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Myrina

(12,296 posts) Mon Jun 17, 2013, 01:37 PM Jun 2013

Tennis anyone? Seeking info on learning tennis as an old fart.

I played a little, little bit in Jr High and have been thinking that taking lessons at the local club would be a good way for me to get back in shape and meet some peeps my own age. I'm 46, in ok-health & walk my dogs about 3 miles/day - but the effects of that have plateau'd, so apparently my bod needs some different motivation. And I'm dying of loneliness.

Am I going to drop dead from a heart attack?
Will I break anything (other than my pride)?
Anything I should look for/any specific questions I should ask before I join the club?

Appreciate any feedback, thanks!

3 replies

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Tennis anyone? Seeking info on learning tennis as an old fart. (Original Post) Myrina Jun 2013 OP

You really ought to ask that of your physician... hlthe2b Jun 2013 #1

Wear gloves or you're going to tear the shit out of your hands TrogL Jun 2013 #2

definitely second checking with your doctor nickinSTL Jun 2013 #3

hlthe2b

(102,081 posts)

1. You really ought to ask that of your physician...

Reply to Myrina (Original post)

Mon Jun 17, 2013, 01:55 PM

Jun 2013

That said, I loved tennis all through high school and college... but a severe unfortunate ankle injury and subsequent surgery has forever taken that away... (I'm still able to be a very big walker, hiker, cross-country and occasional downhill skier and cyclist, though so not all is lost--LOL)...

Tennis is high impact in terms of the constant running, jumping, pivoting, etc. But if your joints (and cardiovascular system) are up to it, good on you... It was the one sport I could learn a lot from watching good players on tv, imagining doing it, and then actually going out to put what I learned it in play.

BTW, depending on where you are there are hiking, cycling, and skiing clubs as well that could also give you the exercise and socialization you seek.

TrogL

(32,818 posts)

2. Wear gloves or you're going to tear the shit out of your hands

Reply to Myrina (Original post)

Mon Jun 17, 2013, 03:27 PM

Jun 2013

nickinSTL

(4,833 posts)

3. definitely second checking with your doctor

Reply to Myrina (Original post)

Mon Jun 17, 2013, 08:38 PM

Jun 2013

before starting any kind of physical activity

That said...tennis can be great, even for older people.

My dad is part of a group that plays tennis twice a week. The fitness & ability level of the players vary widely. It's very low-pressure.

I'm not sure how my dad found the group, but it's great.

IMO, tennis can be great, regardless of your fitness level or ability. It's really about finding someone to play with who can work with you.

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