Tennis, anyone?

It’s been a long time since I played tennis. I took a few clinics growing up, but never really got into it. Let’s be honest. I’m not all that athletically inclined. Classes at the gym? Fine. Running? A struggle, but fine. Team sports? Not so much.

Ava started tennis lessons last month, and it made me realize I should try to play again. We belong to a swim & tennis club, and until this year, I had never set foot on any of the courts. 

So, a few friends and I arranged for some lessons with one of the pros. We said beginner, and he took us very seriously. More on that in a minute.

First up, I had to get a new racket. Or is it a racquet? I’m never sure. Either way, it’s that thing you hit the ball with. I ended up with this one:

You likey, yes? It’s certainly fancier than the one I’ve had since I was 12. I was excited about my purchase.

It took every fiber of my being not to buy a super-cute new tennis outfit while I was there. I figured I need to make sure I like it before I start investing in my tennis wardrobe. But really? Tennis outfits are so stinkin’ cute. As in, you mean I get to look cute AND get a good workout in? Sign me up.

Of course, being in all pink in a skirt and top would be fun, too.

In the end, I decided to just start out with some of my existing workout gear. Seems kind of silly to walk onto the court looking like a pro when you can’t even hit the ball.

So, the first lesson was last night. And once we got started, it was SO. MUCH. FUN. But as I mentioned before, we were really treated like beginners. As in, “This is the basic stroke in tennis. It is called ‘forehand’.” Um. Thanks, Mr. Tennis Professional. I think we’re a little farther along than that. Honestly, though, it was probably for the best that we started at such a basic level. Once we got started hitting, I really enjoyed myself, and was bummed when our hour was up.

A little girl and her mother were playing on the court beside us. The little girl was like a mini Chris Evert. She was eight years old. And let me tell you, she could have whipped my ass on the court. I’ll have to make sure I never get on a court next to her again.

I can’t wait to go back next week. I could definitely see this becoming a real interest/activity for me. And besides that, all the tennis players I know have those amazing msucular-but-feminine legs.

Soon enough, I’m sure I’ll be playing like this. But maybe not as grunt-y.

Oh, and before I forget, I finally added a blogroll to The Mean Mom Chronicles. I have a lot of blogs that I read, and I think you should read them, too. The list is somewhere over there  ---------->, to your right.

Have a great weekend!