My tennis journal: first entry

I played a little tennis as a teenager and in my early 20's but without any instruction of any kind from anyone who knew what they were doing. It was never much fun because I was horrible at it. I'm not naturally athletic at all and am very un-coordinated. A girlfriend used to laugh at me when I played and a male co-worker literally got mad at me once when I played with him and told me I played like a girl (no offense to the girls out there but you understand). So my tennis experience back then was emotionally painful. So that's why I haven't picked up a tennis raquet in over 15 years.

So fast forward to today. As a certified fitness trainer, I've learned how to teach myself (and clients) how to be coordinated and improve balance and athletic skills. For those of us who don't come by it naturally, there is hope. You can learn to be athletic. I've had about 20 lessons so far from a pro and have spent the last 3 months hitting on a ball machine about once a week. I actually have a backhand now, I can hit with topspin, and I've gotten pretty good at directing the ball. But the biggest accomplishment of all so far: No one has told me I play like a girl.