SINCE inception in the US in 2005, “Cardio Tennis” has taken off around the world in over 25 countries as one of the most fun and engaging total body workouts.

April 10, the Russell Tennis Academy, Rose Hall Hilton in Montego Bay has added regularly scheduled classes to its offerings.

Rayne Russell, Head Pro of the Russell Tennis Academy, says: “The academy is not only interested in the development of tennis for our upcoming Jamaica athletes, but making tennis available for all ages, in all its forms including its health benefits.”

Cardio Tennis is essentially a fitness class that takes place on a tennis court, so it’s not necessarily for tennis players, but will provide an upper and lower body workout for anyone who is interested in exercising regardless of your level of fitness or standard of tennis.

Unlike in a gym where equipment is utilised, with Cardio tennis is minimal. Other than a positive attitude, the most important piece of equipment required is a heart rate monitor, this is used to ensure participants keep their bodies in a fat-burning zone and achieve the best results possible.

For persons who work out regularly, or for those who don’t, integrating cardio as part of your active lifestyle is necessary. It helps to promote improvements in circulation, lowering blood pressure, increasing lung capacity, strengthening the heart, increasing red blood cell count to mobilise oxygen throughout the entire body, increasing endurance, reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular problems.

Furthermore, it helps build lean muscles, burn fat and prevent obesity. Obesity sets the stage for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, which the Diabetes Association of Jamaica has reported an alarming incidence rate of 18 per cent.

Cardio Tennis is more social than a workout at the gym as it is done in groups. This activity has also been utilised for team-building exercises and incorporated into many organisations as a health and fitness programme for staff.

Win the rally on your health and get on the courts. This is a great option to help reduce future health risks, to become more social, and look good. You can find more information on future classes or private group reservations at www.russelltennisacademy.com or call the Hilton Rose Hall, Tennis Pro Shop.