Sticking to your fitness plans is made a lot easier if you develop a passion for a particular sport. It’s not always easy to find the sport that’s right for you though. Is football too rough and violent for you? Is baseball too boring and running too strenuous? Well, tennis could be the sport for you!
Tennis is great because it offers a vigorous workout, but it doesn’t always feel like it. Unlike running, you have a game to win, so it’s perfect for people with a competitive spirit. There are lots of clubs you can join, and people will give you the support you need to get started. Here are some basic things you’ll need to know first though.
Rules of the Game
One thing that puts a lot of people off playing tennis is the complicated rules. But once you take the time to get to know the rules, they’re not that difficult to understand. To start you off, you could watch some tennis matches on television, you’ll soon pick it up.
I’ll go through the rules quickly to help you though. In singles tennis there are 2 players, the players swap serve after each point. The first point is 15, then 30, and finally 40. The first player to win 4 points wins the game. If it’s tied at 40-40, that’s called deuce, and 2 more points have to be won. The first player to win 6 games then wins the set. In men’s tennis, there are normally 5 sets, and in women’s tennis there are 3.
What Equipment You Need
The main things you need to play tennis are a tennis racquet and some tennis balls. If you’re joining a club, they may be able to provide this equipment for you, but it’s always good to have your own equipment. You can pick up a racquet and balls pretty cheaply.
Clothing is also very important if you want to play tennis effectively. Some shorts and a loose t-shirt that lets you move about freely are ideal. You should also get a sweat band and some tennis shoes.
How is Tennis is Good for Fitness?
Although it might not seem like an obvious choice for weight loss, tennis can be a great sport for shedding the pounds. So, why is tennis so good for your fitness? The sport acts as a form of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. This means it gives you a cardiovascular workout and helps burn fat.
Playing tennis also helps improve your fitness and flexibility. You’re constantly moving around the court chasing the ball, which will make you much more agile and give all your major muscle groups a workout. It’ll also make you much more flexible as you’re forced to stretch for the ball.
Playing Competitively
If you start playing and you find that you’re quite good at it, you might have uncovered a hidden talent. Keep practicing and build up your skills and fitness. And then, if you still feel like pushing yourself further, you could think about entering some amateur tennis competitions.
Tennis might be the ideal sport for you, so at least give it a try before you dismiss it!
