Why should you take up tennis as a hobby?

Tennis is an intense sport.  While not everyone can go pro, taking up the sport as a hobby can benefit a person in many ways.  Over the past years, I have seen how playing tennis has improved my life.  Let me share with you some of the advantages that I have been experiencing:

Whole body workout

If you're not a gym person, tennis can be the best form of workout for you.  It engages the whole body and promotes cardiovascular health.  Compared to the usual gym routine, you'll end up enjoying running and chasing after the ball.  Instead of dreading physical activity, you'll actually look forward to some action on the court. 

Enhanced focus

Whenever I watch tennis games on TV, I always marvel at how focused the players are.  It seems that they are all driven to succeed.  But I noticed that my focus also improved not just during games but even during study time.  As a pre-med student, we have to deal with readings and lab work.  These days, I seem to be absorbing more of what we're learning thanks to my tennis training.

Better rest

When you're fueled by coffee, sometimes it becomes difficult to get deep sleep.  Ever since I took up tennis, my sleep quality has greatly improved.  I also don't feel tired even after studying until the wee hours.   The intense workout somewhat helps your body adapt easily.  When I don't have morning classes, I play during the morning.  It helps me stay awake and enthusiastic for the rest of the day. 

To start playing tennis, you don't really need an expensive racket and high-end shoes.  What's important is that you experience the thrill of the game. 

The name’s David Baer. I’m currently studying at the University of Minnesota majoring in Biology. To stay fit and healthy, I regularly play tennis. For more updates, visit this page.  It will work wonders for your mind and body. 

A Quick Guide For Golf Beginners: How To Get Started

So you want to get started in golfing. It looks like an intimidating sport, but get a head start in the needed skills, equipment, and golfing venue and you’re all set to enjoy the adventure. Here’s a mini guide for golf beginners.

For starters, here’s a quick history of golf. It can be traced back to China thousands of years ago, although the modern, 18-hole version today actually began in Scotland back in the 1400s. The first documented mention of the sport was its banning by Parliament in 1457, as it was deemed distracting to people undergoing military training. Golf was the ancient term for “club,” which means the game essentially translates to “club.”

Image source: Pixabay.com 

When discovering golf for the first time, it’s important to know about clubs. Focus on finding the kind of equipment that will help develop those skills with minimal expense. Prioritize learning, not buying the best clubs. That said, you may carry as many as 14 clubs in your bag, but if you’re a newbie you can start with a driver, a putter, a sand wedge, and supplement those items with a 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge, and a fairway word or hybrid offering 18-21 degrees of loft. Eliminate the guesswork and try clubs before buying them.

There are important golf terms to memorize as well, such as golf tee, fairway, the green, the rough, hazard, bunker, and stroke. There’s also scoring terminology, including ace, eagle, birdie, par, bogey, double bogey, and triple bogey. Acquaint yourself with these and the rules of the game.

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Seek out the help of a golfer friend or a seasoned hobbyist in order to avoid the confusion and overwhelming feeling that many new golfers probably have. There are numerous tips to heed, such as taking dead aim, creating a solid stance, and developing the perfect posture. Making friends with your grip is also crucial – practice holding the club in the correct position even when not playing golf. Don’t forget to have fun and build wonderful memories!

David Baer is currently studying at the University of Minnesota majoring in biology. On weekends, he enjoys going out with friends, golfing, fishing, and playing tennis. Learn more on this page.