Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making tennis a regular part of your routine:

It works your entire body

Unlike some sports, tennis works your entire body. Your legs get a workout as you run, jump and move around the court; your shoulders, upper back and your core are all engaged as you hit a shot or serve; while your arms are challenged as you swing and connect with the ball.

It burns fat and calories

Tennis is a fast-paced game, as you’re always on the move, you end up burning a lot of calories – a game of singles burns between 400-600! As a result of this, your body will burn fat. The best part? You’ll be so focused on the game you won’t even realise how much exercise you’re actually doing.

It’s good for your heart

Tennis is an aerobic sport as you run around and increase your heart rate. A typical tennis match lasting around one to two hours provides the optimal intervals needed to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

It improves balance and coordination

Tennis requires your whole body to work together as your feet, arms, hands, torso and legs all have to manoeuvre into the correct position to hit a good shot. Doing all of this requires coordination and balance, and the more you play, the more these skills will improve.

It’s a workout for the brain

Tennis involves planning, tactical thinking, agility and coordination – all of which requires strong neural connections. Consistently working these connecting neurons will help them develop and improve your brain function. This will improve the efficiency of your memory and ability to learn.

It is a social sport

Tennis provides you with the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and expand your social circle. Many people build their social life around their tennis club and all the on and off-court activities it provides.

It can be played at varying paces

Tennis can be adapted to suit the health and needs of any player. It can be used as gentle exercise for people recovering from injury or illness (best under the guidance of a coach who can control the pace of play) or – at the other end of the spectrum – as a challenging professional game.

It is a sport for all

Tennis can be played and enjoyed by everyone from a three-year-old (starting off on a mini-court with a short racquet and sponge balls) through to people in their 80s and 90s. With a few modifications, it can even be played by people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

With a large number of indoor and outdoor courts, expert teachers, tennis clubs and kids training programmes, David Lloyd Clubs is the ideal place to play or learn how to play tennis.

This article was written by our partner, Incorpore