If you’re an avid tennis player, you know that the game can be physically and mentally exhausting. To recover from a long day of playing, it’s important to take the time to properly aprés-tennis. Aprés-tennis is the term used to describe the post-tennis activities. It’s a great way to relax, recover, and prepare for the next day of competition.
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Cool Down
The first step in aprés-tennis is to cool down. After a long match, your body will be hot and sweaty. Cooling down allows your heart rate and body temperature to return to normal. To do this, try doing some light stretching, or take a slow walk around the court. You can also take a cool shower or soak in a bath.
2. Refuel
The second step is to refuel. Eating a healthy, balanced meal is important for replenishing your energy and providing your body with the nutrients it needs to recover. Try to include a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in your meal. Snacks I almost always have in my tennis bag or waiting for me in my car: a banana, a tangerine, a Chomps beef stick, a green juice, or a protein bar.
3. Relax
The third step is to rest and relax. After a long day of tennis, it’s important to give your body time to recover. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and take time to do activities that you enjoy and help relieve stress. Some ideas include reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends. Most of the time, I am simply onto the next activity, but having a hot cup of coffee waiting for me in my drink holder when I get in the car, along with 15-20 minutes of no one talking to me on my drive home is my version of relaxing.
4. Hydrate
Finally, don’t forget to hydrate. Drinking plenty of water helps to replenish the fluids you lost during your match and supports your body’s recovery process. I typically hydrate with electrolytes during a practice or match (Liquid IV or LMNT), but if I ever play on a weekend or in the late afternoon/early evening, adding time to grab a glass of wine and some appetizers with my teammates afterward is the best (even if it is not the healthiest form of refueling and rehydrating!)
By following these steps, you’ll be sure to give your body the rest and recovery it needs after a long day of playing tennis.
And the beauty of Edara Apparel dresses, is that you can effortlessly transition from court to coffee or lunch or happy hour. These chic dresses look great with a coat or sweater thrown over your shoulders and some slides, sandals or slip-ons. Comfy and cute for wherever you head after the courts!
Aprés-tennis is an important—or just fun!— part of any tennis player’s routine, so make sure to take the time to properly care for yourself after each and every match.
