Tennis as a form of exercise
TENNIS is so much more than swatting a racket on the court! With its fast-paced play and simple rules, tennis is an incredibly fast-paced sport that can keep your body and mind intensely engaged. If you are wondering if tennis is a good form of exercise- we will tell you now that it is. Tennis incorporates numerous types of exercise at once and can result in many health benefits.
What kind of different exercises are there?
Physical exercise involves exerting oneself physically to enhance health and fitness. While no official classification exists, people generally group exercise types into five different categories:
◆ Flexibility Training
◆ Balance Training
◆ Strength Training ◆ Cardio/Aerobic/Endurance Training ◆ Anaerobic Training
In most activities, you will recognise different types of exercise happening simultaneously. For example, when someone is rock climbing, they can experience endurance training, strength training, and balance training at the same time.
What type (s) of exercise is tennis?
Tennis is a physically demanding sport that involves a range of movements and requires various types of exercise at once. Here are four different types of exercise that occur when playing tennis:
Aerobic exercise
Tennis involves a lot of running and moving around the court, which makes it an excellent form of aerobic exercise. It can help improve cardiovascular endurance and increase stamina.
Anaerobic exercise
Tennis also requires short bursts of intense activity, such as sprints and quick changes of direction, which require anaerobic energy. This type of exercise can help improve speed, agility, and power.
Flexibility training
Tennis can improve flexibility in the upper body, lower body, and core due to twisting, reaching, and turning. Stretching exercises, such as hamstring stretches, hip flexor stretches, and shoulder stretches can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury for tennis players.
Balance training
Tennis players need good balance to move quickly and change direction effectively. Tennis can help you improve your balance by using precise footwork, stabilising your core, and encouraging quick changes in direction and reaction time. Exercises such as single-leg balance drills and bosu ball exercises can help improve balance and stability.
What are the health benefits of
playing tennis?
Lacing up your shoes, grabbing a tennis racket, and heading to the court can provide you with many different health benefits. Tennis is a “holistic” or “total body” sport- providing tennis players with benefits that can help include physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being. Let us take a look at the different health benefits of playing tennis in detail.
Improves cardiovascular health
Tennis is a great form of aerobic exercise that can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, improving circulation, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Enhances physical fitness
Tennis requires a range of physical
movements, including running, jumping, and hitting, which can improve overall physical fitness, including strength, agility, and coordination. As previously mentioned, cardio training can elevate your heart rate and help regulate blood pressure, control blood sugar, and maintain healthy arteries.
Promotes weight loss
Tennis is a high-intensity sport that can burn a lot of calories, making it an effective way to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Strengthens bones and muscles
Tennis involves a lot of weight-bearing activity, such as jumping and running, which can help strengthen bones and muscles, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Improves mental health
Tennis can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a physical outlet for emotions and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers.
Increases social connections
Tennis is often played in pairs or teams, providing opportunities for social interaction and connection, which can improve overall mental health and well-being.
Please always consult your physician before beginning any exercise programme. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider. - Online