The Mid Week Tennis Girls

Every Thursday morning between 9.00am and mid-day the Martinborough girls are out on the local tennis court stretching the muscles and pounding the balls.  It is not a silent game as a bubble of chatter and gossip is exchanged between serves and sets. Occasionally the game even comes to a halt when a particularly juicy bit of information is exchanged. Nevertheless, competition is the name of the game.  Earnest expressions indicate that winning is still very much the goal.

Considering the age range of players vacillates from intermediate to senior the power of the ball being bandied about varies considerably within the limits of strength of the players.  When it is more difficult to hit the ball as vigorously as one would like, graft and cunning are useful skills to have. And some of these girls are experts. Believe me!!! 

As Jan Lankow says, “When you can’t quite run the way you used to, you have to have a few tricks up your sleeve.”

It is now common knowledge that engaging in sports and activity is beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Research can confidently state that participating in sport increases flexibility and improves joint mobility.   Improving coordination and balance decreases the risk of falls and injuries. Strengthening bones helps to keep arthritis at bay. Maintaining weight, stabilising blood pressure, reducing depression and anxiety, improving concentration, boosting energy levels and increased confidence are all attributed to the effects of engaging in regular activity.  And as Angela Busby found when she moved to Martinborough it is a great way of meeting new people and enjoying their company.

NZ Research shows that by undertaking 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous intensity physical exercise a week you are 51% more likely to have healthy mental wellbeing.  Participation in 4.5 hours a week increases the odds to 65%. The odds increase for each additional day of recreational activity.  

Should you wish for a little more detailed information the Ministry of Health Guidelines Definition of the Intensity levels of activity are as follows:

Light Intensity – Activity that does not cause a noticeable increase in heartrate and breathing. 

Moderate Intensity _ Activity that causes a noticeable increase in heartrate and breathing but does not stop you having a conversation. 

Vigorous Intensity – Activity that causes an increase in heartrate and breathing to a point where you cannot maintain a conversation. 

Helen Kirk sums it all up.  “Sometimes we cannot tell whether it is the running or laughing that provides the most exercise. It is all fun.” 

Game, Set and Match to those girls still playing.

Lyle Griffiths

Photo with