Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Women’s tennis has never been the same

Once upon a time...

I sometimes get personal training/kickboxing clients simply by correcting their form. Simply put, 90% of people in gyms are without a fuckin’ clue when it comes to training technique. These folks could negotiate deals for zillions during the day yet be incapable of a quality bicep curl at night. Therefore, a minor suggestion made at the most opportune time can result in a (somewhat) steady payday. It could also alter the history of women’s tennis.

Back when Martina Navratilova was making the leap from very good tennis player to sports legend, fate placed her in a weight room with yours truly. There she was—looking buff—getting ready to do some triceps extensions. A rather archaic exercise, it involves holding a small dumbbell in one hand and moving the forearm at the elbow joint. The margin for error is huge and Martina wasn’t even close.

Being a trainer and wearing a uniform or shirt to prove it allows someone like me to speak with someone like her without being called a stalker. Hence, I walked over to the tennis star and used generic correction line #1: “Can I show you another way to do that?” This clever approach reduces the chances of a defensive reaction. You haven’t told anyone they’re wrong; you’re just offering an alternative. Yeah, right.

Martina was gracious and picked up the proper form within seconds. She saved herself from a career-ending injury and women’s tennis has never been the same. For me, it was just another day hanging with the dumbbells.

Who else wants to spin a yarn?