Sanya Malhotra, renowned for her dynamic fitness regimen, has always embraced a variety of physical activities. From rigorous gym sessions and captivating dance routines to mastering the art of Muay Thai, she continually pushes her fitness boundaries. Recently, Sanya has added another skill to her repertoire – tennis. She shared a video of herself on the tennis court, stylishly dressed in an all-black outfit paired with white shoes, showcasing her new passion. In her caption, Sanya expressed her excitement about "learning a new skill in your 30s."
Health Benefits Of Playing Tennis
Tennis, celebrated for its holistic fitness benefits, offers an engaging and effective way to stay in shape. Let's explore how this sport can enhance your physical and mental well-being.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Engaging in tennis provides a robust cardiovascular workout. The sport involves various movements such as sprinting across the court, lunging for shots, and constant running, all of which elevate your heart rate. This increase in heart rate boosts oxygen and blood flow throughout the body, strengthening the cardiovascular system. A study from 2017 highlighted that participation in racquet sports, including tennis, is associated with a 56% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 47% reduction in the risk of death from any cause.
Aids in Weight Loss
Tennis is not just fun; it’s also an excellent aerobic exercise. Playing tennis regularly can help with weight management and fat loss, especially when combined with a balanced diet. A 2012 study revealed that obese individuals who incorporated aerobic exercises like tennis into their routine five days a week experienced significant weight loss over ten months, even without changing their diet. The intensity of tennis means you can burn hundreds of calories per hour, contributing significantly to weight loss and overall health.
Enhances Balance and Coordination
Balance is crucial in tennis, where players must maintain their equilibrium while executing powerful shots. Using a racquet requires stabilizing the body to hit and serve the ball effectively. This activity strengthens the muscles involved in balance, making it less likely for players to topple over during intense movements. Enhanced coordination is another benefit, as tennis requires synchronizing various body parts, leading to improved motor control.
Reduces the Risk of Osteoporosis
Tennis is particularly beneficial for bone health. Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and fragile, commonly affects women as they age. Contrary to the belief that exercise might increase fracture risk, weight-bearing activities like tennis actually help in building stronger bones. Each swing and movement in tennis involves working against gravity, promoting bone growth and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Promotes Agility
Agility, the ability to move quickly and easily, is essential in tennis. The sport demands a variety of movements, including side-to-side, forward and backward, and diagonal motions. Players frequently change directions, stop, start, and adjust their vertical positioning to respond to the ball. This constant need for movement helps train the body and brain to be more agile, enhancing overall athletic performance.
Improves Motor Control
Motor control is the ability to stabilize one part of the body while another part moves. Tennis uniquely develops this aspect of fitness. During a game, players must coordinate their arms to swing the racquet while their core muscles stabilize their hips to maintain balance. This not only improves coordination but also strengthens the core more effectively than many traditional exercises.
Bottomline
Sanya Malhotra’s inclusion of tennis in her workout routine underscores the sport’s numerous health benefits. From cardiovascular health and weight loss to enhanced balance, bone strength, agility, and motor control, tennis offers a comprehensive workout. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner like Sanya, taking up tennis can be a fun and rewarding way to achieve your fitness goals. So, why not grab a racquet and hit the court? Your body and mind will thank you.