It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a tennis racquet before or if yours has been gathering dust for years; it’s never too late to start enjoying tennis’ many advantages. In honor of National Play Tennis Day, we’re sharing how tennis can have a positive impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being in seven key ways.
A wonderful social activity
Tennis can be played either as a doubles or a singles match, but either way, you need a partner. One of the many great things about playing is chatting it up with your rivals and your teammates. It’s also physiologically rewarding to be in the company of people who understand and support your passions and aspirations. Young gamers can meet new people and hone their social skills while enjoying the game.
Boost your brain power
Tennis is like calorie-free brain food! The mental and physical activity of tennis can strengthen neural pathways in the brain, leading to enhanced capacities for reasoning, concentration, and strategy.
The brain chemical serotonin is linked to sleep, appetite, and mood, all of which tennis helps manage. Trouble falling asleep or controlling your emotions? Take the court!
Fight and prevent disease
Tennis is beneficial for maintaining a healthy lipid profile and reducing cholesterol levels. The risk of having a stroke, high blood pressure, or heart problems can be reduced in this way.
Improve agility, flexibility, and balance
Have you ever watched a match of tennis on television and noticed how far the players stretch to keep the ball in play? With tennis, you’re always on the go, swerving this way and that and working out your muscles. Regular tennis play has been linked to enhanced agility and flexibility. (That said, you should still make sure you have dedicated time for stretching before and after your tennis sessions!)
Maintain a healthy weight
Playing tennis, especially in a solo match, is a fantastic cardiovascular workout. You’re always sprinting, swerving, stretching, and otherwise utilizing every part of your body.
The American Dietetic Association estimates that in a two-hour session of singles play, a recreational player can burn between 600 and 1,320 calories, while a competitive player can burn between 768 and 1,728 calories.
Stress relief
All of us experience some level of stress, but a game of tennis is a great way to relieve that tension. Going for a run or using an elliptical isn’t always enough because it still allows your thoughts to wander to more pressing matters, such as “What am I going to make for dinner?” or “How many calories am I actually burning?” or ” I still have a ton of work to complete by the end of the week, and the timeline is very tight.” The list could go on.
Playing tennis helps you tune out the rest of the world and concentrate on the match at hand rather than your never-ending list of worries and responsibilities. It’s like giving your mind a mini-vacation.
It’s a lifetime sport
Tennis is one of the few activities that is enjoyable at any age. Few people in their 60s, 70s or 80s can be seen sprinting up and down a soccer field or playing tackle football. Nonetheless, many elderly people continue to play tennis for fun.
It’s a fun activity that welcomes players of many ages and levels of physical condition.
