A year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced Wimbledon to be cancelled for the first time since World War 2, this month saw the return of one of the world’s biggest tennis championships. Not only is Wimbledon popular with all year round tennis fans, but also with tennis novices. Tennis has remained a popular sport due to how accessible it is for people of all abilities. With only a few pieces of essential equipment, you can enjoy a game of tennis- you don’t have to be Roger Federer! It is also important to not forget how good tennis can be for your health and fitness levels.
So with that in mind, here is everything you need to know about the health benefits that come from playing the sport, as well as the pieces of equipment you need to enjoy an amateur game.
You get a full-body workout
One of the great things about tennis is that there are many different ways for you to enjoy a game. From singles to doubles, to even playing on your own by hitting the ball up against the wall. But whatever way you enjoy tennis, any game provides you with a full-body workout. Many exercises and sports focus on moving only certain body parts and muscles. But when you are playing tennis, your arms are being worked from swinging the racket, as well as your shoulder, back, and core muscles. You also use your leg muscles by running, jumping, and stretching throughout the game.
Boosted brain power
While of course, it is important that you keep your body physically active and fit, you shouldn’t make the mistake of neglecting your mental health. All of us could do with being a bit more focused and tennis is one of the best brain foods out there. Research has found that regularly playing tennis can help to improve your critical thinking skills, as well as boosting your mental alertness and tactical thinking. These are the sort of skills that help our cognitive abilities and keep us thinking smartly.
Additionally, playing tennis can also help to regulate serotonin levels which is a chemical in the brain that is responsible for our emotional state, appetite, and sleep cycle. Therefore, if you have been feeling a bit down or are struggling to get to sleep at night then hitting the court for a game might be a huge help.
Improved agility and flexibility
If you have ever watched a game of tennis then you will be familiar with how fast-paced a game can be. With players running around the pitch and stretching to hit the ball, they don’t stand still for long. Unlike other sports, when playing tennis you don’t stand still for a minute and your body is always moving and changing direction. Therefore, if you make tennis a regular addition to your exercise routine then you will notice a considerable improvement in your flexibility and agility.
Weight loss
We all know how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet. But when life is busy and we are feeling tired after a busy day at work it can be too tempting to kick back with your favourite TV show while eating a takeaway pizza. But this can cause weight gain which can have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
So if you are looking for a fun sport that you can enjoy while also losing weight then look no further. Tennis is a great way to lose weight as it is a form of cardio. When you think of cardio exercise you probably think about running on the treadmill at the gym, but moving your body in order to lose weight doesn’t have to be boring. Instead by running around a tennis court you are stretching and moving every area of your body. Research has found that ammetaur tennis players can burn around 600 to 1320 calories for every 2 hour singles game. Therefore, regularly taking part in tennis, alongside eating a healthy balanced diet is a great way to lose weight and keep fit.
Stress relief
There is no denying that life can be stressful. From family commitments to being busy at work, it can sometimes feel like you have too many things to juggle. But tennis is also a great remedy to combat stress. While you may find that going for a walk or run helps you to decompress after a long day, it also provides you with the opportunity to think about the things that are making you feel stressed. However, when playing a game of tennis your mind is so focused on your next play that you don’t have time to think about what you are having for tea or how much you have to do at work before the end of the week.
What do you need to start experiencing the benefits of tennis?
So now that you know all the health benefits that come from playing tennis regularly, you are likely feeling keen to get involved in a game yourself. The good news is that there are only a few pieces of essential equipment you need to get you started. While the most obvious pieces of equipment include a tennis racket and some tennis balls there are also a few other things that your tennis game will benefit from. For example, we recommend that you have a good pair of tennis socks to keep your feet protected and comfortable throughout the game. This will help you enjoy the game for longer. We also suggest that you always have a spare pair ready and waiting in your tennis bag as well!
With the rush of enjoying Wimbledon a recent memory, it is important to remember that you don’t have to be a professional tennis player to enjoy a game and reap the benefits. Not only can it help you to live a fitter and healthier lifestyle, but with just a few pieces of essential equipment, you can up your game on the tennis court.