Fitness & Exercise

WebMD Checkup: James Blake

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How did scoliosis affect your self-image, both as an athlete and a young person?
It made me pretty self-conscious. But it helped me to realize that if I was a nice person, people would like me for who I am. As an athlete, it gave me something to be thankful for --- during those six hours a day I got to take off the brace, I was eager to put that time to good use and loved doing anything athletic.

You had a remarkable year in tennis in 2005. How are you playing now?
It was a great year for my tennis. I finished with my highest year-end ranking to date, but I feel like I'm still improving and playing better right now. I've already won two titles this year and hopefully will continue to succeed and play even better.

Before a match, how do you prepare, physically and mentally? Do you have any rituals?
I go over the game plan with my coach. And I need to take a few minutes to myself to really go over how I am going to execute what I need to do on the court.

Let's talk nutrition: What foods do you swear by when you are training, and what is your secret indulgence?
I try to get plenty of protein and carbs --- lots of chicken and pasta, eggs, cereal and turkey bacon. My favorite indulgence is ice cream. I don't eat candy or drink soda, but I love ice cream.

If you could play any tennis player from any era, who would it be?
Andre Agassi. I've been lucky enough to play him quite a few times already. It's a match where we both get to play our games, but also adjust to what the other is doing. I also have so much respect for him as a person that it's a pleasure to play against him.

Of the five senses, which do you value most?
My sight, taste, and hearing was affected when I was sick with shingles. My sight was the one that I had so much trouble dealing with --- it made me less athletic. It was tough to cope with having blurred vision.

What's your best health habit? Your worst?
My best health habit is how hard I work out. I'm diligent about staying in shape. I need to for my career, but I know that I would be doing this no matter what job I had. I just can't deal with the feeling of being out of shape. Barring any major injuries, I will be working out all the time even after I retire. My worst health habit is probably staying up too late. I realize the importance of sleep, but sometimes I just still stay up and watch a movie or keep reading way too late.