Photo by Sincerely Gone Photography
After a lifetime of being active in different sports, it was only natural for Jennifer Todd, mom of two, to join in when her friends started tennis lessons. Now, she plays almost every day of the week, coaches 10 & Under tennis and has made lifelong friends playing a sport she loves.
How do you live a 360life?
I have seen how health is a huge factor in the lives of my family and friends. I have learned that a good diet combined with exercise is the best medicine and also the best prevention. By trying to eat relatively healthy and exercise five days a week, I have created a 360life.
What is your wellness mantra?
My dad always taught me that hard work pays off and that practice makes perfect.
How long have you been active/playing?
I have been active my whole life. As a child, my dad always helped me practice for whatever sport I was playing, like soccer and swimming, to help me improve. He was always running, biking, hiking or sailing so I learned from him how much activity and sports can fulfill you in life.
Tell us how you started?
I had always wanted to play tennis, and when my children were both in school a group of three of my friends decided to start playing tennis and began a weekly clinic. I loved it and am grateful that we all started playing.
Please share your favorite match, in detail and what it meant to you.
I played in a Gainesville Ocala Women’s Tennis League (GOWTL) match with my partner against really tough/good opponents that I had always really looked up to and we beat them by outplaying them in straight sets. It is a great feeling to play a match well.
What keeps you motivated?
Movement makes me happy. No matter what goes on in life, I always feel better after playing tennis, going on a run or working out. I think it clears my mind and I feel like I am stronger both mentally and physically afterward.
Do you have matches/events that you would like to complete on your bucket list?
My goal is to become a solid 4.5 level tennis player (I am currently a 4.0). I would like to be able to be competitive at that level.
What are you training for right now?
For our current GOWTL day league season.
What is your go-to diet?
No starchy carbs, protein and vegetables.
How would you encourage others to start living a 360life?
Find a sport you like, such as tennis, and learn how to play. Go take a clinic with a group of beginners or take a lesson on your own. For me, tennis is such an amazing sport because it is something you can play your whole life, from childhood through late adulthood. We have players still on playing at our club, db Racquet Club, in their 80s and 90s. It helps you stay committed to exercising and staying healthy.
What is your daily workout routine?
I play tennis five days a week and work with my awesome trainer, Heather Miller, on strength training twice a week. If I do not have time for tennis I will jog.
What is the most important lesson being active has taught you?
Being active has taught me that I am strong and capable of pushing my limits. It has also taught me that you stay healthier, both mentally and physically, when you are active.
What is one thing you wouldn’t play tennis without?
My db Racquet Club tennis family. I call the club a slice of tennis heaven. I get the opportunity to play fun but competitive tennis with all the wonderful lifelong friends I have made there. It is a blessing to enjoy the sport that I love surrounded by friends that enjoy it as much as I do.
Favorite way to wind down from a busy week?
Play some tennis then go out to dinner and hang out with my friends.
Favorite book?
“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell
Go-to meal/restaurant in Gainesville?
Taste
