Tennis is one of those sports that you can enjoy whether you’re 6 or 60. Extremely fun and addictive, it provides a great workout for your entire body, improving fitness levels and building strength, as well as challenging your brain as you strategise how to beat your opponent.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making tennis a regular part of your routine:
It works your entire body
Unlike some sports, tennis works your entire body. Your legs get a workout as your run, jump and move around the court; your shoulders, upper back and your core are all engaged as you hit a shot or serve; while your arms are challenged as you swing and connect with the ball.
It burns fat and calories
Tennis is fast-paced game packed with movement as you constantly run around the court. As you’re always on the move, you end up burning a lot of calories – a game of singles burning between 400-600! As a result of this, your body will burn fat. The best part? You’ll be so focused on the game you won’t even realise how much exercise you’re actually doing.
It’s good for your heart
Tennis is an aerobic sport as you run around and increase your heart rate. 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.
It 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.
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.
It 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.
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.
It 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.
With a large number of indoor and outdoor courts, expert teachers, tennis clubs and kids training programmes, David Lloyd Clubs is the ideal place to play or learn how to play tennis. Contact your local David Lloyd Club or visit our Racquets page for more information.
