Tennis is a fun filled game as well as an excellent cardio workout to stay fit. It combines aerobic exercising with a sense of achievement as you slam balls across or return shots with skill and artistry across the net. As Roger Kahn says: “Tennis and golf are best played, not watched.”
For those who are obese this may be the ideal workout to lose at least some of those extra accumulated pounds doing something they already like. Exercising by playing a game of tennis can be both fun and a bit challenging for new players.
Tennis offers a lot of cardiovascular benefits and this is very important for those suffering from obesity as obesity can lead to heart problems. As Gordon Blackburn, PhD and exercise physiologist at Cleveland Clinic Heart Centre says: “Playing tennis at a moderate to vigorous intensity on a regular basis is a good way to get your aerobic exercise. You’ll exercise your muscles and burn calories.”
Playing tennis is a good way to burn calories much more in singles than doubles matches. Both men and women benefit from this game. It is an interesting way to lose calories.
However it needs a few essentials like a tennis racquet, tennis balls, a tennis court, good shoes and clothes and of course atleast one partner to play with. It also needs you to do a few stretching exercises to loosen up muscles and joints. You also need to drink sufficient fluids. Avoid carbonated and sugared drinks. Try to drink more water compared to other liquids.
Before you decide to play tennis please check with your physician if you have any of the following conditions
Chest pain during the game or any physical activity
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inactive lifestyle
Heart Disease
Any surgery in the past year
High blood pressure
Low blood pressure
You have a pacemaker
You have vision problems
You have osteoarthritis
You have any joints replaced
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Chronic joint pain
If you have no problems or your physician recommends tennis as a good and invigorating way to lose weight. You can also join tennis clubs, improve your social life and get physiological, psychological and social benefits.
Similar benefits can be obtained if you prefer badminton or racquet ball over tennis.
