I retired six months ago at 76. Very slowly - lazily - I have started to transform myself from the shape of a CHAIR to the shape of someone competent at tennis for my age group. Top priorities for me: get my weight down and get my legs back. I have good knowledge of the stroke and serve mechanics and love the situational problem-solving, but nothing can happen on the court for me until I can achieve basic footwork and arm/core build-up. So I am taking my time, not rushing, but steadily doing gradually more tennis-related activity (e.g. ball machine, arm exercises, light jogging) each week while keeping it fun. It's patience while learning.
Wonderful video, brave, and thank you. Fantastic, real advice, going to share with 3 other weekly tennis friends, hoping they benefit from it. For me, I’m completely on board: I am 73 (so yes a small chuckle w your 40s milestone) playing tennis 4 days a week, 2-3 hours at a time, working out & stretching out 4 times a week, Tai Chi daily. I have been playing tennis for 45 years and the crazy thing is I am playing the best tennis of my life and enjoying it more than ever. Loving Essential tennis, so impressed with your honesty and openness, e.g. this video among many others. Wishing you the best personally and Essential Tennis-wise. Jim Cramer
I’m a 66 y.o. solid 4.0, playing 3 - 4x week. OMAD - one meal a day - of good food keeps my energy levelized. I agree, 8 hours of good sleep is crucial, as is daily yoga and meditation and walking 3 miles daily between tennis days. My recovery is fast, good for the next day. Frequent skydiving for joy, too.
BTW, the matches with Ben were all super-enjoyable; the tremendous work to make that all come together is really appreciated. Congrats on turning 40. e.
Thats my plan for when I get to that age too. I'm 31 but I've been following some of those habits now, particularly diet. My diet is so different than in my teens and 20s.
I find my energy much better now I’m mainly eating 1 meal a day mid day. It’s probably really 2 as my morning is a protein / berry / veggie shake. I typically now skip dinner.
seeing a good chiropractor is important in identifying any potentially weak areas of the body and addressing them to prevent injuries further down the line. I had to give up tennis as a teen because of mild scoliosis in my spine and so resorted to surfing as the only way to get a stronger back and core. I endured the initial pain for several years and now in my mid thirties I felt I am strong enough to take it up again. I have even taken to long distance running to maintain fitness which would have been crazy back then. I do believe if any player is serious about his/her game then running 4/5 times a week is essential. Great video thanks!
I'd have to add the social aspect of tennis to making a positive impact on my life. I look forward to playing tennis and seeing my friends. We talk about our matches, our health, work week, whatever, and meeting regularly ensures that we get to interact. Some guys come out even if they're injured and just heckle from the sidelines.
I'm turning 40 in October, I started doing yoga at the beginning of Covid and its been a life changer on and off the court. I tell anyone that will listen to start it up, I guess its good for me that none of my playing partners have taken my advice.
Mid life crisis made me take up tennis again after 8-10 years pause😅. Thought I was in relatively good shape from running 5 km each week, but it was such a wake up call with the interval fitness needed in tennis. First session I had to walk home instead of biking due to cramps 😂. My goal was to play 1 hour a week due to knee and back injuries. Now, in first season back, I’m able to compete again on low club level playing a 2 hour match once a week. Doing knee and back exercises each morning before family wakes up. Love your stuff Ian
Ian, as a fellow 1981 newborn who will turn 40 in August. I appreciate this video. The content of this channel from the past to the present has helped thousands of tennis players learn the fundamentals and the often-overlooked mental side of tennis. Dude, thank you and thank you to the whole crew behind the scenes. Please keep it up. Btw did you fart mid-video? It was an epic release Bravo.
Happy Birthday Ian! Best wishes from a 70 year old tennis newbie--a guy with more health cares, scares, and conditions than you want listed here. Stay safe, be happy, healthy, and whole. Remember, prevention is always easier than cure...
Good luck, hope you have good genes. My joints and surgeries mean no more tennis for me once I was around there. On the opposite side my Dad (78) still plays tennis all the time.
Some very good thoughts as always! Point 1, 2 and 4 I completely agree with. About the food I am the complete oposite. I have a high carb diet (about 60-65%), but the key to avoid energy spikes and valleys, is to keep the intake consistent, high quality and not from processed foods. I am not saying that a low carb and fasting can't work, but everything thar I have read is that you should avoid HIIT training in these situations, and the most benefits you get from this, is low intensity/endurance training. When you are fasting and don't have any carbs you are targetting fat as a fuel source, and that can be great, but not when you need high performance. I have actually gotten my best performances, in tennis and cycling, when I consume 80 grams of carbohydrste per hour during HIIT sessions. These are just my opinions, I am in no way a nutricial expert, and if something works then I don't want to be the person to stop anybody But Ian I think you should try to get more carbs on your HIIT days and leave the low carb/fasting to low intensity and none training days. As always keep up the great content :)
I'm 42 and i would have listed just the same things. I've been eating low carb and doing if for 3 years or so. I have ulcerative colitis and it really helps. Just recovering from shoulder operation, but this gave me more motivation again. Thanks
In about 5 years your vision will start changing, happens to everyone. At 50, that was my largest hurdle coming back to tennis. It sucks not seeing the ball as well.
At 40, main adjustment that helped me remain competitive tennis player: 1. Switch to Real food + best supplements (protein, vitamins, collagen); 2. Started strengthening muscles and joints to prevent tennis injuries; 3. Dropped a bit of weight to save the joints, it's amazing what a kg or two off can do to your mobility and physical performance; 4. Started paying more attention to equipment (shoes, insoles, etc) to have better shock absorption.
Happy Blated Bday Ian! You're still a young dude, trust me on this ;) . Wishing you many more years of health, success, wealth and all the good stuff that you want in your life! Cheers!
I turned 40 recently as well. I'm doing alright, fitness is good, eating well, etc. Sleep is so-so, having kids and being a night owl. However, I am curios about yoga, I just can't get into it. Which movements do you do? Really simple sounded good. Cheers!
40 sounds like a baby :) But with that being said, I don’t think any baby can do such a good job in plan - execute - review - update the plan and summarize things so well. Thx for sharing your life and experience, and godspeed to your post-40 life!
Great content! I definitely would have included working on your posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Yes, I'm talking to you Ian and Ira. (joking, but not joking)
You know what also helps our body as well as sleep, stretching, yoga, diet and I.F? A good massage really does a HUGE job! Helps my sexual health too :) cheeky I know.
I retired six months ago at 76. Very slowly - lazily - I have started to transform myself from the shape of a CHAIR to the shape of someone competent at tennis for my age group. Top priorities for me: get my weight down and get my legs back. I have good knowledge of the stroke and serve mechanics and love the situational problem-solving, but nothing can happen on the court for me until I can achieve basic footwork and arm/core build-up. So I am taking my time, not rushing, but steadily doing gradually more tennis-related activity (e.g. ball machine, arm exercises, light jogging) each week while keeping it fun. It's patience while learning.
Keep up the great work, Dwight! Good for you!
Wonderful video, brave, and thank you. Fantastic, real advice, going to share with 3 other weekly tennis friends, hoping they benefit from it. For me, I’m completely on board: I am 73 (so yes a small chuckle w your 40s milestone) playing tennis 4 days a week, 2-3 hours at a time, working out & stretching out 4 times a week, Tai Chi daily. I have been playing tennis for 45 years and the crazy thing is I am playing the best tennis of my life and enjoying it more than ever. Loving Essential tennis, so impressed with your honesty and openness, e.g. this video among many others. Wishing you the best personally and Essential Tennis-wise. Jim Cramer
I’m a 66 y.o. solid 4.0, playing 3 - 4x week. OMAD - one meal a day - of good food keeps my energy levelized. I agree, 8 hours of good sleep is crucial, as is daily yoga and meditation and walking 3 miles daily between tennis days. My recovery is fast, good for the next day. Frequent skydiving for joy, too.
Wow! Amazing habits you have, Dr. Kudos to you!
BTW, the matches with Ben were all super-enjoyable; the tremendous work to make that all come together is really appreciated. Congrats on turning 40. e.
Thats my plan for when I get to that age too. I'm 31 but I've been following some of those habits now, particularly diet. My diet is so different than in my teens and 20s.
Inspiring. 👍
I find my energy much better now I’m mainly eating 1 meal a day mid day. It’s probably really 2 as my morning is a protein / berry / veggie shake. I typically now skip dinner.
This was very inspiring, thanks for sharing!
seeing a good chiropractor is important in identifying any potentially weak areas of the body and addressing them to prevent injuries further down the line. I had to give up tennis as a teen because of mild scoliosis in my spine and so resorted to surfing as the only way to get a stronger back and core. I endured the initial pain for several years and now in my mid thirties I felt I am strong enough to take it up again. I have even taken to long distance running to maintain fitness which would have been crazy back then. I do believe if any player is serious about his/her game then running 4/5 times a week is essential. Great video thanks!
I'd have to add the social aspect of tennis to making a positive impact on my life. I look forward to playing tennis and seeing my friends. We talk about our matches, our health, work week, whatever, and meeting regularly ensures that we get to interact. Some guys come out even if they're injured and just heckle from the sidelines.
Absolutely, Art!
Just turned 40 and have started playing tennis regularly. So so relate to all the things said here. Thanks for uploading
I'm turning 40 in October, I started doing yoga at the beginning of Covid and its been a life changer on and off the court. I tell anyone that will listen to start it up, I guess its good for me that none of my playing partners have taken my advice.
Mid life crisis made me take up tennis again after 8-10 years pause😅. Thought I was in relatively good shape from running 5 km each week, but it was such a wake up call with the interval fitness needed in tennis. First session I had to walk home instead of biking due to cramps 😂.
My goal was to play 1 hour a week due to knee and back injuries. Now, in first season back, I’m able to compete again on low club level playing a 2 hour match once a week.
Doing knee and back exercises each morning before family wakes up.
Love your stuff Ian
I'm in my early 40's as well. Very helpful information, and inspiring! May have to try the intermittent fasting. I can't give up coffee though!
Keep up the great work, Coach!
Ian, as a fellow 1981 newborn who will turn 40 in August. I appreciate this video. The content of this channel from the past to the present has helped thousands of tennis players learn the fundamentals and the often-overlooked mental side of tennis. Dude, thank you and thank you to the whole crew behind the scenes. Please keep it up. Btw did you fart mid-video? It was an epic release Bravo.
Recovery becomes so much more critical. Active recovery/flexibility/core especially. Yoga and Pilates have become staples now in my weekly routine.
Happy Birthday Ian! Best wishes from a 70 year old tennis newbie--a guy with more health cares, scares, and conditions than you want listed here. Stay safe, be happy, healthy, and whole. Remember, prevention is always easier than cure...
Thank you so much, Walter! Keep taking good care of yourself.
You look great for 40. Welcome to the club. I turned 41 earlier this year.
Thanks, Dan!
Good luck, hope you have good genes. My joints and surgeries mean no more tennis for me once I was around there. On the opposite side my Dad (78) still plays tennis all the time.
Some very good thoughts as always! Point 1, 2 and 4 I completely agree with. About the food I am the complete oposite. I have a high carb diet (about 60-65%), but the key to avoid energy spikes and valleys, is to keep the intake consistent, high quality and not from processed foods. I am not saying that a low carb and fasting can't work, but everything thar I have read is that you should avoid HIIT training in these situations, and the most benefits you get from this, is low intensity/endurance training. When you are fasting and don't have any carbs you are targetting fat as a fuel source, and that can be great, but not when you need high performance. I have actually gotten my best performances, in tennis and cycling, when I consume 80 grams of carbohydrste per hour during HIIT sessions. These are just my opinions, I am in no way a nutricial expert, and if something works then I don't want to be the person to stop anybody But Ian I think you should try to get more carbs on your HIIT days and leave the low carb/fasting to low intensity and none training days. As always keep up the great content :)
Appreciate your comments very much, Kristoffer!
I'm 42 and i would have listed just the same things. I've been eating low carb and doing if for 3 years or so. I have ulcerative colitis and it really helps. Just recovering from shoulder operation, but this gave me more motivation again. Thanks
Keep working hard, Ari!
In about 5 years your vision will start changing, happens to everyone. At 50, that was my largest hurdle coming back to tennis. It sucks not seeing the ball as well.
Great stuff, Ian ! Can you do a video on your yoga routine ?
I'll add that to my list!
At 40, main adjustment that helped me remain competitive tennis player:
1. Switch to Real food + best supplements (protein, vitamins, collagen);
2. Started strengthening muscles and joints to prevent tennis injuries;
3. Dropped a bit of weight to save the joints, it's amazing what a kg or two off can do to your mobility and physical performance;
4. Started paying more attention to equipment (shoes, insoles, etc) to have better shock absorption.
Man, I would’ve assumed you were around 32. You’re slim, have your hair...thats more than most 27 years old can say! Lol
😆
Happy belated birthday!!
Thank you, Samuel!
Happy Blated Bday Ian! You're still a young dude, trust me on this ;) .
Wishing you many more years of health, success, wealth and all the good stuff that you want in your life! Cheers!
Very kind of you, Munditimum!
@@EssentialTennis Cheers!
Happy Belated Birthday, Ian! And welcome to the 40 & Over Club. 😂
Thank you kindly, Mike
My issue is with tennis elbow and not enough sleep.
Those are both tough, David!
@@EssentialTennis I ended up buy a portable ultrasound unit that helps a lot with relaxing the muscle, reducing swelling, helps increase blood flow.
Happy birthday 🎊 🎉🥃🍺
I'm a little over half way there. not looking forward to it tho lol
Take good care of yourself and you'll feel great!
My four lessons I learned.
1. Control my anger
2. Control my anger
3. Control my anger
4. Control my anger
😅
I turned 40 recently as well. I'm doing alright, fitness is good, eating well, etc. Sleep is so-so, having kids and being a night owl. However, I am curios about yoga, I just can't get into it. Which movements do you do? Really simple sounded good. Cheers!
Do a quick Google search for "Sun Salutation" and "Triangle Pose", Pal. That's most of what I do as part of my normal routine.
@@EssentialTennis Thanks, Ian! I'll look it up. Wishing you many more healthy years on the tennis court. 👍🎾
didnt know you were that old. looking good bro
🙏
40 sounds like a baby :) But with that being said, I don’t think any baby can do such a good job in plan - execute - review - update the plan and summarize things so well. Thx for sharing your life and experience, and godspeed to your post-40 life!
Appreciate your support very much, Xin!
Yep same here as a 57 year young ex tennis coach, hoping to coach again and still thinks he can improve his tennis game,
How do I gain weight when fast twice a week
Gotta eat larger meals!
Great content! I definitely would have included working on your posture. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Yes, I'm talking to you Ian and Ira. (joking, but not joking)
I can't believe Ian is 40. I would have guessed 30 tops.
Rematch with MEP on your 65th birthday 🥳
There's no doubt in my mind he'll still be playing then!
@@EssentialTennis I'll be 69, dude! See you then :)
@@MEPTennis On my calendar.
That’s it, I’m listening to you. I need to stop watching tennis videos on youtube and go to sleep.
Discipline......
Great advice
❤
Thought you were 20-30....nice mate!
Wow, really? haha
Ian you look 20 bro
🙏
Tennis makes us young, look at Roger Federer, he's playing as if he is 30.
Absolutely!
You don't look 40 man. Coming up for 39 myself.
Keep working hard, Fitzy!
Nice haircut
Thanks
You know what also helps our body as well as sleep, stretching, yoga, diet and I.F? A good massage really does a HUGE job! Helps my sexual health too :) cheeky I know.
could've fooled me
I'm working at it, haha
The median age on planet earth is 30. So you’re deep into the old half....congratulations!
😆
You were born in 1981? A good year -- the same one as Roger Federer!
Yes sir!
I know you do eat carbs but do you eat fruits?
Fruits are delicious. Consuming fructose daily is part of a path to type 2 diabetes for many Americans..
Yes, I do eat fruits, Ahmad. Not a lot, but at least a few times per week, I'd say.
Afternoon naps, underrated
Taco Bell, Overrated
😆
40? Your still a baby !
Try late 50’s here
Right behind ya, Henry!
No brainer for me...... Low body weight
What? 40? Seriously? I thought you were 32 or 33.
You look 27-28. No where near 40.