Tennis Favorites: Tennis Bracelets, Sun Sleeves & Cooling Towels

 

I’ve been playing tennis since I was very young. It’s my main sport and one of my main sources of exercise. I play a few times a week and really love it. So, I thought it would be fun to write a post about some of my favorite tennis things.

Tennis Bracelets: You know when you hear about something and you wonder to yourself: “Why is it called that?” The tennis bracelet is definitely one of those things. It’s typically a thin, simple, yet elegant diamond bracelet. Looking at it doesn’t make you think of tennis. So where did the name come from? There is actually a pivotal moment in sports history that launched the name. American tennis player, Chris Evert, whom I’ve had the opportunity to meet and is one of my favorite players of all time, was wearing her diamond bracelet while playing at the 1978 US Open. During a match, her bracelet broke and fell and she asked to stop the match to pick it up. After the match, she was asked about it during an interview and she called it her “tennis bracelet.” And with that, the diamond bracelet started to be called a tennis bracelet. I’m not really a jewelry person, but I love tennis bracelets. They are so classic and go with everything. You can wear it playing tennis and wear it for a dressy occasion. Just the perfect accessory and a great gift for someone who plays tennis!

Sun Sleeves: The reality is that in Southern California, I spend a lot of time in the sun while playing tennis. I grew up in New England playing a decent amount of indoor tennis. Indoor tennis really doesn’t exist in Southern California. So, if I’m playing, I’m outside often during the strongest sun exposure times. Wearing sunblock can be so annoying. You need to reapply it and considering it gets on your hands, doing it on the court when you are about to hold a racquet, isn’t the most ideal situation. About ten years ago, I was in a sporting goods store when I noticed  Nike UV Protection Sun Sleeves. I decided to try them out and was immediately hooked. They are lightweight and the white color reflects the sunlight, helping to keep me cooler. They fit perfectly with good stretch and stay in place. I wear them from my wrist on up to just under the beginning of my short sleeve. So, my arms are totally covered. I've tried other sleeves and the Nike ones remain my favorite. I can’t recommend these sleeves enough!

Cooling Towel: Playing tennis in the hot sun can really take a toll on me. I’ve found that using a cooling towel, makes a big difference in how I feel. I discovered the Arctic Cool instant cooling towel a couple of years ago and really recommend it. I just soak it and take it to the court with me in a plastic container or bag. Then when I need it, I pull it out, snap it in the air and put it around the back of my neck. I feel so much cooler and refreshed. I never head to the courts without it! This is also a really practical gift for really anyone who participates in outdoor activities.

There you have it. Three of my favorite tennis things!