By IRENE FEHER:

Tennis is the ideal sport for those seeking a fun and competitive sport. There are many reasons why this is true.

The sport can be a great and fun workout, especially if you need to lose those extra pounds. Tennis aids the cardiovascular system increasing your heart rate and blood circulation. It’s also an aerobic exercise that burns fat quickly and is a good way to maintain a steady immune system.

It can seem complicated at first, but there are some skills in the sport, like concentration, that can be useful for everyday life.

Tennis is a very well-organized sport. There are many clubs or teams to join to get started. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) organizes competitive tennis tournaments for all levels and you can join Jr. Team Tennis, if you’re under 18, or Team Tennis if you’re over 18, to play on a team with competitive matches.

Also, you can go to any public tennis courts to play there for free or for relatively cheap. Plus, many high schools have a tennis team you can join.

Tennis isn’t just a physical sport, it’s more than that. It’s mental and social at the same time. Tennis has proven to improve your self-esteem and make you more positive. Tennis players also exhibit less depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes and non-athletes. Also, while playing for a team or a club, you meet new people to play with and to interact with.

What’s really nice about tennis is that the sport is not only for young and healthy people. The sport can be played by anyone. Whenever I go to play tennis, I see people of all ages playing, the elderly and little kids.

Also, what’s nice about tennis is that it’s a non-violent sport. You don’t ever hear a professional tennis player getting injured by getting kicked in the shin, like in soccer, or getting pushed by the opposing team, like in basketball. Tennis is a very peaceful sport and there is rarely any physical contact with your opponent.

So there are many reasons why you should head to the tennis courts and have some fun while also playing competitively.