Let’s get real: not every ball is an invitation to attack. When you’re out of position, in trouble, or stuck in transition, the smartest move is to reset the ball. Think of it as tucking the ball gently into the kitchen, like putting a baby to sleep. Unless the ball is floating high and begging for a smash, resist the urge to go beast mode—it’s not worth the risk.
Tag: functional fitness
Aim Smart, Play Smarter: Target Weak Spots for Pickleball Success
When you see a high ball on the court, your instinct might be to attack it as hard as possible without a second thought. But here’s the catch: mindlessly attacking without strategy can backfire—fast. At higher levels of play, aiming for the wrong target can leave you scrambling to defend, making your powerful attack more of a liability than an advantage. Learning to aim strategically doesn’t just make you a better pickleball player—it makes you a more thoughtful, agile, and capable person. Whether it’s moving through life with precision or handling challenges with strategy, this skill is one more way to stay ahead.
Master the Art of the Low Dink: Patience, Precision, and Functional Fitness
If you want to take your pickleball game to the next level, it’s time to embrace the dink life. Low, controlled dinks aren’t just shots—they’re strategic tools that turn the game into a battle of endurance, precision, and patience. The higher you climb in skill level, the more dinks become a weapon for controlling the game, creating openings, and keeping your opponents on their toes. Next time you’re on the court, focus on keeping your dinks low, controlled, and strategic. Embrace the grind, and see how it transforms your game.
Why a Proactive Ager Needs an Online Trainer
Aging isn’t a passive process—it’s something you take control of. If you’re here, you already know that Proactive Aging means taking deliberate action to stay strong, mobile, and independent. But let’s be honest—doing it alone isn’t always easy.
That’s where hiring an online trainer changes the game.
The Proactive Aging Blueprint is all about having a plan, tracking progress, and staying accountable. And that’s exactly what you get when you work with an online coach.
30 Minutes of Cycling in the Morning
I love kickstarting my day with 30 minutes of cycling, (stationary or road, depending on the weather) on a regular basis. Here are seven good benefits that will help me live a longer, healthier, more active life and retain the strength and mobility from my youth without risking injury. And I’ll take my bike over a walker any day!!
Live to 100: Secret of the Blue Zones
If you’re seeking insights into longevity and proactive aging, the Netflix series “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” is a compelling watch. Hosted by longevity researcher Dan Buettner, this four-part documentary delves into regions known as Blue Zones—areas where people commonly live past 100—and uncovers the lifestyle habits contributing to their extended lifespans.
Backhand Consistency: A Pickleball Skill for Life and Longevity
If your backhand feels like your Achilles’ heel on the court, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many players struggle with backhand consistency, but the solution lies in refining your technique and building the strength, balance, and coordination to make it reliable. And here’s the kicker: the same principles that improve your backhand can enhance your everyday life.
Don’t Be a Statue: How Following the Ball Elevates Your Pickleball Game and Your Fitness
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on the pickleball court? Not following the ball. If your feet aren’t moving, you’re giving your opponents wide-open targets—and trust me, they’ll take full advantage. The key to staying competitive is staying in motion, staying in position, and staying ready to attack. But here’s the kicker: learning to follow the ball doesn’t just improve your game—it builds the functional fitness, balance, and agility that benefit you in daily life too.
10 Advantages of Having a Personal Trainer as You Age
A personal trainer isn’t just for building muscle—they’re a partner in your long-term health and independence. Investing in your fitness now ensures you stay strong, capable, and badass for decades to come. A personal trainer isn’t just for building muscle—they’re a partner in your long-term health and independence. Investing in your fitness now ensures you stay strong, capable, and badass for decades to come.
Help, I’ve Fallen… Testing and Improving Your Balance
Let’s talk balance. It’s one of those things you don’t think about—until you’re suddenly grabbing for a railing or feeling that moment of panic mid-stumble. If you’ve ever laughed at those “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” commercials, listen up: Without good balance, that could be YOU.
Here’s the reality—as you age, your balance naturally declines. Muscle loss, slower reflexes, and reduced coordination all play a role. But here’s the good news: Balance is a skill, and like any skill, it can be trained and improved!
Daily Maintenance: Don’t Let Your Body Become a Fixer-Upper
Let’s get real: your body is like a high-performance machine. And just like your car, your house, or your favorite cast iron skillet, it needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. You wouldn’t skip oil changes for your car or leave a leak in your roof, so why would you neglect your own body? Yes, healthy habits require consistency, but the payoff is undeniable: you move better, feel better, and stay stronger for longer. The Proactive Aging Blueprint is built on the principle that maintenance is a lifelong commitment. Like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast, these habits aren’t optional—they’re the keys to thriving.
How Inversion Can Help with Herniated Discs
If you’ve ever dealt with a herniated disc, you know how brutal it can be—radiating pain, numbness, weakness, and discomfort that just won’t quit. But here’s the good news: Inversion therapy can be a game-changer when it comes to managing and potentially improving herniated disc symptoms.
While inversion isn’t a cure, it can be an effective tool for managing pain, reducing compression, and promoting disc healing—especially when combined with strength training, mobility work, and proper movement habits.
What “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” Can Teach Us About Proactive Aging
If you’re looking for inspiration to level up your health and longevity, the 6-part National Geographic series “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” is a must-watch. This isn’t your typical celebrity fitness showcase—it’s a deep dive into the science of aging, resilience, and what it means to push your limits.
For those of us who are all about proactive aging (aka everyone here), this series hits all the right notes. Hemsworth takes on challenges that test his body, mind, and spirit, with the guidance of experts in fields like neuroscience, psychology, and fitness. Each episode is packed with lessons that align beautifully with the Proactive Aging Blueprint, and there’s plenty of inspiration to take with you in all aspects of your life.
Tennis Elbow Cramping Your Pickleball Style? Here’s How to Get Back in the Game—Pain-Free
If tennis elbow is keeping you from enjoying your time on the pickleball court, you’re not alone. This common overuse injury doesn’t just affect tennis players; it’s notorious among pickleball enthusiasts too. The good news? With a few simple adjustments and some proactive care, you can reduce pain, protect your arm, and get back to playing at your best. Tennis elbow isn’t just a pickleball problem; it’s a sign that your body needs better support and recovery practices. Addressing the issue ties directly into the Blueprint’s focus on proactive maintenance and functional fitness.
Master Your Pickleball Footwork with the L.E.F.T. Drill
If you want to improve your footwork and dominate the pickleball court, it’s time to add the L.E.F.T. Drill (Lower Extremity Functional Training) to your routine. Originally designed as a staple in agility training for basketball and tennis players, and often seen on the practice track and in football camps, this drill is the foundation for quick, controlled movement in any sport. And when adapted for pickleball, it becomes a powerful tool to level up your game.
Footwork First: How Better Spacing Improves Your Pickleball Game and Your Fitness
Let’s talk about the foundation of every great pickleball shot: footwork. Whether you’re dinking, dropping, or driving, your feet set the stage for consistent and controlled contact. Without proper footwork, you’re likely to find yourself jammed or overreaching, which can ruin your spacing and throw off your shot.
Build Badass Strength with Resistance Bands
Ready to switch things up and build serious strength WITHOUT the risk of injury? I’ve got just the thing for you today – resistance bands! Trust me, these might look simple, but they pack a serious punch! Let’s dive in!
