The best social distancing workout
This cardio workout is perfect for the age of social distancing. And it’s fun, too.
By: Tim Bustle
My, how times have changed!
While Midtown has navigated the difficulties that COVID-19 has presented us with safety at top of mind, the tennis industry has also focused on creating protocols that ensure athlete safety during play. Tennis has always been a sport that creates space between athletes, regardless of method of play. In fact, tennis has been named one of the safest activities to participate in due to this inherent spacing.
During my coaching career, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in several industry initiatives. Among my very favorite experiences has been as a member of the National Cardio Tennis Speakers Team. This team delivers courses to other coaches, presentations at conferences and symposia, and continually analyzes the Cardio Tennis product to ensure maximum enjoyment by the athletes who participate in the classes.
In fact, Midtown has long been recognized as the leader in Cardio Tennis. The volume of participation at all eight Midtown clubs is far and away the largest in the country, and many aspects of Cardio Tennis have originated due to Midtown’s passion for this program. Midtown has even consulted on how to open clubs and facilities nationwide and created protocols to host Cardio Tennis classes safely.
Cardio Tennis has always had multiple elements of social distancing. Each segment of a Cardio Tennis class (warm-up, drills, games) has specific components that necessitate space between athletes. Think about your favorite Cardio Tennis game. More than likely, the coach has:
- Described and named the game (Via microphone, named and in detail described the game, practiced game prior to scorekeeping)
- Designated starting positions for each athlete involved in play (Using lines/dots/cones to define space)
- Designated off court spaces for non-playing athletes (Detailed description of off court activities and enforcement of safe distancing)
- Described and practiced athlete rotations (Using athlete names to ensure accuracy of rotations focusing on distancing)
- Reinforced all elements throughout the game (Continuous emphasis of safety via distancing and rules of game)
Not only are these components necessary for the success of the game and athlete enjoyment, they also are important for athlete safety. Now, they will be focused on and stressed throughout the session.
Cardio Tennis is one of the safest, most effective ways to get a workout. The inherent spacing and coach-led class elements ensure that you will have an amazing on court experience and feel confident knowing that safety is at top of mind. We can’t wait to see you back on the courts!