Tennis

by WLR Staff, Adam Vaughan

You can do more than just watch Wimbledon! Tennis can be a fun and sociable way to build your general fitness and co-ordination.

Benefits

Wimbledon is upon us again and doesn't it all look so easy? The good news is that Tennis can be enjoyed at any standard or level. It can be as strenuous or as relaxing as you want it to be. The game combines mental and physical demands which will build general fitness and co-ordination.

Burn Rate

Depending on your weight and exertion level you'll burn about 100-150 extra calories* in a half-hour session. 30min Tennis:

• Recreational 93kcal
• Moderate 127kcal

*Extra calories are those you burn on top of the calories you use for basic day-to-day living. Inputting your exercise into your exercise diary will calculate the number of calories you will burn, based on your weight.

Getting Started

Tennis can be a social occasion or it can be played against a brick wall. The key to getting started is to find players of your own ability to play with. Start off playing for 15-30 mins two or three times a week and build up gradually. Just playing two hours a week can lead to you playing a decent level within three months. There are many courts (local sports centres, etc) to hire - give them a call and book one, or there are courts you can use for free (public or council run courts), just look for them. Remember enjoy it!

Kit Bag

There are many outfits suitable for tennis available and they do not have to be expensive.

• You need to wear shoes that have a support system that cradles your foot.
• You can spend as much or as little on a racquet as you want to get you started. There are many decent racquets available for under £30.
• 4 Slazenger balls can be purchased for £8. Oversized balls may help beginners to rally and hone in to improve their game.

Safety

Pressure on your ankles, elbows and knee joints can make them prone to injury. You need to check with your GP if you feel that you may have a weakness or be prone to joint problems.