the pace and offer tips and encouragement to help you complete your run.

Serena coaches you through a dynamic sequence of running intervals developed with world-class trainer Jay Blahnik. It starts with a comfortable warm-up and then tackles three fast-paced 'hustles,' which are each followed by a recovery period that allows you to catch your breath and get ready for the next burst.

Tracks on Serena Williams' "Interval Run":
01. Whatever U Like (Nicole Scherzinger)
02. The Way I Are (Timbaland)
03. Give It to Me (Timbaland)
04. My Humps (Black Eyed Peas)
05. Makes Me Wonder (Maroon 5)
06. Tambourine (Eve)
07. Impacto (Daddy Yankee)
08. Out of Control (State of Emotion) (Kenna)
09. Glamorous (Fergie)
10. Fergalicious (Fergie)
11. Pump It (Black Eyed Peas)

Like the traditional Interval Run, the Spontaneous Speed Workout consists of a warm-up period, followed by time stretches of fast-paced running, each followed by a chance to recover with help from Serena's favorite music, a mix of Mary J. Blige, Vanessa Carlton, Timbaland, and many more.

This work out differs from the pervious run because the intervals are unpredictable, just like match play. In the Spontaneous Speed Workout, Serena coaches you through a series of high-intensity speed bursts, which can be as short as 30 seconds or as long as two minutes. Serena keeps you sharp with her trademark mix of wit and style.

Tracks on Serena Williams' "Spontaneous Speed Workout":
01. Family Affair (Mary J. Blige)
02. Just Fine (Mary J. Blige)
03. Let It Go (Keyshia Cole)
04. Instigator (Kaci Brown)
05. Release (Timbaland/Justin Timberlake)
07. Apologize (Timbaland/OneRepublic)
08. Give It To You (Eve & Sean Paul)
09. Unbelieveable (Kaci Brown)
10. Nolia Fairytake (Vanessa Carlton)
11. A Thousand Miles (Vanessa Carlton)

Available online at iTunes.com.