Playing sports and being active are naturally good ways to stay in shape and be healthy. Tennis makes the top of the sports list, considering it’s a full-body workout that gets your heart pumping while engaging multiple muscle groups and organ systems. The positive health effects don’t stop there, though. Nutritionists, fitness experts, and healthcare professionals all agree that there’s a long list of reasons why playing tennis is so good for your health. Let’s explore!
Aids in Weight Loss
Weight loss is a difficult journey; it doesn’t just happen overnight. Tennis is great for getting your heart rate up and running and kicking your body into fat-burning mode. In fact, playing tennis can burn as many as 400 calories per hour!
Boosts Brain Power
Tennis definitely gets your body moving, working muscles you didn’t even know existed! But the sport also exercises your brain, improving cognitive skills like critical thinking, alertness, and tactical thinking. Playing tennis also helps regulate serotonin, improving sleep, appetite, and emotional well-being.
Improves Balance and Coordination
All racket sports require balance and coordination in order for the body to maintain equilibrium and make contact with the ball. The more you practice, the better both should get!
Combats Stress
In general, exercise is an excellent way to alleviate stress. But tennis requires particular focus, leaving you little room to think about what’s on your at-home or work to-do list. The next time you play tennis, test this theory out, and see if you think of anything outside of the sport!
Reduces Risk of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the creation of new bone matter can’t keep up with the deterioration of old bone matter, making bones more susceptible to break or fracture. Playing tennis can help prevent osteoporosis by strengthening your bones.
Great for Socializing
Tennis is great for socializing since you at least have to have one other person to play. Whether you’re feeling lonely or isolated or just want to make some new friends, a tennis clinic or local rec league could help!