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Richard court out by tennis tempo
Tennis has produced some of sport's most iconic images.
Pat Cash climbing over people to reach his family to celebrate his 1987
Wimbledon win. John McEnroe losing control.
But which one would I recreate when I tried Cardio Tennis - the sport's
latest attempt to get people to pick up a racket and smash some balls and
keep fit at the same time?
Brought over from America, Cardio Tennis is a high energy version of the
game offering players an aerobic workout and the chance to burn more than
twice the calories than in a conventional game, all set to up-tempo dance
music.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the sport's governing body in the UK, is
rolling out Cardio Tennis at clubs and fitness centres across the country to
encourage people to play the game.
Gary Stewart, the LTA's head coach, said: "Cardio Tennis is a fun fitness
session on a tennis court designed for people of all ages and abilities.
"The best way to describe it is as an introduction to tennis.
"It's high energy with a concentration on burning calories rather than
hitting a forehand or a backhand. If people enjoy it they may progress and
take lessons."
So what exactly was in store for me?
Gary explained that a Cardio Tennis programme included a short dynamic
warm-up, a cardio workout, and a cool down phase. The workout phase, which
lasts between 30 to 50 minutes, is a combination of drills and tennis-based
play.
It was no walk in the park and as these photos show, I did work up a bit of
a sweat to say the least.
As an irregular visitor to the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove, I usually
get bored on the treadmill.
The weight of my feet and shortness of breath can often make me succumb to
the temptation of sitting down and taking more than a moment to get my
bearings.
Cardio Tennis is different though.
I really enjoyed my time on the court under the careful eye of Gary and
stopped with a smile on my face - albeit completely exhausted.
My entire 38 minute session was not without pain and at times I felt I was
going to keel over but it was worth it.
By the end of the workout I had managed to burn 620 calories with an average
heart rate of 173 beats per minute.
Not bad but certainly no Pat Cash.
The LTA is rolling out Cardio Tennis to clubs over the next few months but
if you can't wait until then to get a tennis fix, the International Womenís
Open is taking place in Eastbourne between June 14 and 21.
Tickets are on sale now from 01323 412000 or from the Congress Theatre box
office.
For more information about Cardio Tennis, visit www.lta.org.uk .
Watch Richard trying to play tennis here
10:06pm Monday 12th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mikey on 11:27pm Mon 12 May 08
Not only does this article have one of the worst headlines I've ever read, it doesn't contain the photos he mentions. ("It was no walk in the park and as these photos show, I did work up a bit of a sweat to say the least.")
Not only does this article have one of the worst headlines I've ever read, it doesn't contain the photos he mentions. ("It was no walk in the park and as these photos show, I did work up a bit of a sweat to say the least.")
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