Tennis

Tennis is an excellent way of achieving and maintaining a certain level of fitness. It is not of such aerobic value as other sports because it is not a sustained activity. However, playing tennis improves your muscular strength and endurance and develops balance and hand-to-eye coordination. Singles is a far more strenuous game than doubles.

It is important that you first do some warm-up exercises and some stretch 'n' tone exercises before starting a game of tennis in order to avoid straining the muscles.

Good technique in tennis is important for improving your game and to avoid injury. It is best to learn tennis as a child, although you can pay for lessons through tennis clubs and some health and fitness centers. Classes are available for beginners, refreshers and children. You can then practice alone or with a partner, working on your serve and volley and on your forehand and backhand actions.

Tennis is an attractive and sociable way of keeping fit, particularly in the summer months. Municipal courts can be booked and racquet hire is available.. You will also find that some clubs have indoor courts. so you needn't lose your match fitness during the monsoon months.

FACTFILE

Calories burnt per minute: 7-8.5 (singles); 4.8-5.9 (doubles)

Works on: mobility, strength, endurance and flexibility in the arms, shoulders, back., abdomen and legs

Complementary exercises: weights, swimming