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SECTION I: (Press & Consumers)
1. What is Cardio Tennis?
2. What are the major benefits of Cardio Tennis?
3. What happens in Cardio Tennis?
4. What types of drills are in a Cardio Tennis program?
5. Why is Cardio Tennis better than other forms of exercise?
6. Will Cardio Tennis be any national promotion?
7. Why do you think this is going to be successful?
8. Where did this Cardio Tennis idea come from?
9. Does this mean traditional tennis is not a good workout?
10. Does Cardio Tennis replace singles or doubles?
11. How does a person know they are getting a good workout?
12. How long is a Cardio Tennis program?
13. What times of days do Cardio Tennis programs run?
14. Is this program nationwide? How many sites will you have?
15. Will Cardio Tennis be available at public courts?
16. Is Cardio Tennis available and good for beginners?
17. Does Cardio Tennis have to be played on a tennis court?
18. Will Cardio Tennis be available for kids?
19. How do you know if Cardio Tennis is safe?
20. How do you determine someone's maximum heart rate?
21. What is their aerobic training zone
and how do you determine this range?
22. Should people who are not in shape or recovering from a major surgery exercise at a different level?
23. How often should a person exercise in Cardio Tennis?
24. Does every site use or loan heart rate monitors?
25. Does every site use music?
26. What form of music is best?
27. When does the consumer hear about Cardio Tennis?
28. Hasn't tennis participation been sliding? And is this a way to turn the
sport around?
29. What is the time commitment?
30. How does this relate to real tennis?
31. Do I need different equipment?
32. I get a
good enough workout now in my singles or double matches, why do I need this?
33. What is the cost?
34. How can I find a Cardio Tennis site in my area or more information on Cardio
Tennis?SECTION II
FAQ's For the Tennis Industry and Fellow Tennis Professionals
1. Will this program increase my business?
2. How do I become a Cardio Tennis site?
3. Is there any cost to becoming a Cardio Tennis site?
4. What are the best drills in Cardio Tennis?
5. Which drills are better, Play Based or Drill Based?
6. Will Cardio Tennis be any national promotion?
7. Why do you think this is going to be successful?
8. Where did this Cardio Tennis idea come from?
9. Does this mean traditional tennis is not a good workout?
10. Does Cardio Tennis replace singles or doubles?
11. Do I have to buy heart rate monitors from Polar?
12. Where can I buy music for Cardio Tennis?
13. What about using ball machines in Cardio Tennis?
14. What is the best time to run Cardio Tennis programs?
15. When a site becomes an official Cardio Tennis site, what do they receive?
16. I have seen
Dino and Donnia doing their thing…and other programs around, what makes this different?
17. I already have a cardio type program, why should I apply to be a Cardio Tennis site?
18. Do I have to call my program Cardio Tennis?
19. What is the timing of the key events with this launch?
20. Why is Cardio Tennis important to the tennis industry?
21. If a player is above their heart rate target zone, what should I do?
22. Can you push someone too far in Cardio Tennis?
23. If someone is already a frequent player, is there a point where they can get too much of a workout and don't need
Cardio Tennis?
24. What if someone is doing interval training in Cardio Tennis ABOVE their 85% zone level? What is their work to rest ratio?
25. Can private facilities be a Cardio Tennis site?
26. Do we need shower facilities?
27. What if we come up with a better, more effective drill?
28. How do I find out more information on Cardio Tennis?
1. What is Cardio Tennis?
Cardio Tennis is a new, fun, group activity featuring
drills to give players of all abilities an ultimate, high-energy workout.
Cardio Tennis includes a warmup, cardio workout, and cool down phases.
If you want to find
a healthy, new way to get in shape and to burn calories, you ought to try Cardio Tennis.
2. What are the major benefits of Cardio Tennis?
Participants consistently elevate their heart rates into their aerobic training zone. You can burn more calories than singles or
doubles tennis.
You get short cycles of high intensity workout and periods of rest, almost like interval training. It is a fun, group activity where players of all
abilities enjoy tennis together. While you are "playing" tennis, the primary focus is on getting a great workout.
3. What happens in Cardio Tennis?
Taught by a Certified Tennis Professional, a typical Cardio Tennis program includes a short dynamic warm-up, a cardio workout,
and a cool down phase. The majority of the Cardio Tennis program is the "workout" phase, which should last 30-50 minutes. Most of this portion will include
fast-paced drills where the professional feeds balls to players based on their ability and fitness level. Pros will find ways to keep players moving and challenged… all
while having fun!
4. What types of drills are in a Cardio Tennis program?
There are 3 segments: warm
up, cardio workout and the cool down segments. Each one has drills specifically designed to be fun, challenging and to get you moving. You will hit forehands,
backhands, volleys, etc. But remember, Cardio Tennis is not about making you a great player. First and foremost, Cardio Tennis is a great workout. You run, you hit
balls, you jump, you recover, and you have fun. Cardio Tennis is a full body workout. And, in some programs they even have music.
5. Why is Cardio Tennis better than other forms of exercise?
While other activities will give you a great workout, Cardio Tennis challenges you in so many ways. Running, moving
sideways, stretching, etc. Your heart rate will also go through high intensity segments…followed by a short period of recovery. This is very similar to
interval training.
One of the major benefits is that you will have a much more social experience. Players in Cardio Tennis socialize …and have fun! You are not
drearily confined to a boring machine like you are in many other fitness activities.
6. Will Cardio Tennis be any national promotion?
Yes. We will have
a national PR campaign with newspapers and magazines during the 2nd half of 2005. Much of our publicity will be around the 2005 US Open. We will also do some TV
advertising in late 2005 as well.
Tennis facilities around America will also be promoting Cardio Tennis.
7. Why do you think this is going to be successful?
First, it is what America is looking for. We just surveyed almost 1000 Americans and asked them the question, "If there was a new
tennis program called Cardio Tennis that gives you a great workout, would you be interested in trying it?"
55% of Non players were very interested
67% of Non playing women said they were interested
And, only 28% of these players were interested in trying traditional tennis.
The time is right for Cardio
Tennis. And, with national promotion and support, this program will be a winner.
Plus, the use of heart rate monitors and music give tennis and Cardio Tennis a
great new feeling.
Cardio Tennis can be to tennis what spinning is to riding a bike
It is a great "follow up" for beginners who "try" tennis at a Tennis Welcome
Center.
8. Where did this Cardio Tennis idea come from?
Leaders in our industry looked at consumer research which revealed trends for Americans
gravitating to high energy, fitness activities. They realized our sport had some existing programs that already offered a great cardio workout but have never been packaged
professionally. We studied these programs, improved upon them, and now are rolling out a suggested approach nationally so all Americans can benefit from the great
workout you get from Cardio Tennis.
9. Does this mean traditional tennis is not a good workout?
Not at all. In
fact, traditional doubles is good workout, and singles is typically a great workout. However, people who don't play tennis do not think of tennis in these terms.
Therefore, we developed this "new form" of tennis that tells the consumer exactly what they will get.
10. Does Cardio Tennis replace singles or doubles?
No. Cardio Tennis is the 3rd way to play tennis. This "new form" of tennis just stresses a great workout vs. great
forehands and backhands. We expect many existing players who play singles and doubles today to continue with those activities, which is fine. Enrolling in a Cardio
Tennis program will become a viable alternative to visiting a fitness center for the cardiovascular workout.
11. How does a person know they are getting a good workout?
In our programs, participants in Cardio Tennis burn more calories during a Cardio Tennis session than by playing Singles or
Doubles. They also spend more time in the aerobic zone. Players can check their heart rates either with "self checks" or by wearing a heart rate monitor. Cardio
Tennis gets a person's heart rate up…and it stays there for virtually the entire time.
12. How long is a Cardio Tennis program?
Cardio Tennis programs run from as short as a 45 minute session to much longer. We recommend a 60 minute program, as Americans
are time crunched and want to get a great workout in an hour or less. Check with your local facility for the actual program length.
13. What times of days do Cardio Tennis programs run?
Check with your local tennis facility. We see programs that start early in the morning, during the lunch time, and after
work hours. By June of 2005, our CardioTennis.com website will be active. You will be able to find all the Cardio Tennis sites in your area then.
14. Is this program nationwide? How many sites will you have?
Not yet, but by fall,of 2005, we hope to have 1000 Cardio Tennis facilities throughout America.
15. Will Cardio Tennis be available at public courts?
YES. Cardio Tennis will be available at all types of facilities. If the facility is listed on CardioTennis.com,
it is open to the pubic.
16. Is Cardio Tennis available and good for beginners?
Yes. But this type
of program may not be available in all parts of America yet. True beginners can learn tennis with players of similar ability in Cardio Tennis with special
balls…often called "transition" balls. Check with your local certified tennis professional to see if beginner programs are available in your area now.
17. Does Cardio Tennis have to be played on a tennis court?
Yes…for now. We are initially accepting applications from facilities and clubs with certified tennis professionals.
But, in time, you will be able to run Cardio Tennis programs in gyms, schools, etc.
18. Will Cardio Tennis be available for kids?
Yes, but not today. We are developing a separate curriculum for kids now. It will probably be available in 2006.
19. How do you know if Cardio Tennis is safe?
Our goal is to keep all players working out below their maximum heart rate and in their aerobic training zone.
20. How do you determine someone's maximum heart rate?
The American College of Sports Medicine1 has published the following recommended formula for estimating
maximum heart rate: 220 minus a person's age. At all Cardio Tennis facilities is a heart rate zone map which will give all ages of players their maximum heart rate
and their recommended training zone in Cardio Tennis.
21. What is
their aerobic training zone and how do you determine this range?
Generally speaking,
a person's aerobic training zone is 65-85% of their maximum heart rate. This is good safe, efficient workout zone for most people.
22. Should people who are not in shape or recovering from a major surgery exercise at a different level?
Yes, we recommend that this person consult with their doctor before participating.
Generally, this person's zone is 10 pts. lower than normal or 55-75% of the maximum heart rate.
23. How often should a person exercise in Cardio Tennis?
The recommended frequency for a Cardio Tennis type workout by the American College of Sports Medicine2 is 3-5 times per week.
24. Does every site use or loan heart rate monitors?
80% of all players in our test programs liked using heart rate monitors. While we recommend the use of heart rate
monitors, this decision is up to the local facility.
25. Does every site use music?
Music is recommended in Cardio Tennis because it
offers a fun, energizing atmosphere (74% of all participants in our test want music in their Cardio Tennis program). However, some facilities will not allow music on
court. This decision is up to the local facility.
26. What form of music is best?
In our tests, music with beats of a minimum of 128
beats to around 145-155 beats per minute are the most stimulating.
27. When does the consumer hear about Cardio Tennis?
Consumer promotion and PR will
begin during the fall 2005 or earlier… when we have secured 1000 quality Cardio Tennis sites.
28. Hasn't tennis participation been sliding? And is this a way to turn the sport around?
No. Actually, tennis participation has been fairly flat for the past 3 years. And in 2004, play by frequent players was
up. Cardio Tennis is based on consumer research and testing and was developed to meet the needs of America, especially as people look for new ways to get in shape. We
think Cardio Tennis will attract a whole new type of player to our great game as well as keep existing players playing more frequently.
29. What is the time commitment?
Most programs have a weekly commitment. However, there are some programs where you can just "drop in". Check with you local
Cardio Tennis program for details.
30. How does this relate to real tennis?
This is 3rd way to play tennis. You hit
balls like in singles or doubles but the focus is on a great workout, not on winning a match.
Cardio Tennis drills replicates singles/doubles movement patterns &
situations. Up, Back, Sideways, etc… Repetition of all strokes used in single/doubles. No pressure tennis, fun!
31. Do I need different equipment?
No. Maybe an extra shirt because we know you will get a good workout. Many players at the test sites choose to bring their own
heart rate monitor to check their heart rates occasionally throughout the session.
32. I get a good enough workout now in my singles or double matches, why do I need this?
You probably don't. But, if you go to the gym or fitness center for some extra fitness training, then try Cardio Tennis
instead. It's more fun! And more social!
33. What is the cost?
This varies at each location.
34. How can I find a Cardio Tennis site in my area or more information on Cardio Tennis?
Go to CardioTennis.com (starting August 2005) and enter your zip code and find a site near you.
There is much more information on Cardio Tennis on this website.
Contact the TIA at 843 686 3036.
FAQ's For the Tennis Industry and Fellow Tennis Professionals
1. Will this program increase my business?
YES. First, you can keep your present players playing more frequently by getting their cardio workout at YOUR club and not
going to the fitness center for their additional workout. Cardio Tennis will also attract new people to your facility who are looking for a new, fun fitness activity. Use
the marketing tools you receive and this will help increase overall participation.
Look at the numbers when you put 6-8 players per court times $10-15 per person
($60-120 per session)…This is pretty good revenue!!
You are also creating a NEW FORUM for new participants to "play" tennis. This could be an impetus for them to
play more.
2. How do I become a Cardio Tennis site?
Facilities and professionals can apply to be a Cardio Tennis site by: Viewing the entire Cardio Tennis DVD. No site
will be approved without viewing the entire video to the end where they will receive a personal code.
Filling out an application on line and entering their personal code.
Answering a series of questions on Cardio Tennis correctly (note: all the answers to the questions
are on the DVD and on the
PartnersCardioTennis.com website).
Be available for follow up questions and secret shopping calls.
3. Is there any cost to becoming a Cardio Tennis site?
The only cost is your time to apply and hopefully promote your own program. The application process will take some time viewing
the entire DVD, filling out an on line application, and answering few questions.
The Cardio Tennis Site Kit with various support and marketing materials is free.
We would love for you to invest in some form of promotion (local ads, flyers, etc) to promote your own program but this is your option.
4. What are the best drills in Cardio Tennis?
Pros have been running programs for years that have produced a cardio workout. The best classes are the ones that will keep
players active all the time, challenged, while having fun. You can refer to the Cardio Tennis DVD for up to 20 drills you can use. Make sure you are enthusiastic
during these drills as well. The pros is the most important stimulus here.
5. Which drills are better, Play Based or Drill Based?
This is a personal answer. Each approach has their own plus's and minus's.
A combination of each is also good. You
should ask your players which they prefer after they have tried some of your approaches. Generally speaking, these are the things you will find in each:
Play
Based – participants play points (usually doubles-style format) – more competition; you should have players of similar ability; watch for rallies which are too long, make
sure all players get opportunities (guard against two players dominating- this can be done with the skill of your feeds)
Drill Based – line drills, repetition; no one
can dominate the play; watch for boredom!; you can have players of widely varying abilities in the same program
6. How can "good" players benefit from Cardio Tennis?
The same way as any player. So much of tennis is dependent upon fitness and movement. These classes help you to
become fitter and force you to move faster than usual. That is ideal for ANY player.
In the play-based style, as long as the group is evenly matched,
it resembles a fast-paced "team practice." This makes for a great workout and lots of fun.
7. How many players should be on one court with a pro?
We recommend 6-8 players per pro. The key is how many players you can keep moving while having fun.
8. What are the characteristics of a good pro in Cardio Tennis?
Rapid Feeder
Accurate Feeder who feeds according to a players ability and fitness level
Great, stimulating personality
Constructive and motivational
High energy
Name recognition
Note: The Cardio Tennis professional does not have to be the best
teacher of tennis techniques – Cardio Tennis is more fitness oriented
9. Will the industry certify pros for Cardio Tennis?
The TIA will not. We only
approve sites. However, there are plans to certify Cardio Tennis professionals will be announced soon by the USPTA and the PTR.
10. Why is a dynamic warm up so important or recommended?
It elevates the body temperature so muscles can function more efficiently
It primes the cardiovascular system so it can deliver oxygen more efficiently
It improves strength, flexibility and coordination.
11. Do I have to buy heart rate monitors from Polar?
No. However, Polar is the biggest and best. They have also designed some "loaner' packages just for Cardio Tennis so you can use
heart rate monitors as loaners for your program. Call 1-800-290-6330 x 3092 and mention that you are a Cardio Tennis site to order a HR loaner package. Or, link over to
Polarusa.com/cardiotennis for information on the Polar products for Cardio Tennis.
12. Where can I buy music for Cardio Tennis?
We recommend going to either PowerMusic.com or Dynamix.com for music. You want high energy music with 128 to up to 155
beats per minute. (more to come here)
13. What about using ball machines in Cardio Tennis?
You can use a ball machine
but it is not the recommended approach. Why? Players have different ability levels and fitness levels. In Cardio Tennis, the pro should feed a player to THEIR ability and
fitness level to give them the right challenge. A ball machine can not determine the proper challenge.
14. What is the best time to run Cardio Tennis programs?
For existing players we have found during our lunch and late afternoon time period. But, the big opportunity is early morning.
Between 6-9 a.m. are the busiest times for health and fitness clubs when Americans are getting their cardio workout. Conveniently, this "early bird" time is when
courts are most available at thriving tennis centers.
15. When a
site becomes an official Cardio Tennis site, what do they receive?
A Cardio Tennis facility kit which will include many marketing tools:
A DVD which can help educate your staff on Cardio Tennis
Cardio Tennis banner
Cardio Tennis heart rate monitor map poster
Cardio Tennis promotion counter card
"Sound bites" and talking points for Cardio Tennis
How to order music
Special programs for Polar heart rate monitors
Ad slicks
Flyers
Listing on the CardioTennis.com consumer website
Part of a national PR campaign promoting Cardio Tennis
Continual updates with new, effective drills and approaches
16. I have seen Dino and Donnia doing their thing…and other programs around, what makes this different?
We have used the best approaches from many different programs that have existed up till now
(over 25 have been studied and tested). We have packaged them in Cardio Tennis. Plus, you will be part of a national program supported with promotion, point of purchase, a
national website, etc. etc. You will also be given updates on successful approaches, tips, and new drills.
17. I already have a cardio type program, why should I apply to be a Cardio Tennis site?
You will receive great marketing, support and educational materials by becoming a Cardio Tennis site. You will also be
listed on our CardioTennis.com consumer website. We will also be sending out occasional tips, new drills, etc. to keep your program fresh.
18. Do I have to call my program Cardio Tennis?
No, Cardio Tennis is an "umbrella" name that the industry owns and is for qualified sites to use if they want.
You
can call your program "Cardio Tennis at ABC Tennis Club" or any name you want. If you use another name, we suggest you say "a qualified Cardio Tennis site".
Please
note: The Cardio Tennis brand can ONLY be used by facilities or sites that have applied and been accepted.
19. What is the timing of the key events with this launch?
March 15 or earlier
DVD is ready
Partners.CardioTennis.com is live
Applications for approved Cardio Tennis Sites accepted
Must view entire DVD
Apply at Partner.CardioTennis.com
Fill out application
Answer Cardio Quiz Questions properly
Follow up call from TIA to verify information
May 15 or earlier- start shipping Cardio Tennis facility kits
June 15 (based on having at least 1000 Cardio Tennis sites)
CardioTennis.com consumer website is live
Consumer PR begins
September 1 – Major PR effort around
the US Open (based on having 1000 Cardio Tennis sites)
20. Why is Cardio Tennis important to the tennis industry?
(answer selectively to industry contacts)
Our sport, and many traditional sports, has lost out to many fitness activities in the past 10 years. We have slipped to the 33
rd most played activity in America
With an increasingly sedentary and obese society, Americans are increasing going to look for new, fun ways to get in shape.
Our sport has a very traditional image and needs a "3rd way to play tennis"
Cardio Tennis with the use of heart rate monitors and music can help tennis "break through
the clutter" and help our sport grow!.
21. If a player is above their heart rate target zone, what should I do?
Reduce the difficulty of the feeds to that person.
Encourage players to use a heart rate monitor to more accurately know their actual heart rate.
Have the player consult with a physician if they are constantly above their zone.
Encourage players before the drill to slow themselves down if they feel they are
overextending themselves.
22. Can you push someone too far in Cardio Tennis?
YES. This not about pushing
people to their limits. This can be dangerous. We recommend a range of 65-85% of a person's maximum heart rate for a healthy person.
23. If someone is already a frequent player, is there a point where they can get too much of a
workout and don't need Cardio Tennis?
Cardio tennis can be used by even frequent
players to improve their fitness. By exercising at the right intensity and keeping the heart rate in the Cardio Tennis Training Zone, even frequent players should be
able to see improvements in their fitness. The only other considerations the players should take into account are making sure they stay properly hydrated and consume some
carbohydrates if the workout lasts for more than 1 hour.
24. What if someone is
doing interval training in Cardio Tennis ABOVE their 85% zone level? What is their work to rest ratio?
A
person who goes ABOVE their 85% maximum heart rate, they should actually have a rest to work of 2:1 to 3:1; this means the player will have to rest 2 - 3 times as long as they had their heart ABOVE 85% of their maximum HR. This is exactly why you want to keep people IN their Cardio Tennis Zone. If you push a person above their 85% level for a minute, they should actual REST for 2 or 3 minutes. This situation could slow down your class.
25. Can private facilities be a Cardio Tennis site?
Any facility that applies and approved can be a site. Only facilities that are open to the
public will be listed on the CardioTennis.com website. Private facilities that are not open to the public will not be listed but can receive all the support
materials.
26. Do we need shower facilities?
This is ideal for this program but not vital. Americans are on the move and want a quick workout where they can get "in
and out of the club in 60 minutes or less".
27. What if we come up with a better, more effective drill?
Send it to us or
call us. We are going to continually send out tips and new drills to keep programs fresh.
28. How do I find out more information on Cardio Tennis?
Go to Partners.CardioTennis.com (February 1) or contact the TIA at 843-686-3036 or email us at Info@CardioTennis.com \
References:
1. American College of Sports Medicine web site, http://www.acsm.org/pdf/Calculate.pdf.
2. Franklin BA (Editor). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise
Testing and Prescription, 6th Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000.
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