|Physical Health| Play tennis.
Imagine doing an activity that not only improves your fitness, sharpens your mind, and boosts your agility but could also add nearly 10 extra years to your life. That’s what tennis offers.
Physical health can be improved by engaging in activities that challenge both your body and mind, and for me, tennis is that activity. I have played a match at least once per quarter the last several years.
Tennis when broken down similar to many sports builds endurance, sharpens reflexes, and forces you to think strategically. The mental side of tennis is often overlooked, in practice every point requires decision making, anticipation, and quick adaptability. These are skills that translate into life and business as well.
What compelled the most with tennis is the studied long-term health benefits. A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that playing tennis can significantly extend lifespan—by as much as 9.7 years. This is higher than many other popular sports, including cycling (which added 3.7 years) and jogging (which added 3.2 years). The study suggests that the combination of physical exertion and social interaction makes tennis especially beneficial for longevity.
The main benefits I have found:
Full-Body Workout: Tennis is one of the few sports that works your entire body. Sprinting across the court gets your heart rate up, improving cardiovascular health, while the quick lateral movements and swings build strength in your legs, arms, and core.
Improved Agility and Coordination: With tennis, you’re constantly on your toes, reacting to the ball. This improves your hand-eye coordination and agility, which is beneficial for overall fitness and day-to-day physical performance.
Mental Stimulation: Tennis is as much a mental game as a physical one. Each point requires focus, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Learning how to read your opponent’s moves and adjust your strategy on the fly is a mental exercise in itself, helping develop quick thinking and mental resilience.
Social Engagement: Playing tennis can also be a social activity. It builds relationships and adds a social dimension to your workout routine, making it more enjoyable.
Longevity in Fitness: Given the findings from the Mayo Clinic study, tennis isn’t just about staying fit today—it’s about staying healthy for life. Unlike some high-impact sports, tennis allows you to remain active well into older age without putting extreme stress on your joints. It’s a great way to ensure long-term physical health and fitness while also increasing lifespan.
I will continue tennis for as long as I can, hopefully the rest of my life. I highly recommend you give it a go.
