The Top 5 Reasons to Play Tennis is sponsored by Play Your Court.  As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Hi all!  Happy hump day!  We’ve made it halfway through the week.  I’m super stoked because I had a fever at the beginning of the week (thank you small child for exposing me to so many germs).

So you may have noticed in my recent Friday’s Food & Fitness a lot of emphasis on tennis.  I’ve been playing a lot recently and I’m really trying to up my game (no pun intended).  My goal is for the Hubs and I to be able to play with other people on a regular basis and for me not to embarrass us.  Oh, and a win once and awhile would be nice.  And while, we have almost 30 years before we can both retire, I figured it was better to start now.

But why tennis, you might ask?  Great question!  Well aside from the fact that I love watching the tennis majors, tennis is an amazing sport for even the non-elite.  Here are the Top 5 Reasons to Play Tennis!

Learn Something New. If you have never played before, you can learn something new.  Plus it is way easier to pick up than sports like golf!  Remember that feeling you got when you were a kid and you tried something for the first time?  We rarely get that anymore as adults.  Well carpe diem and pick up a racquet!

Get Active.  Tennis burns tons of calories!  It is running in disguise but way more fun.  Tennis is an amazing form of cardiovascular training, plus it involves agility training and requires both strength and flexibility.  Consistently playing tennis can also lead to weight loss, improved muscle tone and better overall health.

Get Competitive.  Tennis isn’t just a form of exercise, it’s a game.  And a game means, we are trying to win!  Well, have fun and win.  But seriously, with the emphasis on playing a game and attempting to achieve a goal (winning and having fun), you are less likely to focus on the fact that you are working your body so hard.  

Train Your Brain.  Studies have shown that tennis is good for your brain function and your overall general intelligence because it requires tactical thinking, focus and ability to respond quickly.  So while we can’t see tennis players are smarter than your average joe, there are definitely characteristics that show it keeps you sharp.

Meet New People.  Tennis is one of those sports you just can’t play alone.  You need at least one other person for singles and three more for doubles.  It’s a great way to get out and meet new people, especially those with similar interests to yourself.  It’s a sociable sport and while it is competitive, it always ends with a handshake.  

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If you are still feeling a bit unsure, check out my Top Ten Tennis Tips for Beginners. Taking lessons makes the list and if you need a tennis coach in your area, be sure to check out Play Your Court to find a great, experienced instructor to help you learn the ropes!

Readers, are you a fan of tennis?  Do you like sports you can play with your spouse?  What’s your goal for retirement?