5 Hidden Health Benefits of Tennis

Ah, tennis. Hot, sweaty courts, tanned shoulders and the “Pop!”of a solid serve. No matter what level you play at, tennis provides a fun, active way to release stress and stay fit. But did you know that there are more benefits to tennis than meets the eye? Engaging in regular tennis matches or lessons offers many hidden health benefits.

Physical Benefits of Tennis

• Increased Brain Capacity: When you play tennis, you must be alert and ready to make split second decisions on where to place the ball. Some studies show that this type of thinking while playing tennis promotes new connections within the brain.
• Superior Caloric Burn: Playing tennis at a competitive level burns more calories than other sports including inline skating, aerobics or cycling. Burning all those calories helps maintain your cardiovascular health.
• Improved Balance and Agility: Tennis requires short, quick movements including multiple starts and stops in just a few seconds. Performing these movements repetitively improves gross motor control, balance and agility.
• Improved Bone Density: Tennis can be played at various skill levels, making it an ideal sport for children up to senior citizens. The impact tennis forces onto your bones increases bone density, strengthening your entire body.
• Increased Hand-Eye Coordination: If you take your eye off the ball for a split second while playing tennis, the results can be less than desirous. All of that tracking and coordinating with your swinging arm results in improved hand-eye coordination.

Psychological Benefits of Tennis

• Better Work Ethic: There’s nothing like a challenge or goal to keep you motivated. Regular bouts of tennis, whether lessons or games, keep you motivated to achieve fitness and sport-specific goals in a healthy way.
• Improved Mood: It is a proven fact that staying physically active improves your mood, allows you to release stress and teaches you to cope with life better.
• Improved Coping Skills: Everyone makes mistakes in life and on the court. Practicing tennis helps you learn to cope with the mistakes you make and carry on.
• Experience with Teamwork: Life often requires teamwork, whether with your spouse or family, at work or on a sport court. Doubles tennis helps you learn the value of working with a partner and the skills required to do it successfully.

The bottom line is that tennis offers a lot more than a fun way to burn off energy. It produces other benefits that perhaps you never even considered. Go ahead and lace up your sneakers, grab a can of balls and hit the courts. Do it in the name of fun, fitness and overall wellness.