People who play tennis are proven to lead happier and healthier lives. And it’s not just the fitness benefits. Tennis can improve balance, mental health, and even your problem-solving skills.
Here are 5 things that will make you want to pick up your racket, come to the Club and get playing.
1. Improve your fitness and body health
Scientific studies show that playing tennis has significant health benefits.
Research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who choose to play tennis have “improved aerobic fitness, a lower body fat percentage, a more favourable lipid profile, reduced risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and better bone health”.
“It’s a great way to improve cardio, build strength and have fun at the same time,” says David Collins, Head Tennis Professional at St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club. “I see people get so caught up enjoying the game that they don’t notice they’re improving fitness rapidly from week to week.”
2. Benefit from outdoor exercise
Playing tennis outdoors in the fresh air offers further health benefits. You can reduce blood pressure, lower your heart rate and boost Vitamin D levels.
St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club in Weybridge has 33 tennis courts, outdoor and indoor, some of the finest in South East England. Members play on the same surfaces used by players in the pro tournaments hosted by the Club.
The sight of the lush green grass courts on a summer’s day are one of the things that make the Club feel truly special.
Tennis is also one of the few sports you can play at a social distance. Outdoor courts are likely to open before indoor venues when lockdown restrictions lift.
3. Increase focus and co-ordination
Judging ball speed, quick reactions and frequent changes of direction are a few reasons why tennis players show high agility, concentration levels and body awareness.
Playing tennis can lead to better balance and help prevent accidents and falls throughout life. Tennis also gets your senses fired up and can help boost your brain power.
According to Professor Babette Pluim and Dr. Ajai Seth, “From alertness to tactical thinking, tennis enhances the ability for rapid and clever thinking and creative problem solving. Tennis players possess enhanced abilities in motion detection, speed awareness, processing and timing.”
Playing tennis can even remodel our brains, building new neural pathways. Studies show that children who play tennis regularly do better academically and socially than their non-playing peers. Benefits that carry on through adulthood.
4. Spend quality social time
Tennis gives lots of opportunities to play for fun or in teams and leagues at all sorts of competitive levels.
Playing with other people offers social and psychological benefits. Social interaction can boost your mental health, reduce a sense of isolation and help you feel a greater sense of community.
At St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club there is a variety of social opportunities, from weekly tennis meet-ups and leagues to competitive club matches and tournaments.
And when the game is over, you can carry on the social side with a drink and snack in our court-side tennis pavilion.
5. Get the whole family involved
Tennis is a game that can be enjoyed by all ages and all abilities.
The Club has a team of highly experienced tennis coaches from “tots to tour” who are on hand to help you improve your game, whether you’re just starting out or want to sharpen your match technique.
“There is something for the whole family at our Club,” says Head Tennis Professional, David Collins. “We have summer camps, mini tennis groups, and adult and junior coaching programmes”
“And there is a thriving tennis scene for grown-ups, both competitively and socially. The Club was formed over 100 years ago through a shared passion for tennis and this love of the game continues to this day”.
Find out more about membership.
