Tennis has been described as a ‘great workout’ but it really is much more than that. First of all it’s great fun! That’s the most important thing. However, a 60 minute game of tennis can also burn up lose a huge 2000 kilojoules!

It’s not only great exercise for legs, arms, shoulders, it’s a full body workout!

That’s why it’s very important to have a good warm-up first. Ensure that your wrists and forearms are loose and supple, and your calves and thighs are well stretched.

If you are a beginner you can just hop onto the court with a friend, and bash the ball about, but if you are serious you will need to get some coaching, if only to understand the rules game.

If you are new to tennis, you will also need some loose clothing, and good comfortable tennis shoes. Of course you will need a racquet, large and light is easiest to use. Talk to an expert before buying one. A good racquet may cost $100 or so, but it’s worth the money, if it helps you hit the ball more often!

Now, its now where near as easy as it sounds! Amongst other things, you need to learn a good swing pattern, and a coach is the best way to learn this, and all the other things that will get you off to a good start, and stand you in good stead throughout your tennis lifetime.

I first started playing tennis when I was 15, because thats where the girls hungout, and while it didn't do me any good in that respect, tennis did give me much pleasure, and lots of fun in later years.

Happy tennis!