The Health Benefits Of Playing Tennis

The Green Balls

The benefits of tennis can be reaped from just about anyone. It is a lifetime sport that can be started at any age, from as young as age 2 to as old as . . . well, that depends on you! Most importantly, it is fun! You can participate in singles or doubles; doubles involves two players vs. two players (make sure to pick a partner that you get along with or you are in for a two hour nightmare). Most people I have met who play tennis have a great character: they are motivated, fun and enthusiastic individuals.

Tennis connects and brings people together, can be played all year round on multiple surfaces, (Har-Tru classic green clay, red European clay, grass and hard) indoors or outdoors, and is not that expensive to play. All you need is a tennis bag, a couple of racquets, strings, overgrip, clothes and shoes and a smile on your face (maybe some proper footwork too).

What are the health benefits of playing tennis? The sport increases your aerobic capacities, lowers your resting heart rate and blood pressure, improves metabolic function, increases bone density, lowers body fat, improves muscle tone/strength/flexibility and increases your reaction time. Tennis also has mental health benefits: it increases your alertness and tactical thinking, enhances the neural connections in your brain and reduces stress.

Tennis is also very social; you can talk to your opponent in between games, sets or while you are hitting balls. And if you are playing at a country club, you can enjoy the delicious food and beverages served (no pun intended) after a long sweaty match! Lastly, tennis offers an escape from the world and your daily routine; when you step on that court, you become disconnected from the troubles of the world and focused on something relaxing and peaceful.

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)