There are many ways that you can improve your overall health. You can try running or walking. You can join a gym. You can sign up for an exercise class. But one of the most fun and one of the healthiest sports to play is tennis.
Tennis offers many benefits. First it's a sport you can play all your life. That means you'll stay in better shape for the rest of your life. Active.com lists these great benefits of playing tennis:
Many doctors and scientists view tennis as the most healthful activity for you. Other sports may provide excellent health benefits. They may stimulate mental and emotional growth. But no other sport matches tennis for its great health benefits.
The Mayo Clinic lists many more benefits from playing tennis. Playing tennis regularly helps maintain or improve balance strength and fitness. It also helps burn calories.
Exercise physiologist and avid tennis player Dr. Gordon Blackburn did a study. He followed people who got three hours of moderate aerobic exercise every week. Blackburn discovered that those people cut their risk of heart disease by 50 percent.
"Playing tennis regularly is a good way to get your aerobic exercise," says Dr. Blackburn. You'll exercise your muscles and burn calories. Tennis can even help lower your blood pressure. Those benefits reduce your risk of developing heart diseases, like heart attack or stroke.
How many calories do you burn playing tennis? Dr. Blackburn has the answers.
Dr. Blackburn suggests combining tennis with other sports for even greater health benefits.
Like any other activity, you need to prepare your body before you get going. Below are a few tips to remember before you begin playing tennis. These tips will help your body stay safe and healthy.
You should play within your ability. In other words, don't try to play like a pro your first time out.
Dr. Blackburn says everyone should take up tennis. But you should talk with your doctor first. If you want to play tennis check the list below. See if any of the conditions listed relate to your health. If they do, you'll want to talk with your doctor.
Conditions that may stop you from playing tennis include:
We've talked about all the health benefits of playing tennis. Here's another benefit – it's just plain fun!
Of course tennis also can be hard, especially if you're just learning. But tennis is a sport in which lessons, practice, and hard work pay off quickly.
Tennis offers a healthy break from the stresses in your life. It's also a great way to meet new people. You can join a local tennis league or club or go to a public court. Tennis also makes a great family sport.
You might think that tennis is only for young people. That's simply not true. In fact, 11.3 million adults aged 25 and up play tennis at least once last year.
Finally there is an overall challenge and joy of playing tennis. Along with the social interaction, tennis is great for a player's well-being.
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