Got Tennis? It’s good for you

"An apple a day keep the doctor away" - so does Tennis. Just what are the benefits of tennis on the body? Immediately you think it is exercise, so it must get you fit. Correct! We looked into some scientific proof to attest to that.

Referencing something published in the Journal of Sports Medicine by Babette M. Pluim, et al. (2007) in a study entitled “Health Benefits of Tennis”, we explore what the relationship is between diseases that affect the lazy lifestyle such as obesity, hypertension, and heart disease and bone problems to playing tennis.

This particular study referenced over 84 articles on the subject of disease and tennis. Running, biking and swimming are among the favorite types of exercise known to have significant health benefits, however not everyone participates in these over the course of a lifetime. Tennis is one of those sports you can play forever, is played by millions of people worldwide and is therefore an ideal target for the improvement of health for the general population. Tennis is also not a continuous exercise at the recreational level, but is characterized by short bursts of energy, making it a highly intense form of exercise. Over time the recommended dose of exercise has changed, and mostly grown from 20 minutes to 30 minutes of moderate intensity daily. Although it has grown, it is also proven that short intense periods of exercise are as effective as longer continuous types of exercise. Tennis makes the cut.

In conclusion, this study produced many numbers and equations and summed up the fact that tennis and health are positively associated. Not only are there reduced risks for heart disease, obesity and hypertension, but since it can be played long term, it increases bone density in the playing limbs. Basically, people who choose to play tennis have many important health benefits. Aerobic fitness for one, lower body fat percentage for two, a reduced risk for disease three and lastly, improved bone health. All you have to ask yourself is, “Got Tennis?”

Tennis Racquets for Kids found this article at:

http://bjsm.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/41/11/760#BIBL