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Tennis is by its nature a sociable sport. Lone wolfs and hermits are just not going to flock to the tennis courts. Some people are happier when they work out alone. Others are more motivated by getting their physical activity in the company of others. Tennis is great for these folks.
While tennis is not exactly a sport you can play by yourself, honing your skills is a good idea before you team up with other players. If you're just learning the ropes, or working to improve your game, you might consider hiring a professional instructor for a time.
Private tennis clubs offer an array of benefits. Classes and workouts are available in these clubs. If you don't want a coach, don't hesitate to get pointers from, and to play as much as possible against, other players. Don't let your ego get in the way. Seek out superior players and let everything about them rub off on you.
Singles matches and doubles are both important. Get in as much of both types as you can because each will offer unique benefits. Nobody around? Don't let that hold you down. If there's a wall that can take the drubbing, face off with a wall and start swinging. Another possible use of the basic tenets of tennis would be cardio tennis. Cardio tennis is played in short, high-intensity cycles followed by rest periods. Think interval training, only with a racquet.
You don't have to be a professional tennis player to reap the benefits. According to Sportsandfitnessideas.com, a woman weighing in at 135 pounds may be burning around 400 calories in an hour's worth of singles tennis and over 300 calories from an equal time period of doubles. This is great if you're trying to watch your weight or lose a few pounds.
You're running, your racquet is swinging like a pendulum, and your muscles are becoming stronger and more toned. Tennis can increase your aerobic fitness, and decrease your blood pressure as well as your risk for heart disease or stroke. Your bone density can thicken especially in your dominant arm.
It's admirable to want to give it your all but keep in mind that if you overdo your game, you are liable to miss more shots and play more poorly rather than better. This can also set you up for injury. Better to play a steady, consistent game, over time.
Playing hard, ending up with sore muscles to the point that you drop your racquet for weeks or months at a time, is no substitute for training and self-discipline. The payoff will be toned muscles, generally improved fitness levels and enhanced tennis skills.
Jody smith is freelance writer for EmpowHER.com.
Sources:
Exercising Your Competitive Edge
http://www.seattlewomanmagazine.com/articles/apr06-2.htm
Health Benefits of Playing Tennis
http://www.sportsandfitnessideas.com/sports/tennis/training/health-benefits-playing-tennis
Tennis tips: How to improve your tennis game
http://www.helium.com/items/1039141-tennis-tips-how-to-improve-your-tennis-game
