Posted on: Monday, May 23, 2005
FITNESS PROFILE
Tennis keeps family fit, cuts stress
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
Sometimes we discover a sport early in life and train, perform and play until we simply burn out and give it up. Those hours in the pool or on the track or court become a chore.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser Now her 10-year-old son, Jack, is a competitive tennis player and her daughters, Aly, 11, and Bailey, 7, enjoy hitting balls with their mom and dad whenever they can. It looks as though a talent for tennis runs in the family. Tennis was also a stress reducer when Thibault's husband, Greg, a urologist who practices at Tripler Army Medical Center, was sent to Iraq last year.
Name: Carolyn Thibault. Age: 41. Profession: Stay-at-home mom and volunteer Youth Tennis League instructor.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser Weight: 129. Workout habits: "I play tennis on average three to four times a week, with matches usually on Saturdays. During every season there is a league to compete in, whether it's USTA (United States Tennis Association) Women's, USTA Mixed Doubles, Honolulu Tennis League or Ekolu." When and why I started working out: "I played tennis as a junior up until the age of 18 and then completely burned out. I stopped for many years and began again, with the help of my husband's prodding, about 10 years ago. Once I started again, I was hooked." My good foods/bad foods: "I eat lots of whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies. I love foods that are packed with energy that fill me up for a while, like dried fruits and nuts. My weaknesses are definitely brie cheese and sourdough bread (from my Bay Area roots). Every once in a while I'll indulge in desserts, but frankly, I'd rather have a piece of cheese!" My biggest motivator: "I'm always striving to be the best tennis player that I can be, given the body and talent God gave me. Who knows what the limit is for us unless we keep pushing ourselves to find out?" My biggest roadblock to fitness: "Until recently I haven't done any serious off-court training that increases fitness. However, I am starting with a physical trainer who is helping me strengthen my body where it's weakest and hopefully prevent injuries." What saves my sanity: "When I'm playing tennis, I can forget me for a while and just concentrate on the ball. It's such a nice rest from the pressures of life. Things that seemed desperate before I play just don't seem as important after."
However, it might be a good idea to try, try again, later in life. Perhaps you were attracted to that activity because of natural talent and a passion that can be rekindled. That's what happened to Carolyn Thibault when she rediscovered tennis.
Carolyn Thibault, a Youth Tennis League instructor, plays the game three or four times a week, and plays in matches on Saturdays.
Height: 5 feet 7 inches.
Carolyn Thibault used tennis as a stress reducer when her husband, Greg, a urologist at Tripler Army Medical Center, was sent to Iraq.
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| How to get started with tennis
Contrary to old-fashioned stereotypes, tennis is not just an exclusive, country-club sport. There are approximately 180 public courts at district parks on O'ahu, and many of them stay lit at night for those who enjoy playing after work. Here are just a few of the organizations you can contact to get started playing tennis: • U.S. Tennis Association- Hawai'i Pacific Section: 955-6696 on O'ahu; (888) 848-2744 for Neighbor Islands • Hawai'i-Pacific Tennis Foundation: 677-1334 or dav@hawaiitennis.org • Honolulu Tennis League: www.honolulutennisleague.org |
