Friday, August 29, 2014

Tennis: A great sport for all ages

Image Source: .nytimes.com


Tennis is an intensive sport that exercises the entire body. Since it requires two to four players, the fun factor often masks the rigorous activity the muscles receive. As such, most tennis experts advise younger people to participate in this sport to prevent injury. Nevertheless, many people in their 50s are starting to take up this sport, despite many hesitations and discouraging remarks.

Admittedly, older adults should take more care in doing physical activities, but these should not prevent them from engaging in sports, particularly those that can be properly observed and commented on. Professional tennis can reach fast-paced speeds but these can be dramatically reduced for recreational purposes. The focus of tennis for fun should be more on form rather than numbers. This is a great way for beginners to practice their techniques with their friends or coaches, and becomes particularly important for players of a certain age. Learning, understanding, and practicing good form lessens the risk of injury and encourages flexibility.




Image Source: theguardian.com



Keeping an active lifestyle has been suggested to add years to a person’s life because it strengthens one’s immune system which prevents them from getting sick. Sports have also been shown to improve quality of life through decreased stress and (in team sports) creating new friendships. People over 50 have also reported having a greater sense of well-being, along with improved sleep and increased daytime vitality after engaging in a physical sport such as tennis. These data considerably suggest that participating in sports is beneficial for any one, at any age.




Image Source: victoriaparktennis.co.uk



Tom Phanco is a tennis enthusiast who wants to encourage everybody to share his passion for the sport. Learn more about him by following him on Twitter.