Tennis: all the benefits for the body and mind
There are several scientific studies that confirm that people who play tennis are more optimistic, energetic, more self-confident and suffer less from depression, anxiety and tension. Only for these results of the research conducted by Southwestern Connectiucut State University should we give this sport a chance and try to practice it. In addition to all these benefits for the mood and the psyche, physical activity has always been synonymous with health and tennis is no exception.
Physical benefits
- Improves aerobic and anaerobic capacity: tennis allows us to increase our aerobic capacity, because when we practice it we burn fat and it helps to improve the cardiovascular system, which gives us more energy. It is also ideal for strengthening our anaerobic capacity, through short periods of high intensity, followed by periods of rest.
- Leg reinforcement: this sport allows us to improve the strength of our legs, since we are constantly in motion. In addition, it strengthens the muscles, because they have to react quickly and strongly when the ball is received.
- Increase overall coordination: as the body has to adapt to the movements of the ball.
- Offers greater agility and flexibility: tennis is a sport that requires constant attention. The movement to reach the balls will improve our flexibility, as well as our agility, as to hit the ball we usually change our direction several times, in just 3 seconds!
- Helps increase bone density and strength: the practice of this sport, leading to permanent movement and a state of constant alertness, will strengthen our bones and prevent the body from osteoporosis.
One of the pillars of a healthy life is to play sports, however not all disciplines are good or everyone likes. In case of previous pathologies, it is absolutely recommended to consult a doctor's opinion before starting any physical activity.
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Psychological benefits
- It introduces us to a new ethics, discipline and responsibility: tennis is a sport that allows us to develop ethics and discipline. Furthermore, being an individual sport, it teaches us to accept our successes and our mistakes, since each of us is responsible for the achievements or failures we make.
- It helps to control pressure: it is a sport that involves learning to deal with mental, physical and emotional stress. In this way, tennis helps us to control pressure and tension and teaches us to be competitive in the correct way.
- Encourages the development of strategies: Being a purely strategic sport, each of us learns to plan and implement new formulas to anticipate the opponent.
- It helps to manage adversity well: in tennis it is essential to be able to compete despite the elements that cannot be controlled such as the wind, the sun, etc.
- It teaches us to compete: the main idea of tennis is to beat the opponent, which is a great preparation for the competitive world - not only in sport - in which we live.
Starting a healthy life is very easy and tennis is one of the sports that helps the most with all the benefits we have summarized so far. However, to practice it correctly we advise you to follow some of our suggestions.
Tips for playing tennis correctly
As in all sports, to avoid accidents, some precautions must be taken:
- Get ready. You cannot start playing tennis overnight if you have led a sedentary life for a long time. It begins with an endurance activity, which can be walking in the open air or cycling on the road or a few swimming sessions. By doing so, it allows the heart, lungs, joints, tendons and muscles to adapt smoothly. to the effort
- Warm up. Impossible to start without a bit of running around the field, a few jumps, steps, lunges, rotations of the wrists, pelvis, neck and shoulders. When playing tennis, the whole body is involved and it is therefore necessary to prepare it in the best possible way.
- Hydrate. Violent exertion causes sweating. Drink regularly. Maybe even get some energy drinks, nuts or cereal bars to avoid fatigue. For an immediate boost of energy, try the Foodspring vegan protein bars available on Amazon, based on chocolate and almonds. They are an entirely vegetable and gluten-free product, ideal for sports enthusiasts.
© amazon
- Use the right material. A racket that is too heavy, badly woven or even badly balanced can lead to annoying conditions such as tendonitis. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you try the Wilson Fusion XL racket available on Amazon, perfect for beginners who want to approach tennis with a quality product.
The drawbacks
A bit like all sports, tennis does not only have advantages. First, the numerous rhythm variations put a strain on the heart. In addition, the muscle contractions are high and the joints must experience sudden changes in direction. Finally, sudden jumps and stops put strain on the veins. This strains their walls and favors the appearance of varicose veins.
Therefore, we recommend that you pay particular attention to those who have a history of heart and / or venous problems. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor or specialist before starting to play tennis.
