I worked out like Serena Williams for a week, and the moves left me feeling sore and strong

Fabiana BuontempoAug 7, 2020, 22:53 IST

Serena Williams is a professional tennis champion — I am not.Fabiana Buontempo/AP Photo/Christophe Ena

Serena Williams stays in tennis-pro shape by doing a mix of agility work, cardio, and strength exercises, according to her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.
For one week, I tried to replicate Williams' workout by doing different exercises each day.
Following Williams' fitness routine forced me to step out of my comfort zone by working my muscles in a different way than I'm used to.
I definitely struggled through some of the workouts but each day left me feeling empowered and strong.

In order for Serena Williams to juggle being a tennis icon, mother, founder of her own clothing line, and philanthropist, it's important for her to stay strong and fit.

It's not an easy feat being one of the fastest-moving tennis players, so Williams has to be mindful of the exercises she routinely does in order to maintain muscle while keeping her stamina up for long matches.

Williams and her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, have even put together a workout routine made up of agility work, cardio, and strength exercises.

Although I'm far from being a pro athlete, I decided to try Williams' fitness regimen myself. After a bit of research, I devised a seven-day plan so I knew exactly which of her' exercises I would be doing each day.

Here's what it was like working out like tennis pro Serena Williams for a week:

Day one: I began Williams' workout by doing sprints and bodyweight exercises.

The sprints were just the beginning of my day-one routine. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

Day two: My abs were in pain after doing Williams' core routine.

I started my day with some cardio on an elliptical. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

After breaking a sweat, I rolled out my mat for the core workout.

I was exhausted after working on my core for less than an hour. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

Day three: I started my routine with a brutal leg workout.

I used 10-pound dumbbells in my routine. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

For these moves, I made sure to really take my time and focus on my form.

My legs were shaking by the end of this workout. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

Day four: Williams' short but brutal bodyweight routine left me in pain.

Serena Williams' 15-minute workout left me exhausted. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

I pushed myself to finish the workout strong.

I struggled through the moves, but I didn't give up. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

Day five: My lungs and upper body burned from today's pool workout.

Exercising in the pool was beyond my comfort zone. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

Day six: Williams' full-body circuit was one of the most challenging workouts so far.

Part of Serena Williams' routine includes a ladder. I used a mat instead. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

The full-body workout continued with bodyweight exercises.

This was the toughest workout I did this week but I felt good for completing it. Fabiana Buontempo for Insider

Day seven: Every routine this week worked my entire body from head to toe so I wanted to end this challenge on a fun note.

I did a workout from 305 Fitness, which left me feeling great. 305 Fitness/YouTube

I felt strong and more confident after this week. I also think Williams' routine would be pretty doable for the average person.

Serena Williams' routine was challenging but surprisingly doable. Scott Barbour/Stringer/Getty Images

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