Tennis Players #MoveInMay

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month! During this month, everyone is being called to #MoveInMay while at the same time practicing social distancing. Since many public tennis courts and health clubs are closed right now, tennis enthusiasts have been forced to find other ways to move.

Samantha Beaubier is a fitness trainer for the Northeast Lincoln YMCA and a registered dietitian. She advises her clients to stay on a routine, eat meals and don’t mindlessly graze throughout the day. Also, put workouts in your calendar to make yourself accountable.

“I believe staying active is one of the best self-care things you can do for yourself,” she said. “So in times of stress and sickness, having strong physical and mental health is beneficial. With all the extra quarantine eating, the extra movement helps.”

What does that extra movement look like to you? Lincoln tennis pro Rick Stempson sends out motivating emails to his club members. He reminds them to keep active with the resources they have during these challenging times. 

“Make sure to get outside and breathe some fresh air either by yourself or with your family, while also practicing social distancing,” he advises. “You can walk, jog or run, our pets have never been so happy to have us home!”

Many USTA Nebraska members are learning to cope with not playing tennis, until the restrictions with COVID-19 are loosened. In the meantime, creativity seems to be the key in coming up with new ideas to #MoveInMay. 

“I've been trying to keep active by running, walking and doing yoga,” said USTA Nebraska member Tammy Tegler. “It also took me three days to remove wallpaper from my bathroom, which ended up being a killer arm workout!” 

“I've taken up running again,” said Judy Scharmann, another avid player.  “We are going to train and run a half-marathon together as a family. We check in daily. It's fun and it's just another way to stay connected as a family when we can't see each other.”

“I have also started running again now that my plantar fasciitis is behind me,” added Terri Dunlap. “I’ve forgotten that I like to run!”

“My daughter just learned to ride her bike without training wheels, so the two of us take a bike ride every day it isn't raining,” said Amber Marker, fellow tennis enthusiast. 

“I’ve introduced gardening to my hobbies, and  I think it should be considered exercise!” Dyan Herron added. “Digging, weeding, squats, lifting, hiking...I keep my body moving while distracted with my tasks.”

Beaubier reminds us we won’t be living like this forever, so take advantage of the “me time.” 

“Taking time to do something just for yourself is very powerful,” she said. “Sunshine and blood-pumping can change a mood in as little as 15 minutes. Take a walk, read a book in the sun, call a friend. Make plans for when this is all over.”

Click here for more on #MoveInMay.