WISDOM WEDNESDAY'S - Why It Is Never Too Late To Start Playing Tennis!

Benefits Of Playing Tennis Once You Have Retired

Tennis is one of the most sociable sports, due to the ability to be able to catch up with friends whilst keeping the body moving. Many studies show that people don't feel like they are exercising when playing tennis because they are enjoying spending time outdoors (often in the sunshine) with their peers.

Physical Benefits

• Tennis is a low impact sport because you can play it at any intensity and you can play on astro or clay courts, meaning that it is easier on your joints. This reduces the likeliness of injuries.

• Tennis helps to improve your agility and balance because you use skills such as coordination and reaction times which are critical for reducing slips and falls.

• Tennis improves your bone density and muscle strength because tennis is a weight-baring activity meaning that it strengthens bones, consequently reducing the likeliness of fractures and osteoporosis.

Mental and Cognitive Benefits

• Tennis keeps the brain sharp, due to the need to keep focusing on the ball, make quick decisions and keeping track of the score. This will delay the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer's.

• Tennis improves your mental wellbeing as it boosts your mood and reduces stress and anxiety, due to the release of endorphins.

Social and Lifestyle Benefits

• Tennis can help combat loneliness by the social aspect of tennis, such as joining a club and playing doubles. The majority of tennis clubs will have a club house, where post match teas, coffee's and cakes are a popular treat.

• Tennis can help increase your longevity. Many studies show that the human body can live up to seven years longer when tennis is part of a regular routine, due to moderate level of activity for the whole body.

Safety Tips For Beginners To Tennis

• Go at your own pace - avoid overexertion to prevent injury.

• Use appropriate equipment - use lighter rackets and proper footwear.

• Warm-up - always do a light warm-up to prepare the muscles for exercise.