How Tennis Tuesdays are Getting More Women Active

Why is it that 1.8 million fewer women than men participate in three sessions of physical activity each week? 

The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF)’s research suggests that physical activity is the first thing to be cancelled as the pressures of juggling work, family and the social life increase.

Tennis Tuesdays is Nike’s and London Tennis Association’s scheme to encourage more women to dust off their racket and join their friends at the tennis courts. As well as the physical aspect, it’s also an excuse for social sessions with informal coaching and fun matches, not to mention a chance to de-stress and enjoy the fresh air.

“We’re hugely excited about the launch of Tennis Tuesday’s in London. We hope that the campaign inspires women across the capital to pick up a racket and head down to their local courts more often. Tennis Tuesdays is about making tennis feel more accessible to women by giving them the chance to enjoy playing tennis in a fun and informal environment with women like them. Tennis is a fantastic way to unwind, de-stress and most importantly stay fit and healthy. Modern pressures can often mean physical activity sometimes takes a back seat – and we want to show how tennis can fit into modern hectic lifestyles and be enjoyed by anyone, of any ability. We are looking forward to people trying out Tennis Tuesdays for the first time this summer, and aim to roll it out to more cities next year” ~ Claire Webb, the Lawn Tennis Association’s Product Manager

Healthy Living London popped down to Tennis Tuesdays at Burgess Park Tennis Centre to discover what it was all about…

With polite nods to the other women in the session, the evening started. Any rustiness is soon swept away after our vigorous warm-up, with quick games working on control and accuracy. All across the court the word ‘Sorry!’ sprung up at regular intervals as people got to grips with their rackets again. By the end of the evening, mini matches were being played, with ‘Sorry’ replaced by the sounds of people having fun.

Even though everyone had started as strangers, sweaty hugs and contact details were being swapped by the end; it looked as though Tennis Tuesdays was delivering its mission…

Now come on ladies, grab that racket and book in a session.

What you need to know about #TennisTuesdays

Where is it? Tennis Tuesdays are held at more than 14 venues across London
When is it? Each venue has different times – take a look at the Tennis Tuesdays website or the Facebook page for more information
Why go? For friendship, fun and to feel great
www.tennistuesdays.co.uk
www.facebook.com/TennisTuesdaysUK