| MY TENNIS TIP OF THE WEEK |
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| NUTRITION Post-Match Experts suggest that within 30 minutes of finishing your match you should eat something. Your muscles need protein right away to help ease muscle soreness or cramping. I like to eat a Protein Bar soon after playing tennis since I might not be able to find someplace to eat right away. If you do have time to grab a meal within 30 minutes of playing, try protein rich foods like beef, poultry or beans. Yes that magical fruit, “beans”, packs a lot of protein without a lot of fat. If you have another match to play that same day make sure you start hydrating your system with water and sports drink to replace those electrolytes. Again stay away from caffeine. Don’t eat too much since it takes 2-3 hours for food to leave your stomach. This is not about nutrition but an important part of any post-match routine should be gentle stretching to help reduce inflammation and soreness. Doug Hofer, USPTA www.hofertennis.com January 19, 2012 |