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However, many have preconceived ideas surrounding tennis or tennis clubs, which can sometimes appear elitist or inaccessible to some. In reality, it is one of the most accessible sports out there, which also packs tons of health benefits.

If you’re looking for the perfect new year activity or feel like trying something new, then look no further, tennis may be right for you, and here’s why.

Ace physical benefits

Unsurprisingly, there are many physical benefits to playing both outdoor and indoor tennis. Training sessions, tennis lessons or games works a range of muscles in your upper and lower body, making tennis a great way to improve your overall fitness.

The fast-paced nature of the sport can also lead to improved cardiovascular function. According to a 2016 Harvard University study, playing just three hours a week will reduce your risk of heart disease by 56 per cent.

Finally, tennis can help improve hand-eye coordination – which is useful in many areas of everyday life too.

More than just fitness

Like any physical activity, playing tennis isn’t just about the physical benefits – it can contribute to reducing stress levels too.

Stepping on a tennis court also means having to put your thinking cap on. Tennis isn’t just about hitting the ball as hard as possible, it’s about using the physics behind it to your advantage to make it as hard as possible for your opponent to return it. It can also develop problem solving skills and enhance neural connections in your brain, as tennis requires tactical thinking.

Serving flexibility and accessibility

Tennis only requires a partner, or three others for those playing doubles. This, added to the limited equipment required - just racquets and a ball- and the fact it can be played in a wheelchair, makes tennis an incredibly accessible sport.

What’s more, it’s ideal for those who can’t to commit to the strict practice schedule of a team sport – just grab a partner and head to a tennis court. Even better, many courts can be booked online with a few days’ notice.

Social network

Missing the social aspect of team sports? You can be part of a tennis club to meet like-minded people or more experienced players who can give advice or help you improve your game. You can also reach out to your local tennis centre to book tennis lessons individually or as part of a group.

The family advantage

It is estimated that just under 750,000 children play tennis in England, and it’s easy to see why, as tennis can teach valuable life skills.

Anyone can play tennis, meaning it’s a great game to play together as a family. The doubles format especially enables four players to be on the court at once, facing each other in teams of two.

In addition to helping the whole family feel happier and fitter after a game, it’s also a fantastic way to introduce younger children to an individual sport, or encourage them to try something new and be active – all while spending quality time together. Many local tennis centres also offer tennis lessons for kids.

Game on, come rain or shine

Tennis is an all-weather sport – so there’s no need to take a break over the winter or wait until the summer to get started if you’d rather continue working on your game.

There are many tennis court types, including grass, clay and hard courts. They all have their own attributes and specificities, meaning just as many different ways to play and experience tennis.

What’s more, clay and grass courts tend to be outdoor, perfect for the warmer months, while hard courts are usually found indoors at most tennis centres – so why not try them all to see which one fits your game or lifestyle best?

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David Morris Content Contributor, Warwick Sport

David is an avid runner and writes about different aspects of fitness, health and wellbeing. He enjoys running, fitness classes and outdoor activities with his daughters.

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