Tennis is one of those sports that you can enjoy whether you’re 6 or 65. The game can take a little time to learn, but once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start playing against others and build on your skills.
And that’s when you can really start reaping the benefits of tennis.
It’s not just about improving your fitness – although tennis will certainly help you do that! You’ll also see all kinds of improvements to your overall wellbeing, from brain health to happiness.
If you do start playing tennis, here are some of the benefits you can expect.
1. It works your entire body
Unlike some sports, tennis gives you a full-body workout.
Your legs get a workout as you run, jump and move around the court; your shoulders, upper back and your core are all engaged as you hit a shot or serve; and your arms are challenged as you swing and connect with the ball.
2. Tennis torches calories
Tennis is a fast-paced game packed with movement. That means you end up burning a lot of calories – a game of singles burns between 400-600! The best part? You’ll be so focused on the game you won’t even realise how much exercise you’re actually doing.
3. It’s good for your heart
A typical tennis match, lasting around one to two hours, provides the optimal intervals needed to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
4. Tennis improves balance and coordination
Tennis requires your whole body to work together as your feet, arms, hands, torso and legs all have to manoeuvre into the correct positon to hit a good shot and send the ball over the net. Doing all of this requires coordination and balance, and the more you play, the more these skills will improve.
5. It’s a workout for the brain
Tennis involves planning, tactical thinking, agility and coordination – all of which requires strong neural connections. Consistently working these connecting neurons will help them develop and improve your brain function. This will improve the efficiency of your memory and your ability to learn.
6. Tennis is a social sport
Tennis provides you with the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and expand your social circle. Many people build their social life around their tennis club, and all the on and off-court activities it provides.
7. It can be played at varying paces
Tennis can be adapted to suit the health and needs of any player. It can be used as gentle exercise for people recovering from injury or illness (this works best under the guidance of a coach who can control the pace of play) or – at the other end of the spectrum – as a challenging professional game.
8. Tennis is a sport for all
Tennis can be played and enjoyed by everyone from a three-year-old (starting off on a mini-court with a short racquet and sponge balls) through to people in their 80s and 90s. With a few modifications, it can even be played by people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
David Lloyd Clubs is the ideal place to play or learn how to play tennis. We have a large number of indoor and outdoor courts, as well as expert teachers, tennis social sessions and kids training programmes.
