Advantage: Tennis
I was on my way earlier this week to the racquet club, and I was thinking about how profound an effect tennis has had on my life.
While I’m sure some of my family and friends get tired of my response, “I can’t, I have tennis.”, when they ask me to do something, I’d like to try to put into words why it occupies such a large part of my life.
I think I’ll start at my favorite part. Tennis has taught me (at almost 37 years old) how to “play” again. As we get older and do the required responsibilities: school, work, LIFE, hardships…I think it slips away a bit. The act of playing. Doing something for pure enjoyment without any expectation. Just to run and jump and laugh and PLAY. Ok, and to compete. It makes me so happy to walk into the club, and hear – “Hey, Marybeth, can you play tomorrow?” Play dates. Who woulda thought I’d be setting up play dates for myself as an adult. I’ve made some of the best friends, and some of my favorite people in my life I’ve met all because of tennis.
Of course another huge aspect of tennis is the benefit it has for your health. I just read an article by CBC News that was titled: “Tennis tops list of sports for increasing life expectancy”. While I love to share my 80 pound weight loss journey and the story of how I’ve come to a place of balance, tennis plays a huge role in that. I honestly wish I had found tennis years earlier. I’ve done a lot of workouts, and tennis is essentially one big HIIT workout where you have an added challenge of hitting a ball around. I’ll take those benefits.
Lastly, tennis is so special because it really is a sport that teaches you. If you’re playing a singles match, it’s just you and your thoughts trying to figure out how to problem solve and come out with a win. I’m certain that tennis has introduced skills of patience, awareness, and forgiveness in my everyday life – for myself and for others. In addition to the game teaching you, it’s also always there for you. Happy and want to run and laugh? Go play tennis. Frustrated and need to take out some healthy aggression? Go play tennis. Sad and depressed? GO PLAY TENNIS! The act of being social and around others will boost your mood and so will your endorphins. Think you don’t have anyone to play tennis with? Go find a concrete wall and hit the ball off the wall….and go play tennis. Tennis will always be there, and so will players looking for a 4th on their doubles court, so you won’t have to worry about not having anyone to play with.
In short, tennis has provided fun, laughter, competition, friendship, and a super healthy addiction in my life. I just want to add that no matter how old (or young) you are, you can pick up a racquet and people will welcome you on the courts. I don’t speak as any authority on the game, I speak from a place of gratitude as everyone I encountered welcomed me into this world just about 6 years ago (and helped feed my addiction, ha!)
