For many years, medical professionals have pointed to swimming and running as two of the premier methods for enhancing muscle strength and bolstering cardiovascular health. However, recent research indicates that racket sports such as tennis might be even more beneficial for your overall health.
The [latest study](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30538-X/abstract), featured in *Mayo Clinic Proceedings*, claims that certain sports often seen as recreational are advantageous for heart health and may contribute to a longer lifespan. The research, which involved over 8,500 participants in Denmark, revealed that tennis and badminton in particular were linked to the most significant increases in longevity compared to other physical activities.
Moreover, the findings reveal that tennis can extend life expectancy by up to 9.7 years, while badminton provides an average increase of 6.2 years. In contrast, running and swimming contributed only 3.2 years and 3.4 years to life expectancy, respectively. Another [recent research](https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/41/11/760) conducted by British scholars also corroborates these results, examining the overall effects of diverse sports on players’ health.
A significant reason racket sports are so beneficial lies in their ability to keep players in steady motion, featuring bursts of speed and frequent changes in direction, all of which can significantly enhance physical health. Consequently, players are continually burning calories, making tennis one of the most effective methods for managing weight.
Additionally, the researchers concurred that the repetitive, weight-bearing activities inherent in racket sports promote bone growth and density, which are vital as people age. This finding paves the way for other cardiovascular-oriented sports to serve as feasible alternatives for those aiming to shed pounds, beyond the usual swimming or running.
Given the challenges of establishing a consistent exercise routine, along with various studies hinting at how [time can seem to slow down while exercising](https://bgr.com/science/when-youre-exercising-time-can-actually-feel-like-it-slows-down/), having multiple reliable methods to work out and burn calories will greatly benefit many individuals.
