Okay, so I’ve been trying to get in better shape, and I thought, why not try something fun that could also help me build some muscle? That’s when I decided to give tennis a shot. I mean, I’ve seen those pro players on TV, and they’re ripped! I figured if they can get that way from playing tennis, maybe I could too.
I started by borrowing a racket from a friend and heading to the local courts. First time out, let me tell you, it was rough. I was swinging and missing, running all over the place, and basically just making a fool of myself. But I stuck with it. I went back a couple times a week, and slowly but surely, I started to see some improvements.

Getting the hang of it
I started to actually hit the ball more consistently, and I could feel my arms and legs getting stronger. After a few weeks, I could actually play a decent game, well, decent for a beginner. I was running back and forth, hitting forehands and backhands, and even serving without double-faulting every time. It was a real workout! I was sweating buckets and my muscles were definitely feeling it.
- Running: I did a ton of running, chasing down balls all over the court.
- Swinging: Every shot was a full-body swing, engaging my arms, shoulders, and core.
- Serving: This was a great workout for my shoulders and arms.
Feeling the burn
After each session, I could feel the burn in my arms, shoulders, and legs. It was that good kind of sore, the kind that tells you you’re actually working those muscles. I also started doing some simple exercises at home to supplement my tennis playing. You know, push-ups, squats, and some light weight lifting with some dumbbells I found in my garage.
And guess what? After a couple of months, I started to see some real changes. My arms were more toned, my legs were stronger, and I even had a bit more definition in my abs. It wasn’t a huge transformation, but it was definitely noticeable. I felt stronger, more energetic, and just overall healthier.
So, does tennis build muscle? In my experience, absolutely! It’s not just about lifting weights in the gym. You can get a great workout and build muscle by doing something fun and engaging like tennis. Plus, I get to be outside, enjoy the fresh air, and meet new people. It’s a win-win!
Now, I’m not saying I’m going to be the next Roger Federer or anything, but I’m definitely going to keep playing. It’s a fun way to stay in shape, and it’s a lot more enjoyable than just hitting the gym. I encourage anyone looking for a fun and effective way to build muscle to give tennis a try. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself!