The Health Benefits of Tennis

Tennis is one of the most beneficial sports when it comes to health benefits, both physically and mentally. In this article we’ll go through some of the physical and mental health benefits that come with participation in tennis and explain why you should start playing now!

Physical Benefits

While being a fun alternative to other forms of cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and swimming, tennis presents a long list of physical health benefits. The potential physical benefits include:

· Increased aerobic capacity: The short intense bursts of movement followed by rest increase oxygen intake.

· Lowered resting heart rate and blood pressure: Increased cardiovascular exercise helps to improve heart and muscle efficiency.

· Improved metabolic function: Increase activity levels increases your metabolic rate.

· Increased bone density: The requirement of power and strength aspects in tennis increases muscle mass and bone density.

· Improved body composition: The reduction of body fat due to increased metabolic activity improves body composition.

· Increased reaction speed: Tennis requires fast reactions when volleying or returning serve, which inherently increases player reaction speed.

· Improved balance and flexibility: Improved control and stability of the ankle and foot as well as the frequent changes of direction improve balance.

Mental Benefits

Along with the long list of physical benefits, tennis has many benefits to mental health which come from the mental engagement and stimulation required to think critically and tactically. These include:

· Reduced stress: Tennis provides an outlet for players to release built up anxiety and stress.

· Increased alertness: Playing tennis, especially competitively, requires you exercise strong concentration.

· Serotonin regulation: Playing tennis with friends encourages the release of serotonin in the brain, improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and influences quality of sleep.

· Increased positivity: Improved resilience and positivity are tied to healthier lifestyle patterns.

There you have it; tennis has so many mental and physical health benefits!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab and racquet and go have a hit!

If you’d like to enrol in a group or private lesson contact Fireball Tennis Member Services on 0422 270 224 or by emailing memberservices@fireballtennis.com.au.