By Lauren Cohen
Posted 10:43 AM. April 1, 2010
A lot of people think tennis isn't a game for them. One Columbia tennis pro begs to differ, with a way to use the game to get fit.
Lauren Stewart works at the Woodlands Golf and Country Club in Columbia. She's created a new, fun way to get in shape called Cardio Tennis.
Stewart says the program is helping players burn calories and ace their serve at the same time, but you don't have to be a tennis star. The training program is more focused on getting people excited about working out, and improving overall health.
Stewart says she's seen the benefits first hand.
"Starting off with your health, just increasing your heart rate, you know it makes your heart stronger, it prevents diseases, cardiac disease, and it just makes you healthier overall. Tennis wise it helps with your footwork, your constantly moving your feet so it helps with that stopping and starting movement you have and tennis and it also help with your stamina," she says.
The program involves what Stewart calls drills and play base drills. She has players constantly moving across the court working on their volleys, ground stroke, forehands and backhands.
Tony Clous has stuck with the program since the beginning and said he won't be giving it up anytime soon.
"There's just no way to replicate this even with the ball machine because of the way Lauren can mix it up, our pro, the way she can mix it up and get us to work out in ways we normally wouldn't," he says.
You don't have to be a member of the Woodlands to participate. The session costs $15 dollars for non-members but Stewart is running a deal for USC students, show your ID and get $5 off.
Stewart urges Carolina students to take a break from organic chemistry and burn some stress on the courts.
You can sign up for cardio tennis on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 and Saturday's at 9:00.
Tennis Pro Lauren Stewart huddles with Cardio Tennis participants.
One participant stays on her toes.
Lauren prepares players on the next drill.
