Movement is the Best Medicine
Movement is the Best Medicine (Even After the Flu)
If you play tennis, you already know: nothing feels better than moving well. And it’s not just about strokes and strategy — movement itself is one of the best medicines we’ve got.
I’ve just come back from the flu (all clear now), and it reminded me how powerful gentle movement can be when you’re rebuilding.
While I was contagious, I stayed away from others and off the court — protecting mates matters as much as protecting yourself. Once that phase was over, I started easing back in, and the body bounced back faster with the right kind of activity at the right time.
Why It Works
Every time we move, our muscles release little messengers called exerkines. They calm inflammation, boost energy, and help protect against disease.
Research also shows that even light activity slows down aging — steadier balance, stronger muscles, sharper memory. Exactly what we rely on to stay competitive (and keep enjoying the game) at any age.
Rule of thumb: no court time until I’d been fever-free for a couple of days, my energy was clearly improving, and I wasn’t coughing up phlegm (a sign to see the doctor, not the baseline).
This way, I knew I wasn’t rushing — and every step made me feel a little more like myself again.
Wrap
Movement doesn’t just get the body back. It clears the head, lifts mood, and even helps the brain stay younger.
No wonder the Joy of a Hit always feels like therapy. And credit to Coach Tim for capturing it perfectly with his trademark phrase: the Joy of a Hit.
We don’t need bottles or prescriptions to recover well. The best prescription for both health and tennis is simple: keep moving, one step — and one rally — at a time.
References (for the science nerds among us)
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Ghosh S, et al. Exp Gerontol. 2025.
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Frontiers Research Topic. The Role of Physical Activity in Healthy Aging. 2024.
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Chen B, et al. IJBNPA. 2020.
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Liang Y, et al. GeroScience. 2023.
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Erickson KI, et al. PNAS. 2011.
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Di Loreto S, Murphy CT. Aging. 2022.
