Is playing tennis good exercise?

As a fitness and sports expert with years of experience in various physical disciplines, I can confidently say that playing tennis is an excellent form of exercise. Tennis provides a comprehensive total-body workout that engages both your cardiovascular system and your muscles in a dynamic and engaging way. When you play tennis, you're not only improving your cardiovascular fitness but also working on your strength, agility, and coordination. The sport requires a combination of explosive movements for hitting the ball and quick, precise footwork to move around the court. This high-intensity interval training (HIIT) aspect of tennis can burn a significant number of calories, ranging from 400 to 1,000 calories per hour, as mentioned by Mark Kovacs, PhD. Moreover, tennis is a strength training activity that utilizes nearly every muscle in the body. It helps to build muscle strength and endurance, particularly in the legs, core, and upper body. The repetitive motion of swinging a tennis racket also provides a great workout for the arm and shoulder muscles. In addition to the physical benefits, tennis is a social sport that can be played with friends or as part of a team, which can contribute to improved mental health and social connections. In summary, tennis is a highly beneficial exercise that offers a well-rounded approach to physical fitness, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Tennis is one of the best total-body workouts you can get. "It's a high-intensity interval training workout that burns between 400 and 1,000 calories an hour," says Mark Kovacs, PhD. ... It's also an ace for strength training. "Tennis play uses nearly every muscle in the body," Kovacs says.