Floyd Penners

As a coach, I remind my athletes that their mission -whether it’s mastering the game or reaching the top- starts with their health.

In tennis, consistent performance demands physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Without that foundation, even the strongest ambition can’t be sustained.

Prioritizing well-being isn’t a luxury; it is a critical part of success. When we take care of our heath first, we give ourselves the capacity to fully commit to the mission.

I have followed a vegetarian lifestyle since birth, never consuming meat or fish, which influenced my approach about my nutrition and health. Over time, I transitioned to a whole food plant-based diet and have experienced noticeable improvements in energy, recovery, and overall performance, especially on court and in my yoga practice.

While dietary choices are personal, I have found that focusing on minimally processed foods-such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds- greatly supports vitality and well-being. The rise of "plant-based athletes," including tennis champions like Venus and Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Martina Navratilova, highlights the growing recognition of this lifestyle's benefits for performance.