Spring Fitness & Court IQ

 

 

Spring in New England means two things: it’s time for the outdoor tennis season, and that season is going to be predictably unpredictable.

It’ll be hot, cold, windy, and rainy (possibly all in the same afternoon) so the best we can hope for is to plan accordingly and fashionably. Fortunately, our friends at Court IQ gave us this quick top-down guide for how to pick everything you’ll need before heading out on court.

 

Jacket

Really we’re looking to stay warm and dry on a blustery day, so unless you’re planning to play tennis in a hurricane most light jackets will be fine.

We tend to prefer synthetic blends to cotton as they’re light, pack easily, and fare better in wind and light rain. No need to track down Gore-Tex for hardcore waterproofing; if it’s that damp you won’t be playing anyway.

A great example would be the Adidas 3 Stripes Woven Hooded Jacket as it’s lightweight, has a mesh lining, and zippered pockets to keep everything safe while running around. It even has a hood as an added plus, which will only get a chance to prove its value when you really need it most.

 

Tops and Bottoms

Unless you play at a picky club with a dress code requiring collared shirts then you’ve got a lot of freedom here to stick with what’s comfortable.  As with jackets we tend to prefer poly blends for breathability and moisture wicking, but we’ve found the difference between good and bad lies in the cut of the fabric.

You’ll want a lot of freedom of movement when swinging, so be conscious of your shoulders and hips when trying on clothes. Simulate a swing, raise your arms over your head, do anything you can to simulate activity and see how the clothes move with you. Any minor binding or rubbing might seem inconsequential while in the store, but a minor annoyance becomes a major one if you experience it a hundred times in an afternoon.

 

Shoes

Save for your rackets, some good tennis shoes are the most vital thing in your arsenal.

Unlike jogging, tennis requires constant stops and starts which will destroy your shoes or, worse, your feet. Tennis shoes are designed for lateral movement and have reinforced soles to withstand the extra abuse, providing plenty of protection for your feet and ankles while running around.

While pairs sacrifice style for durability, Nike, Asics, and all the major brands make countless lightweight varieties that are less bulky. Like all other clothing, you’ll never wear them if you hate them so find something both feels good and looks good!

Thank you Court IQ Team!

 

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