5 Reasons to Pick Up a Racquet
Last weekend I crossed two big initiatives off my “revelations” list. One, I played some tennis. And two, the BF and I tested out our new camera. OK, I guess this is more like 1 1/2 goals accomplished since the original intention was to take tennis lessons… but it’s the effort that counts.
We’ve been having amazing weather lately — sorry to brag east coasters — so with the sun shining and temps in the 80’s, we figured it was the perfect time to practice our swings and shutter speeds. As we experimented with different settings on the camera and angles, I learned something: I am an incredibly awkward model.
I also learned several other things though, which will keep me coming back to the court all year long (sans camera).
5 Reasons to Pick Up a Racquet
1. Tennis burns a ton of calories. An hour of singles burns almost 500 calories for women in the 125 – 130 lb range. 500 calories not enough for you? You can always do line drills like back in your P.E. days.
You can figure out how many calories you would burn with this easy cal counter from Self.com 2. It tones your tush.
And your hammies, your quads, and your inner and outer thighs. Oh yeah.
Did I also mention your biceps, triceps, shoulders, forearms, and your abs?! Just about every single muscle in your body is engaged during a tennis sesh.
No wonder Anna Kournikova is such a mega-babe.
3. You get to wear really cute outfits. I knew I wanted to try tennis from the second I realized you get to wear skirts and dresses while you play.
Sadly, I don’t have a tennis skirt yet, so I settled for a pair of Asics running shorts with built in elastic underneath where you can store spare balls (did that come out weird or is it just me?).
Despite not getting to wear a cute little frilly skirt like I wanted, the shorts matched my baby blue Essex Crew from Redvanly perfectly.
If you’re in need of some awesome athletic wear, I highly recommend you check out their line, which retails at Equinox. It’s made from special fabric designed to pull sweat off of your body and dry it super quick — important when it’s hot out.
Which brings me to my next point…
4. Vitamin D, yo. In sunny so-cal, you can get your workout and your tan on at the same time.
Goodbye spray tans, when you spend your days catching real rays not only will your color improve, but also your mood. Vitamin D — which comes naturally from sunlight — is said to be a happiness booster, especially during the winter months.
5. It’s fun for the whole family. That’s right, even your dog can get in on the action.
Every pro tennis player needs a good ball boy.
If you’re interested in taking up tennis, it’s very easy and affordable to start. You can get rackets for extremely cheap (like $15) at used sporting goods stores, and if you find a school near your house, you can likely use the courts for free.
Cristen says:
I love Tennis! Although I am not very good at it… yet :) I am a dietetic student, so I love your blog!!
xoxo, Cristen
Whitney English says:
Thanks Cristen! I’m not very good either…but it’s fun and I’m trying!
Ashley @ Brocblog says:
I have been meaning to buy a racket for the longest time, I live less than a block away from a golf and tennis club and two blocks from some free courts at a park. I need to start playing again!
Whitney English says:
Well let me know when you get one and maybe we can hit the courts sometime!
Bethann Wagner says:
If playing tennis will make my gams look better, I suppose it can’t be wrong!
P.S. Your ball boy is killing it!
Whitney English says:
My thoughts exactly :)
And he knows he has to work for his supper, haha!
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
I had these grand plans of playing tennis with my hubby. The first (and only) time we got out there, I realized how bad and awkward I was… like Phoebe Buffet running in Central Park awkward :)
Whitney English says:
Haha I’m sure it wasn’t THAT bad :)
Louise says:
The last time I played tennis was at school and I was terrible! haha. Never tried again since. You make it sound fun however :D
Whitney English says:
You should try again!! At least for the the sun, fun, and fab outfits :)
Ellen says:
I adore tennis skirts. I actually wear them just because I feel like it,, I don’t really play tennis. They come in handy when I’m doing improv and want to be in a skirt but not worry about flashing the audience if scenes get crazy:)
Whitney English says:
Good call, you can’t pull a Britney until you’re famous enough to be on TMZ right?! :)
Gillian @ That's G says:
Love that shirt!! And also I want your camera.
Whitney English says:
Thanks! It’s super comfy too…the shirt that is, not the camera :)
Brittany says:
These photos are so cute. They could totally be in a tennis magazine. I LOVE tennis, but am horrible at it..I don’t play by the rules and get excited if my partner and I can hit it back and forth more than once.
Whitney English says:
Haha, same! I may look professional in the pics but I am totally still learning. A decent rally gets me incredibly pumped too!
Alex @ Kenzie Life says:
I love the pics! You look gorgeous :) I played tennis growing up and varsity in high school (my doubles partner and I actually made it to state!) but I haven’t played much in the last few years. As it happens, one of my goals is to get back to playing this spring and summer. I miss it so much!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Alex! Looks like it’s a popular goal this year :)
Sam Brown says:
I LOVE tennis! Thanks so much for this post – it has reminded me that I need to get back into it again! And you’re totally right, it definitely doesn’t hurt that you get to wear really cute dresses and skirts when you play!
Sam xx
http://www.smart-twenties.com
Whitney English says:
Yay! Glad to have re-sparked your interest in the sport :)
Tonya@Healthy, Fit, and Frugal says:
I never picked up the game of tennis for some reason but always thought it would be fun. Of course I think you know now that I play beach volleyball and love it! Great pics BTW! You look like you should be on the cover of a fitness magazine! :)
Whitney English says:
Aw, thanks Tonya! The credit all goes to the camera, the operator, and my cool outfit :)
Dr. J says:
I am a tennis lover too!! I play most every week. Your two hand backhand grip looks like a golf grip with the overlapping fingers but maybe that’s the way they do it now. I taught myself the two hander so I guess I got what I paid for, lol!
I want to play doubles with you, your BF and GiGi!!
anne says:
Back in grad school I used to live across from Roxbury Park in Beverly HIlls and next to the tennis courts and there was also a practice wall – which was awesome! Before class I’d play for like 20-30 min on the practice wall with my ipod, and it was seriously the best workout!
Dale Janee says:
How fun Whitney! I’m so jealous you get to play tennis in Jan. It’s freezing here and these pics are hot btw – you already have a summer tan. hehe
Just wait til you get a cute tennis skirt. You’ll love it! Tennis is by far my favorite work out and you’re so right how it’s a full body work out.
PS Mr Chow is a really cute ball boy ! :)
xoDale
Whitney English says:
Thanks Dale! Come back to sunny SoCal sometime so we can play!!
Kathryn @ Illustrated Nutrition says:
Love this post simply because tennis is about the ONLY sport I am decent at ;) I played in high school and it’s true that it is a lifetime sport because I still play from time to time and pick it right back up. But let’s be honest, #3 is the real reason I still like to play, have to put all my cute tennis skirts to good use! ;)