How Just Three Hours of Tennis a Week Could Change and Prolong Your Life
Tennis was recently named the healthiest sport in the world by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) during this year’s US Open. With benefits in the physical, mental, and social well-being areas, it’s easy to see why. For anyone looking to enhance their health, incorporating just three hours of tennis a week could be a game-changer.
The Healthiest Sport: Backed by Science
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a workout with significant health benefits that fit into a busy schedule is difficult but not impossible. Tennis stands out for its ability to provide an all-encompassing workout in just a few hours each week. In a 2018 study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers discovered that playing tennis was associated with a life expectancy gain of nearly a decade compared to a sedentary lifestyle. The study, which followed over 8,500 adults for 25 years, found that tennis outperformed other sports in terms of longevity benefits.
Tennis can help more than just longevity. According to Time magazine, in Sept. 2024, playing tennis regularly improves cardiovascular health, increases bone density, enhances agility and coordination, and boosts mental well-being. Tennis is very fast-paced, which helps with heart and bone health, while the dynamic movements help with flexibility and muscle tone.
Individual sports like tennis and golf are seen as lonely and isolating, but in reality, the social aspect of tennis is key to its overall happiness benefits because of the constant interaction and camaraderie. Tennis cannot be played alone unless you are practicing your serve or hitting on a ball machine. Most of the time, you need people playing with and against you. The 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 aspects can foster healthy competition, focus, and accountability, or it can be an exciting way to connect with friends. Also, the endorphin release after exercise helps with emotional regulation and mood.
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Why Three Hours a Week?
For busy professionals or fitness enthusiasts, fitting in three hours of tennis a week could be more manageable than it sounds. Whether it’s a couple of doubles matches on the weekend, evening group play, or individual practice sessions, three hours is all it takes to start experiencing significant health improvements. According to Dr. James O’Keefe, a cardiologist and co-author of the Mayo Clinic…
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