HalfHourPower. It'a a new game now.

HALF HOUR POWER — A PROVEN SOLUTION

Half Hour Power is a proven solution for players looking to elevate their game. Trainer and fitness expert Howard Waldstreicher developed Half Hour Power specifically to help tennis players develop the kind of strength and stamina required of the modern game. To learn more about Howard, and his revolutionary exercise program, read the interview below.

A Half-Hour Power Talk with HHP Founder and Creator Howard Waldstreicher

What is Half Hour Power?

Howard Waldstreicher: Half Hour Power is an innovative training program designed to give both recreational and professional players an edge on the competition. It uses large rubber bands — what we call power bands — and a 30-minute routine to deliver:

Multi-directional total body movements

High-intensity resistance training intervals

Isometric core stabilization

Core reactive training

Why do tennis players need Half Hour Power?

HW: Tennis is a new game now. It demands more physical fitness from players. They need to be faster to the ball, recover quickly and have strength and endurance. They also need to remain relatively free of injuries. It's the difference between winning and losing.

How does Half Hour Power meet the demands of the modern tennis game?

HW: Tennis is played on our feet and therefore requires our upper and lower extremities to work together in an integrated fashion. If you really want to train your core, you need to be standing and you need to challenge your upper and lower body by making both move simultaneously. Half Hour Power satisfies both of those requirements.

Tell us a bit about the development history of Half Hour Power.

HW: Several years ago, I trained using the classic bodybuilder routines. Unfortunately, I got all of the side effects that came with it — soreness, joint aches and stiffness. Without realizing it, I had become an old man, even though I was "weight-room strong." I decided I needed to redefine what being in shape meant. I wanted functional strength, balance, coordination, speed, power and the ability to move in any direction. I wanted to improve the aspects of movement and performance that make an athlete athletic.

I decided to train with bands and, within eight weeks, I was seeing amazing results, both on and off the court. I had taken my speed and quickness to a whole new level. And I no longer had back, shoulder or hip pain, even after some long and taxing tennis matches.

I haven't stopped training with the bands since.

Isn't training with bands a passing fad?

HW: Band training is not a fad, or at least not the way Half Hour Power uses it. The band doesn't stretch all by itself. You have to work, and you have to work hard. Once you commit to doing that, you'll get remarkable results. Bands can train every aspect of functional movement, including speed, power, flexibility, balance and strength. If you're not convinced, just look at a few of my clients, who are getting seriously athletic and looking great.

How did you come up with the specific workout for tennis?

HW: Ninety percent of tennis comes down to what you do in the first step toward the ball. It doesn't matter how fast you can run 100 yards, or how fast you can run the hills. Excelling at those activities won't get you to the ball any faster. Why? Because tennis is filled with what I call chaotic bursts — quick changes of direction, sideways, forwards, backwards. These quick moves to the ball aren't like running 100 yards straight up. They are dependent on the first step, which is the key to getting to the ball and setting up.

I realized I needed resistance to overload my body, so I put a band around my waist and found that my muscles were reacting faster and more effectively. It was a rubber band effect: I would load and then explode. The results were incredible.

But it's not all about the first step, correct?

HW: Correct. The explosive first step is just part of the equation. The second part of the equation is coming up with power for serves and ground strokes. And that kind of power comes from the hips, the core. It has nothing to do with arm strength.

Now, conventional training will put you on your back to train your core. But we don't play tennis on our backs. We swing the racket from a standing position, which means we have to train your core in the same position — standing. When you do this, your abs are better able to respond to what your legs and arms are doing.

Is that what you mean by reactive core training?

HW: Yes, exactly. And it's ushering in a new era of tennis fitness.

When you say a new era, you mean for any tennis player?

HW: Half Hour Power has had proven success with several professional players. I've used it to train the Bryan brothers, the number-one doubles team in the world, and Melanie Oudin. But the routines and exercises that these tennis greats use as part of HHP can be enjoyed by any player at any level. And the great thing about Half Hour Power is that you can use it in your home for just 30 minutes a day. It's a high-impact workout that doesn't have a high impact on your schedule.

It seems like Half Hour Power could help athletes in other sports.

HW: Absolutely. Several sports require an explosive first step and a reactive core. Soccer, volleyball, baseball, football: Athletes playing these sports will feel the most benefit training with Half Hour Power. But remember: HHP can make anyone more athletic, so it can benefit any athlete. For that matter, it can benefit anyone who wants to feel and look better.

Sounds great. How do you get Half Hour Power?

HW: You can order right on this site. For $64.95, you get a DVD, two 41-inch power bands, a door anchor and a bag to store everything in between workouts. The DVD features multiple exercise routines. You can work out with me, Melanie Oudin or the Bryan brothers. It’s a must-have for any serious player and an extraordinary value.