I want to play tennis to stay fit, is 19 too late.

[user92626]

Recreational tennis is very very different for individuals. I know it is right down unhealthy for many that come to the court, hit a little and smoke all the time!

It's very boring and inactive if you hit with old men and weak women. So, jogging can be a much better for fitness.

But tennis is great if you meet people who have similar level and intensity. Difficult though.

[lstewart]

It takes a certain skill level to get alot of exercise from tennis. Beginners are going to spend most of their time walking around picking up balls. But tennis is a great adult sport, so you can compete as seriously as you like, for as many years as you like. So starting tennis at any age is not a bad idea, because with time you will improve, and there will always be opportunites to play at any age. But I agree, if fitness is your main goal, adding other exercise is a good idea. I am a former nationally ranked senior player, train hard 5 to 6 days per week in tennis with my 17 year old son, but also walk a couple of miles per day and lift weights 3 days per week.

[chalkflewup]

Originally Posted by steenkash

I need an activity besides my studies to stay fit, as they have closed down the swimming pool near my house. But there is a tennis court and I wish to play, but I don't want to come in and embarrass myself. I am a big tennis follower, but never got around to playing. I been the geek that just analyses players and matches.

BQ: I am also short 5ft 7.

Find somebody your level and begin playing with a sponge ball or low compression balls. You'll have so much fun keeping the ball in play that you'll get plenty of exercise and you'll eventually graduate to real tennis balls.

P.S. I started playing when I was 40.

[steenkash]

I have played Badminton before, and was decent at it. But its a whole different racquet sport isnt it .

[max]

OP; I'm turning 50 and have played for 40 years. It's a sport for a lifetime and it keeps me trim and gives me a fun workout.

Like anything, it gets more fun, the more work you've invested into it.

Above someone noted that it takes a while to get your strokes down. This is true, but chin up: this is a fast phase you'd be moving through, when your skills rapidly improve (relative to later rates of skill improvement).

Surround yourself with good books, a good teacher or experienced player friend, some video, get a clear sense of what good form is for the shot you're learning, and go and do it.

[Fintft]

Originally Posted by isilra

That must be a joke. How can anybody compare a 2 hours of joyful tennis section to 45 minutes of boring jogging ? Also playing tennis makes you burn way more calories than jogging. Not to mention you can play tennis more hours than you do jogging. It is always better to make a real sport that you can enjoy and forget the time than checking your watch every 2 minutes ...

It also gives me two targets/barometers as to how well I do: meaning the tennis technique itself, not only improving physical abilities.