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Episode 12: Margit Bannon

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How Yoga Can Change Your Tennis Game (and Your Life): A GameChangers Conversation with Margit Bannon

Introduction

In the latest episode of GameChangers, we sat down with Margit Bannon, founder of Play Tennis Practice Yoga, alongside OCOC’s own Kalindi Dinoffer and host Billy Robbins. The conversation was a deep dive into the transformative intersection of yoga, mobility, and tennis performance. If you’ve ever struggled with injuries, burnout, or just feeling “off” on the court, this episode is a must-watch. But if you’re short on time, here are some of the key insights Margit shared—and how they can immediately improve your game.

The Origin Story: From Injury to Innovation

Margit started out like many tennis players—intensely focused on performance. But after sustaining a lower back injury as a teenager and then again post-college, she discovered yoga not as a luxury but as a necessity. “These practices weren’t optional,” she says. “They were the only way I could stay on the court.”

Her story mirrors that of many athletes who are forced to slow down only after injury. But Margit’s proactive approach now helps others avoid that fate.

The Real Benefits of Yoga for Tennis Players

Forget everything you think you know about yoga. It’s not just about flexibility or flowing through trendy poses. As Margit explains:

  • Mobility & Recovery: Yoga improves your range of motion, supports injury prevention, and accelerates recovery after play.
  • Mental Focus: It enhances your ability to stay present, manage emotions, and improve your overall mindset on court.
  • Balance & Longevity: Incorporating yoga into your routine can add years to your playing life—especially if you’re dealing with imbalances from repetitive motion.

Kalindi echoed this, sharing her own journey through injury, surgery, and eventual recovery thanks to mindfulness and gentle movement. Their shared message? Healing and performance go hand in hand.

Why Players Are Reluctant—and Why That’s Changing

Billy raised a common issue: many tennis players just want the “serve hack” or “kick serve fix”—not mindful movement. Margit agreed, noting that many resist until they’re forced to slow down. The good news? That’s changing. More male pros are embracing yoga, and players are becoming more open to recovery and off-court preparation.

And no, you don’t need to spend an hour in a candle-lit studio. Margit’s advice: “Start small. Even one mindful pose is better than nothing.”

Practical Ways to Get Started

Want to ease into it? Margit recommends:

  1. Start with Instagram: Her handle @playtennispracticeyoga offers bite-sized demos perfect for a quick post-match recovery or a mindful moment between sessions.
  2. Try Her YouTube Playlists: Categorized by pre- and post-tennis yoga, breathing practices, and full-length classes.
  3. Download the Fit for Tennis App: Her Yoga for Tennis series offers short, approachable sessions to add into your weekly rhythm.
  4. Keep a Mat in Sight: “If you see it, you’ll do it,” she says. Set the stage by keeping your mat visible and accessible.

A New Way to Compete

Margit’s big-picture takeaway? Tennis can be yoga—a practice of mindfulness, breath, and intentional movement. “When we bring our focus back, over and over again, we’re essentially meditating in motion.”

Ready to Get Started?

Explore Margit’s content on:

Watch the full episode on OCOCGameChangers.com to experience the conversation in full.

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